Many of us have got used to working from home and find it more practical than going to the office every day. Of course, the time we spent in the office not only allowed us to socialise, but also protected the company we worked for from cyber security vulnerabilities. As working from home became popular all over the world, companies started to be exposed to different cyber security vulnerabilities.
Finland was one of the European countries with the lowest risk of cyber security attacks in the near future. Compared to countries such as Belgium, Norway and Germany, Finland has long had the lowest cyber security threat.
But when we analyse the first quarter of 2021, we see that the cybersecurity threats faced by Finland have increased considerably. One of the main reasons for this increase is probably that everyone is working from home due to the pandemic.
- Unsecured home networks: Remote workers may be using unsecured home networks, which can make their devices and sensitive information vulnerable to hacking and cyber attacks.
Unsecured home networks can be a problem in Finland, as they can be in any other country. With more people working from home after the pandemic, the use of home networks for work purposes has become more widespread. This can increase the risk of cybersecurity threats such as hacking and malware infections, as home networks are often less secure than the networks used by businesses and organizations. In Finland, it's important for individuals and businesses to be aware of these risks and to take steps to secure their home networks, such as using strong passwords, enabling encryption, and using firewalls. They can lessen the possibility of cyberattacks and safeguard sensitive data by doing so.
- Phising scams: Phishing scams are common, and remote workers may be more susceptible to them as they may be working outside of the secure office environment. An example of a phishing scam would be as follows:
Attackers send emails that seem to be coming from reliable sources, including coworkers or businesses the victim conducts business with. A sensitive information request message or a link to a fake website that seems legitimate but is actually run by the attacker could be included in the email. The hacker may use the information obtained if the recipient clicks the link or responds to the request for information in a malicious manner, such as by stealing sensitive data, disseminating malware, or infecting the recipient's device.
Phishing scams are particularly dangerous because they can be very difficult to detect, especially if they are well-crafted and mimic the look and feel of legitimate communications. That's why it's important for remote workers to be cautious when opening emails and to be familiar with the signs of a phishing scam.
Any email that creates a sense of urgency or fear, or includes an unexpected request for sensitive information should be alarming. By being aware of these signs, remote workers can take steps to protect themselves and their organizations from phishing scams.
In 2021, a phishing scandal in Finland showed that the country was not as secure as before against cyber security threats. Finland's largest financial services group, The OP Financial Group, has confirmed that a ransom attack has affected its web services. The bank, which did not disclose the details of this cyber attack, did not make a statement about the methods by which hackers infiltrated its systems. However, shortly after this cyber attack, the bank had to announce that a number of phishing messages were sent to its customers by hackers. These messages appeared to be from the bank and asked recipients to click on a link, ostensibly to confirm payment.
- Unpatched software: If remote workers are using outdated software or operating systems, they may be vulnerable to security exploits and attacks. This is particularly concerning if they are using software or systems that are no longer supported by the manufacturer.
The use of outdated software is a common problem worldwide, as many individuals and organizations may be using software that is no longer supported by the manufacturer. This can create security risks, as unsupported software may contain vulnerabilities that have not been fixed and can be exploited by attackers. To reduce the risk of security exploits and attacks, it's important to keep software and operating systems up to date.
The importance of cybersecurity has become increasingly recognized in recent years, and many businesses and individuals in Finland are taking steps to stay informed and protect themselves from cyber attacks.
- Unsecured personal devices: Sensitive data may be at risk if remote workers use personal devices for work because they may not have the same level of security as office-issued devices. The most logical way to solve this problem is for companies to provide all employees with the necessary technological tools. Having a computer and phone where employees can do all their work related to their jobs will greatly reduce the threat of these cyber attacks.
Additionally, remote workers may be using personal devices that do not meet the security standards set by the company, making it easier for attackers to penetrate the system. For example, a remote worker using an unpatched operating system or a device that has not been properly configured to encrypt sensitive data could put the company's data at risk.
As we mentionned above, to mitigate these risks, businesses can provide secure devices to remote workers, such as laptops with full-disk encryption, and ensure that all software and hardware is up to date and protected with the most recent security patches. Additionally, businesses can protect sensitive information from cyber threats by implementing strict security policies such as data encryption, strong passwords, and regular backups.
There are several steps that individuals and organizations can take to reduce the cybersecurity risks associated with remote work. Here are some of the key measures to consider:
- Use secure networks
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly
- Keep software and systems up to date
- Enable firewalls
- Use anti-virus and anti-malware software
- Also, companies should educate their employees about cyber security, especially in the context of remote work. Employee education is a crucial component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, as employees can be the weakest link in an organization's security.
Employee training can help to raise awareness about cyber threats, best practices for security, and the consequences of security breaches. For example, employees can be trained to recognize phishing scams, avoid risky online behavior, and use strong passwords. Additionally, companies can provide regular security updates and reminders to employees to keep them informed and engaged. By investing in employee training, companies can help to create a culture of security, where employees understand the importance of protecting sensitive information and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so.
It is also crucial to educate cyber security teams of companies to prevent cyber attacks and enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of cybersecurity.
Foundation Certificate in Cybersecurity
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Training
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH v10 Masterclass Training
CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional Certification Preparation Training
If your company employees also work from home, you are open to these cyber security threats. As Bilginç IT Academy, with nearly 30 years of experience, we provide cyber security trainings to companies from all Northern European countries and ensure that our customers are protected against cyber security threats caused by working from home. If you want to make your company more secure and aim to motivate your employees by training them, contact us today!
Unleash your true potential in the realm of technology with our exceptional IT courses. As the premier destination for tech education in Finland, we pride ourselves on offering the best IT courses in Helsinki and beyond. Our industry-leading instructors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring you receive top-notch training in cutting-edge areas such as web development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and more. Our customized programs are suitable for all skill levels and career objectives, whether you are a beginner looking to begin your tech adventure or an experienced professional looking to upskill. Join our vibrant community of IT enthusiasts from Finland today to take advantage of the chance to alter your career. Explore the realm of possibilities and unlock a world of success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.