The typical workplace is no longer confined to the traditional office setting. The rise of remote work and the increasing reliance on technology have transformed the way businesses operate, with more and more employees working from home.
While this change brings numerous benefits, it also presents new challenges for organisations trying to maintain robust cybersecurity measures. One such challenge is achieving Cyber Essentials certification with a remote workforce.

What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed and industry-supported scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. It provides a clear framework for implementing essential cybersecurity controls and serves as a baseline for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity. The scheme covers five key technical controls:
Firewalls:Â These act as a barrier between your organisation's network and the internet, blocking unauthorised access and malicious traffic.
Secure Configuration:Â Ensuring that devices and software are configured securely to minimise vulnerabilities and prevent exploitation by attackers.
Security Update Management:Â Keeping software and devices up to date with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats.
User Access Control:Â Controlling access to organisational data and systems, ensuring that only authorised individuals have the necessary privileges.
Malware Protection:Â Implementing measures to prevent and detect malware infections, protecting devices and data from malicious software.
#1 - The Homeworking Challenge
Traditionally, organisations have relied on a strong perimeter-based security approach, with most devices and users located within the physical confines of the office. This centralised environment made it easier to control access to organisational data and services, ensuring that security policies were consistently applied. The rise of homeworking has blurred the lines of the traditional perimeter, making it more challenging to implement and maintain the Cyber Essentials technical controls effectively.
Key Challenges of Homeworking in the Context of Cyber Essentials:
Securing Home Routers:Â Home routers often lack the advanced security features and configurations of their enterprise-grade counterparts. They may be more vulnerable to compromise due to outdated firmware or default settings, potentially exposing organisational data to unauthorised access. Home routers supplied by the ISP are out of scope for Cyber Essentialss, employer supplied routers are in scope.
Managing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device):Â When employees use their personal devices for work purposes, it becomes difficult for organisations to ensure that these devices meet the Cyber Essentials requirements. Organisations may have limited control over personal devices, making it challenging to enforce security policies and updates.
Maintaining Up-to-Date Software:Â Ensuring that all software used by homeworkers is kept current with the latest security updates can be a logistical challenge. Organisations may need to implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely updates across a distributed workforce.
Educating Employees about Cyber Security:Â Homeworkers may need additional support and training to understand and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. Organisations need to invest in effective cybersecurity awareness programs to educate employees about potential threats and their role in maintaining a secure work environment.
#2 - Requirements of Homeworkers using BYOD Devices
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is where employees use their personal devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, for work purposes. While BYOD offers flexibility and convenience, it raises significant security concerns, especially for organisations seeking Cyber Essentials certification.
Requirements
Organisations that allow BYOD must ensure that these devices meet the same Cyber Essentials requirements as organisation-owned devices. This includes:
Implementing cyber security BYOD practice that outlines the security requirements for personal devices, such as installing anti-malware software, using strong passwords, and regularly updating software.
Ensuring that all devices have a correctly configured firewall. This may involve enabling the built-in firewall on the device or using a third-party firewall solution.
Removing or disabling unnecessary software and services to minimise vulnerabilities.
Changing default passwords for all user and administrator accounts.
Disabling auto-run/auto-play features to prevent automatic execution of malicious files.
Setting a locking mechanism on devices to prevent unauthorised access.
Ensuring that all software is licensed and supported to receive security updates.
Installing all high-risk or critical security updates within 14 days of release.
Deleting or disabling accounts for staff who no longer work for the organisation.
Ensuring that staff only have the necessary privileges to do their job (least privilege).
Using separate accounts for administrative tasks.
Protecting accounts from brute-force attacks.
Encouraging the use of strong and unique passwords.
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)Â where available.
Tip #3 - Implications of Homeworkers using BYOD Devices
Organisations need to carefully consider the implications of BYOD, including:
Increased security risk: Personal devices may not have the same level of security as organisation-owned devices, making them more vulnerable to malware and other threats.
Complexity of managing devices: Managing and securing a diverse range of personal devices can be more complex than managing a standardised set of organisation-owned devices.
