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Article: Working Remotely? How to Protect Your Network from a DDoS Attack

Current times are requiring teams to work remotely. While most companies have adjusted their operations to function from their workers' homes, many have not considered how this impacts their cybersecurity protocols.

Several security challenges can arise for companies when they move to remote work, especially if they are new to it. One important security risk such companies face is increased susceptibility to DDoS attacks.

We will discuss the DDoS attack risks of remote work and how to mitigate these risks for your business.

Risk 1: Network & VPN Susceptibility

At the heart of most remote work environments is the enterprise remote access VPN. A remote access VPN allows remote employees to securely access back office systems that might otherwise only be accessible from a corporate office.

Although these devices are hardened to many security threats, they are often highly susceptible to DDoS attacks. Additionally, they present to attackers as a high value target. If a remote access VPN device is targeted by a DDoS attack, all remote workers will lose access to critical back office systems. The loss of productivity from this DDoS attack can be massive, withan entire workforce being offline.

Additionally, the recent rapid migration to a primarily remote workforce has created an opportunity for attackers. In the past, remote access was often considered less critical than other production systems, resulting in lessdefensive measures. This lower tier of protection is now in conflict with the newly elevated risk and importance of these systems to the business.

Risk 2: DDoS Attack Response Process Compromised

Your DDoS attack incident response process is customized to support your specific software environment and IT team. Remote work changes the variables of how the attack can occur and how your team will respond. Your will need to do the following:
  • Re-assess and update your DDoS attack response process. Work with your DDoS attack expert on which points of your environment are now more susceptible to DDoS attack, and how you can improve security. Also discuss how workflows will change with your IT team.
  • Update and train your IT team on the process changes. Inform your team about the changes to your DDoS attack process and their responsibilities. Then train and practice your incident response process as needed.
  • Have an on-call DDoS attack expert on hand. NimbusDDOS offers on-call experts to help your team in the face of a DDoS attack. Having an expert on hand to navigate unfamiliar situations can be especially helpful for your company and team.

What You Can Do

Moving your company from in-person to remote has enough challenges, and updating your DDoS attack process may not seem like a high priority. However, your cybersecurity is especially critical during these times. With profit margins slimming for many, an interruption of your traffic or a demand for ransom can be devastating for your business.

To review, the steps you can take to protect your remote team against DDoS attacks are:

  • Protect your network and VPN. Your current protection measures may not be enough for your remote team.
  • Update your DDoS attack incident response process. Be sure they reflect your current network situation and vulnerabilities. And be sure your staff is up-to-date on training.
  • Work with an on-call DDoS attack expert. With many changing variables, an expert can improve the effectiveness of attack mitigation.

Would you like help protecting your remote team? today.