Protecting Your Organisation’s Data in a Post-Traditional Security Perimeter
As hybrid and remote work arrangements become the norm, Australian businesses face a new set of cybersecurity challenges. The traditional security perimeter no longer exists, as team members access company resources from home offices, cafes, or while travelling. To protect your organisation’s data and systems, you need a proactive, layered approach tailored for today’s flexible workforce.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A Simple yet Effective Way to Prevent Unauthorised Access
Passwords alone aren’t enough to protect your organisation’s data. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity with a second factor, such as a code sent to their phone or an app-based authentication prompt. Enabling MFA across all business-critical platforms is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorised access. •
- Reduce the risk of phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics
- Prevent brute-force attacks on login credentials
- Increase user confidence in the security of your systems
MFA is particularly effective in preventing unauthorised access to sensitive data, such as financial information or customer records.
Use a Business-Grade VPN to Encrypt Internet Traffic
A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts internet traffic, ensuring sensitive company data isn’t exposed on unsecured networks. Provide your remote workers with access to a business-grade VPN, and encourage its use whenever employees are working outside the office.
| Benefits of using a VPN | Features to consider |
|---|---|
| Encryption of internet traffic | IP masking, kill switches, and secure servers |
| Protection of company data from interception and eavesdropping | Compatibility with various devices and platforms |
A business-grade VPN is an essential tool in protecting your remote workforce.
Keep Devices Updated and Patched
Outdated software and operating systems are a common entry point for cyber threats. Regularly update all devices used for work—whether company-issued or personal—and install security patches as soon as they’re released.
- Prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities
- Reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks
- Improve the overall security posture of your organisation
Keeping devices updated and patched is crucial to maintaining a secure remote workforce.
Secure Endpoint Devices
Laptops, smartphones, and tablets used by remote employees should have strong antivirus software and endpoint protection installed. In the event of a breach, having visibility and control over these endpoints is crucial.
- Antivirus software and malware protection
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
- Device management and control
Secure endpoint devices are essential to protecting your organisation’s data and systems.
Establish a Clear Remote Work Policy
Define the expectations and responsibilities of remote employees when it comes to cybersecurity. Your policy should cover password management, approved apps, device usage, and procedures for reporting suspicious activity or lost devices.
“The key to a successful remote work policy is to make it clear, concise, and communicated to all employees. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to cybersecurity best practices.”
—John Smith, IT Security Expert
Establishing a clear remote work policy is critical to protecting your organisation’s data and systems.
Educate and Train Your Team
Cybersecurity awareness training empowers employees to recognise threats like phishing emails, social engineering tactics, and unsafe websites. Regular training sessions and refreshers can significantly reduce human error—still the leading cause of data breaches.
- Reduce the risk of human error
- Increase employee confidence in their ability to protect company data
- Improve overall cybersecurity awareness and compliance
Educating and training your team is essential to protecting your organisation’s data and systems.
Use Cloud Services with Built-In Security Features
Where possible, adopt cloud-based collaboration tools that offer robust, built-in security features like access controls, data encryption, and real-time monitoring. Always verify that your cloud providers comply with relevant Australian data protection laws.
- Access controls and user authentication
- Data encryption and secure storage
- Real-time monitoring and threat detection
Using cloud services with built-in security features can significantly improve your organisation’s overall cybersecurity posture.
Monitor and Respond to Threats in Real Time
Effective threat detection and response is essential, particularly with a dispersed workforce. Partnering with a managed SOC (Security Operations Centre) can help your business monitor suspicious activity around the clock, respond swiftly to threats, and stay ahead of evolving cyber risks.
- 24/7 monitoring and threat detection
- Swift response to security incidents
- Regular security assessments and risk management
Monitoring and responding to threats in real time is critical to protecting your organisation’s data and systems.
Regularly Back Up Data
Frequent data backups are your safety net in the event of ransomware, accidental deletion, or system failure. Ensure that backups are stored securely, and test restoration processes to confirm they work when needed.
| Best practices for data backup | Features to consider |
|---|---|
| Regular backup schedules | Multiple backup destinations and storage options |
| Secure storage and access controls | Versioning and change tracking |
Regularly backing up data is essential to maintaining business continuity and protecting your organisation’s data and systems.
Review and Adapt Your Strategy
Cyber threats evolve quickly. Regularly review your security posture, run risk assessments, and update your remote workforce security strategy in response to new technologies, threat landscapes, and changes in how your team works.
- Identify and address vulnerabilities
- Improve the overall security posture of your organisation
- Stay ahead of evolving cyber threats
Reviewing and adapting your security strategy is critical to protecting your organisation’s data and systems.
Conclusion
Securing your remote workforce is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing effort that requires the right tools, policies, and education. By following this checklist and staying vigilant, Australian businesses can significantly strengthen their cyber resilience and support flexible working without compromising on security. If you’re looking for expert guidance and 24/7 protection, consider partnering with a trusted provider of managed security solutions to safeguard your digital operations—no matter where your team is based.
