Several organizations have begun (or considered) moving back to the office. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the remote and hybrid model of working but in the past few years, numerous companies are now making the opposite move.

According to a survey conducted by Resume Builder, 1,000 company decision makers revealed that about 90% of companies intend to implement back to office policies by the end of this year.

 As most firms return to the office after an extended period of remote work, it is important to prioritise cyber security to protect our organisations from potential threats. 

And In this article, we'll outline the essential components of a back to office cyber security kit to ensure your organisation remains safe and secure.

• Employee Education and Awareness: Your employees are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Since 3 out of 4 data breaches involve human error, it's essential to educate your team about the risks and consequences of cyber attacks. Understanding how to identify and report suspicious activity will enable your team to prevent threats like phishing and social engineering attacks. Regular training and updates on the latest threats can help you achieve this. Contact us at Cyberkach.com for cyber awareness training.

• Strong Password Policies: Strong passwords are essential to keeping your organisation's systems and data safe. Reusing passwords or sharing passwords can increase the risk of a breach. To prevent this, adopt a password manager, use multi-factor authentication, and update passwords regularly. Multi-factor authentication can prevent 99% of password-related attacks.

• Up-to-Date Software and Systems: Outdated systems and software can lead to data breaches. In fact, 60% of breaches occur due to unpatched vulnerabilities. Keep your operating systems, software, and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates to protect your organisation.

• Data Backup and Recovery: Losing data can be costly for your organisation, both in terms of lost customers and financial assets. Even if you recover the lost data, it can take time, which can hurt your business. Regular backups are necessary in case of a cyber attack or data breach. Make sure you have a reliable backup and recovery plan in place, including off-site storage and regular testing.

• Incident Response Plan: Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) lack an incident response plan. About 51% of SMBs don't have one in place, leaving them susceptible to cyber attacks and unprepared to respond in the event of a breach. Don't wait until it's too late – develop an incident response plan today and ensure your business is prepared for any cybersecurity threat that comes your way.

• Cyber Security Tools and Technologies: To keep your organisation safe online, you need to use a variety of cyber security tools and technologies. These include:

1. Antivirus software: This protects your computers and devices from harmful viruses and malware.
2. Intrusion detection systems: These systems alert you if someone is trying to break into your network or systems.
3. Security information and event management (SIEM) systems: These systems help you monitor and manage your cyber security, so you can quickly identify and respond to any potential threats.

• Network Segmentation: This security practice divides a network into smaller, isolated segments or zones, each with its own access controls and security policies. This helps:

1. - Isolate sensitive data and systems
2. - Restrict access to authorised personnel
3. - Limit the spread of malware
4. - Reduce the attack surface
5. - Improve incident response

Segmentation can be achieved through techniques like VLANs, subnetting, firewalls, and access control lists. Network segmentation will improve the security posture and reduce the risk of a breach in your organisation.

If you are considering transitioning back to the office, this cyber security kit is a must-have for your organisation. Employee education is crucial, as most data breaches involve the human element. Adopting strong password policies, keeping software and systems up-to-date, having a data backup and recovery plan, incident response planning, utilising cyber security tools and technologies, and network segmentation will reduce the risk of cyber attacks in your organisation. Remember, cyber security is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and updates. For additional cybersecurity resources, subscribe to the Cyberkach blog.