Privacy concerns: Organisations need to balance the need to secure data with employee privacy concerns when implementing BYOD policies and MDM solutions.
Support challenges: Providing support for a wide range of personal devices can be challenging.
Mitigating the Risks
To mitigate the risks associated with BYOD, organisations should:
Develop a comprehensive BYOD policy that addresses security, privacy, and support issues.
Consider using MDM solutions to manage and secure mobile devices.
Educate employees about security risks and best practices.
Regularly review and update security policies and procedures.
#5 - Strategies for Achieving Cyber Essentials with Homeworkers
Despite the challenges that homeworking presents, organisations can still achieve Cyber Essentials certification by adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Implement a Robust BYOD Policy:Â A well-defined BYOD policy is crucial for organisations that allow employees to use personal devices for work. This policy should outline the security requirements for personal devices, such as the installation of anti-malware software, the use of strong passwords, and regular software updates.
Provide Secure Remote Access Solutions:Â Organisations should provide employees with secure remote access solutions, such as corporate VPNs or virtual desktops, to ensure that connections to organisational networks and systems are encrypted and protected from unauthorised access.
Invest in Cybersecurity Awareness Training:Â Regular cybersecurity awareness training is essential to educate employees about potential threats, such as phishing attacks, social engineering, and malware. Training should cover cybersecurity best practices, including password management, data protection, and safe internet browsing habits.
Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solution:Â MDM solutions allow organisations to manage and secure mobile devices used for work purposes. These solutions can enforce security policies, deploy software updates, and remotely wipe devices if necessary, ensuring that mobile devices meet the Cyber Essentials requirements.
Implement a Patch Management Solution:Â Patch management solutions automate the process of deploying software updates and security patches, ensuring that devices and applications are kept up to date. This helps to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited by attackers and ensures that systems are protected against known threats.
Consider Cloud-Based Security Solutions:Â Cloud-based security solutions offer a centralised approach to cybersecurity management, providing protection against malware, phishing, and other threats. These solutions can be easily deployed and managed across a distributed workforce, ensuring consistent security measures for all devices and users.
Establish Clear Communication Channels:Â Maintaining open communication channels between the organisation and its homeworkers is essential for promoting cybersecurity awareness and addressing potential security incidents promptly. Organisations should encourage employees to report any suspicious activity or security concerns without hesitation.
Conduct Regular Security Assessments:Â Regular security assessments, such as vulnerability scans and penetration testing, can help organisations identify and address potential weaknesses in their cybersecurity posture. These assessments should cover both the organisation's network and the devices used by homeworkers to ensure comprehensive protection.
Enforce the Principle of Least Privilege:Â The principle of least privilege dictates that users should only have the access privileges necessary to perform their job duties. Organisations should regularly review user access rights to ensure that privileges are aligned with current roles and responsibilities, minimising the risk of unauthorised access to sensitive data.
Promote a Culture of Cybersecurity:Â Organisations should foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, where employees understand the importance of cybersecurity and actively participate in maintaining a secure work environment. This can be achieved through regular communication, training, and recognition of employees who demonstrate good cybersecurity practices.
Conclusion
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification with homeworkers requires a proactive and multifaceted approach to cybersecurity. By implementing the strategies outlined above, organisations can effectively address the challenges posed by a remote workforce and ensure that their cybersecurity measures meet the Cyber Essentials requirements.
Key Takeaways:
Homeworkers introduce new cybersecurity challenges that require organisations to adapt their security measures.
Cyber Essentials certification is achievable with homeworkers through proactive planning, robust policies, and effective communication.
Investing in cybersecurity awareness training and secure remote access solutions is crucial for protecting organisational data and systems.
Regular security assessments and the use of appropriate security tools can help organisations maintain a strong cybersecurity posture.
Organisations should foster a culture of cybersecurity, where employees understand their role in protecting valuable assets.
By prioritising cybersecurity and implementing the necessary controls, organisations can confidently embrace the benefits of homeworking while maintaining a secure and resilient work environment.
Comments