Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 77 | Page 51

FEATURE : CYBER SKILLS

How transformative digital skills training mitigates the cyberrisks of remote work

Amidst a surge in cyberthreats , adopting a cyber-conscious mindset is essential to protect business operations . Across an organisation ’ s hierarchy , all employees should be informed and encouraged on rising risks . Sheila Flavell CBE , Chief Operating Officer at FDM Group , discusses the influence of remote working on employee awareness , and how pairing people with policies can mould a robust recovery strategy .

In recent years , remote work has become increasingly popular as both businesses and employees aim for flexibility and better work-life balance . However , alongside advantages such as decreased commuting time for employees , remote work has also brought about numerous cybersecurity challenges .

Three-quarters ( 75 %) of IT experts believe that mobile or remote work models have broadened the scope of potential threats . Despite organisations being mindful of the cyber-risks associated with remote work , employees might not be adequately informed , posing a risk to business operations and data security .
Understanding the cyber-risks of remote working
With the rise of remote work , numerous cybersecurity and fraud threats have escalated , presenting significant challenges for both individuals and organisations . The emergence of security hazards like phishing attacks , where cybercriminals disguise themselves as trusted sources to gather sensitive data , has become a widespread issue .
Previously deemed convenient , unsecured WiFi networks now pose as gateways for unauthorised intrusion into personal and company data . Not to mention , the unsettling prospect of device theft , adding a new layer of vulnerability to the mix .
Moreover , as the digital world is ever-evolving , so is the cyberthreat landscape . Cybercriminals continually adapt their strategies to exploit emerging vulnerabilities , leaving no digital device without risk .
Remote work environments have become prime targets as a result . Despite the benefit of leveraging remote work to create a more flexible working lifestyle ,
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