As leading data privacy attorneys in Seattle, we understand the unique challenges facing workers and small businesses in the post-COVID-19 era. Have cybersecurity concerns? Contact By Design Law for a thorough assessment and top-tier legal advice. 

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to reshape society in more ways than anyone anticipated. In addition to ushering in a variety of new public health concerns and societal protocols, the pandemic also accelerated some trends that were already taking shape. Perhaps the most pronounced acceleration can be seen in the continued shift toward remote work. 

However, working from home isn’t a new trend. In fact, research suggests that the percentage of U.S. businesses employing remote workers rose from 28.1 percent in 2019 to 41.9 percent in 2020—a massive surge even before the pandemic. Ultimately, Covid-19 only sped up a process that was already unfolding. 

This distinction is important because, as much as some people would like to return to a physical workspace, remote work is likely here to stay. As leading data privacy attorneys in Seattle, it’s our job to make sure that individuals and businesses are prepared for how this new reality will shape our ability to prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats. 

This article will explain everything you need to know about the cybersecurity risks in remote work, including the nature of cybersecurity failures in remote work, their legal implications, and the most effective mitigation strategies. 

At By Design Law, we understand that each client comes to us with a unique set of concerns, goals, and priorities, and we cater each of our legal strategies accordingly. Struggling to find data protection solutions for your business? Reach out to us online for guidance.

Understanding the Cybersecurity Landscape in Remote Work

Home offices are typically more susceptible to cybersecurity threats than traditional workspaces. Whereas traditional office environments benefit from controlled IT systems, remote offices tend to rely on personal devices and home networks with varying degrees of security. As a result, remote workers are vulnerable to cyber attacks from a variety of new avenues, including the following: 

• Network security risks. Home networks often lack the security features you might find in an average office space. Although the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) can help with creating a secure connection to organizational resources, they aren’t foolproof and may be vulnerable to cyberattacks when improperly managed and updated. 

• Phishing attacks. In place of in-person communication, many remote workers must rely on digital communication (including communication and team-building apps) to collaborate with their coworkers. As a result, remote workers may encounter more phishing attempts than their in-person counterparts, and they may be tricked into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. 

• Poorly secured personal devices. Using personal devices for work poses significant risks to an organization, particularly if a company handles sensitive personal information. Failing to ensure that remote workers have access to and are using the necessary safety measures may result in serious complications for the employing organization. 

• Privacy law concerns. Companies that collect, handle, analyze, or otherwise use sensitive data are subject to several regulatory requirements. Without the proper security measures in place, employees may inadvertently breach privacy protocols, leaving their employers open to lawsuits. 

These are just a few of the ways in which remote workers (and their employers) are at an increased risk of cyber attacks and data breaches. When cyber attacks do happen, businesses may face a number of legal complications that require help from an experienced cybersecurity attorney. 

Legal Implications of Data Breaches in Remote Work

When cybersecurity failures occur, they typically have much more serious consequences for the organization than for the individual remote worker. Companies have a legal obligation to adhere to data privacy laws and regulations that mandate the protection of employee and customer information. 

Depending on the nature of the data breach, a company may be subjected to a range of penalties, including the following: 

• Regulatory fines. Non-compliance with data protection laws can lead to significant fines. For example, violation of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can result in fines of up to four percent of a company’s annual global turnover. 

• Litigation risks. A data breach may also lead to a class action lawsuit, especially if customers’ personal information is compromised. The combined cost of legal representation, settlements, and judgments can end up being financially debilitating for a company.

• Reputational damage. In addition to legal and financial consequences, a substantial data breach can result in irreparable damage to a company’s reputation in the eyes of the public. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, a serious event may erode customer confidence, which can be more devastating in the long run. 

As you can see, a serious cyber attack or data breach can do untold damage to a company and even result in its eventual demise. Fortunately, there are ways that organizations of all sizes and kinds can mitigate their risk of a cybersecurity breach in the age of remote work. 

Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks in Remote Work

If you manage or own a company with remote workers, navigating cybersecurity may feel like an impossible task. However, mitigating the risks associated with remote employees may be easier than you think if you are willing to embrace a multi-faceted approach. As cybersecurity and data privacy lawyers in Seattle, we suggest the following safety measures: 

• Adopting robust cybersecurity policies. Organizations employing remote workers must develop comprehensive policies tailored to cybersecurity threats in remote work. These policies should include guidelines on securing network connections, the use of personal devices, data storage and transmission, and incident reporting. 

• Hosting regular training sessions. One of the best ways for an organization to get their remote workers on board with implementing cybersecurity protections is by hosting regular training sessions. Educating employees on how to defend against social engineering and phishing attacks is a great place to start. 

• Insisting on secure network connections. Companies may benefit from requiring remote employees to use only secure Wi-Fi networks in conjunction with VPNs. It’s also a good idea to promote awareness on the importance of regularly updating and patching VPNs to defend against vulnerabilities. 

• Requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA). Requiring remote workers to use MFA goes a long way in providing an extra layer of security and makes it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access organizational resources and data. 

• Encouraging data encryption. Companies should encrypt sensitive data during both transit and at rest. Doing so ensures that even intercepted data remains unreadable. 

Additionally, organizations should always have an incident response plan in place. Working closely with an experienced data protection attorney to formulate a robust cyber attack response strategy can help you ensure your legal bases are covered in the event of a significant data breach. 

By Design Law: Top Cybersecurity Attorneys in Seattle, WA

Remote work isn’t going away—and neither are cyber attacks. The best way to prepare your remote employees for and protect your organization against the negative effects of a cyber attack is working closely with a trusted data privacy attorney. Fortunately, the cybersecurity experts at By Design Law are here to help. Get in touch with us online to schedule a consultation with a dedicated legal professional today.