Identify all remote devices used for work purposes
2
Install and update necessary security software on all devices
3
Check for any software vulnerabilities
4
Enforce of use of strong passwords & two-factor authentication
5
Verify secure Wi-Fi and VPN connections
6
Confirm encryption of important data
7
Set up regular automated backups
8
Review of firewall and antivirus settings
9
Approval: IT Department Security Configuration Verification
10
Educate staff about phishing, scams, and how to identify suspicious requests
11
Perform a test restore to ensure data can be retrieved from backups in case of a data loss
12
Plan for regular system audits
13
Monitor access and usage of company resources
14
Establish incident response plan
15
Approval: Incident Response Plan
16
Perform regular checks for outdated software
17
Monitor security software updates and apply them immediately
18
Regularly Verify the effectiveness of the security measures
19
Approval: Annual Security Review
Identify all remote devices used for work purposes
This task is crucial for ensuring the security of remote work. Identify all the devices that employees use for work purposes, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Determine how many devices each employee uses and keep track of the make, model, and operating system of each device. This information will help you track potential risks and vulnerabilities and ensure that all devices are properly secured.
Install and update necessary security software on all devices
This task will ensure that all remote devices are protected by the necessary security software. Install antivirus software, firewall protection, and any other relevant security tools on each device. Additionally, regularly update these software to ensure that they have the latest security patches and are capable of effectively safeguarding against current threats.
1
Yes
2
No
3
Not sure
1
Antivirus software
2
Firewall protection
3
Anti-malware software
Check for any software vulnerabilities
In this task, you will identify and address any software vulnerabilities that may exist on the remote devices. Scan all devices for potential vulnerabilities and ensure that all necessary software updates and patches are installed. Consider using vulnerability scanning tools to assist in this process and ensure that all critical vulnerabilities are resolved.
1
Nessus
2
OpenVAS
3
Qualys
4
Nexpose
5
Retina
1
Operating system
2
Third-party applications
3
Web browsers
Enforce of use of strong passwords & two-factor authentication
This task is aimed at strengthening the security of remote work by enforcing the use of strong passwords and implementing two-factor authentication. Educate employees about the importance of strong passwords and provide guidelines. Additionally, ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled for all relevant accounts and devices to add an extra layer of security.
1
Use a combination of upper and lower case letters
2
Include numbers and special characters
3
Avoid using commonly used passwords
4
Regularly update passwords
1
Email accounts
2
Cloud storage accounts
3
VPN connections
4
Online collaboration tools
Verify secure Wi-Fi and VPN connections
Securing Wi-Fi and VPN connections is vital to maintaining a high level of remote work security. In this task, verify that the Wi-Fi connections used by employees are password protected and secure. Additionally, ensure that VPN connections are properly configured and encrypt communication between remote devices and the company network.
1
Change default Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
2
Enable network encryption (WPA2 or higher)
3
Use a strong Wi-Fi password with a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters
4
Regularly update Wi-Fi password
1
Encryption method
2
Authentication protocol
3
Secure tunneling protocol
Confirm encryption of important data
Ensuring the encryption of important data is an essential aspect of remote work security. In this task, confirm that all important data stored on remote devices is encrypted. Check if encryption is enabled for individual files and folders, as well as for entire disk volumes if applicable. Encryption adds an extra layer of protection to sensitive information in case of unauthorized access or data breaches.
1
Individual files and folders
2
Entire disk volumes
Set up regular automated backups
Regular automated backups are crucial for preventing data loss and ensuring the availability of important data in case of emergencies or system failures. In this task, set up automated backup processes for remote devices. Determine the frequency of backups and the method or software to be used. Test the backup process to ensure its effectiveness and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
1
Select backup frequency (daily, weekly, monthly)
2
Choose backup method (cloud storage, external hard drive, network-attached storage)
3
Test the backup process to ensure successful completion
Review of firewall and antivirus settings
Reviewing firewall and antivirus settings is an important task in maintaining remote work security. Check the configuration settings of firewalls and antivirus software on remote devices to ensure they are properly configured and up to date. Additionally, review firewall logs and antivirus scan results to identify any potential threats or security breaches that may have occurred.
1
Inbound and outbound traffic rules
2
Application-specific rules
3
Logging and alert settings
1
Any detected threats or infections
2
Quarantine or removal actions taken
Approval: IT Department Security Configuration Verification
Will be submitted for approval:
Identify all remote devices used for work purposes
Will be submitted
Install and update necessary security software on all devices
Will be submitted
Check for any software vulnerabilities
Will be submitted
Enforce of use of strong passwords & two-factor authentication
Will be submitted
Verify secure Wi-Fi and VPN connections
Will be submitted
Confirm encryption of important data
Will be submitted
Set up regular automated backups
Will be submitted
Review of firewall and antivirus settings
Will be submitted
Educate staff about phishing, scams, and how to identify suspicious requests
Educating staff about phishing, scams, and how to identify suspicious requests is crucial for remote work security. In this task, provide training materials or conduct training sessions to help employees recognize common phishing techniques, scams, and fraudulent requests. Emphasize the importance of not sharing sensitive information or clicking on suspicious links. Create awareness about the latest phishing trends and provide examples of phishing emails or messages.
Perform a test restore to ensure data can be retrieved from backups in case of a data loss
Performing a test restore is a critical step in ensuring the effectiveness of backup processes. In this task, simulate a data loss scenario and restore data from the backup sources. Verify that the restored data is complete and accessible. Evaluate the time required for the restoration process and ensure that it meets the Recovery Time Objective (RTO) defined for the organization.
1
Cloud storage
2
External hard drive
3
Network-attached storage
4
Backup server
Plan for regular system audits
Regular system audits are essential for maintaining remote work security. In this task, plan and schedule regular audits of remote devices and systems. Determine the scope of the audit, including the areas to be reviewed and the frequency of audits. Assign responsibilities for conducting the audits and establish a process for documenting and addressing any identified issues or vulnerabilities.
Monitor access and usage of company resources
Monitoring access and usage of company resources is crucial for detecting and preventing unauthorized access or misuse. In this task, set up monitoring systems or tools to track and log access to company resources, including files, databases, and networks. Define the appropriate level of monitoring and establish processes for reviewing and analyzing the collected data to identify any suspicious activities.
1
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) system
2
Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
3
Endpoint Security Solution
4
Network Traffic Analyzer
5
User Activity Monitoring Software
Establish incident response plan
In this task, establish an incident response plan to effectively handle and mitigate any security incidents that may occur during remote work. Develop a step-by-step plan for responding to security incidents, including roles and responsibilities, communication channels, containment measures, and recovery actions. Conduct regular drills or simulations to test the effectiveness of the plan and make necessary updates based on lessons learned. Ensure that all employees are aware of the incident response plan and their respective roles in case of an incident.
Approval: Incident Response Plan
Will be submitted for approval:
Plan for regular system audits
Will be submitted
Monitor access and usage of company resources
Will be submitted
Establish incident response plan
Will be submitted
Perform regular checks for outdated software
Regularly checking for outdated software is essential for mitigating security risks. In this task, perform regular checks on remote devices to identify any outdated software that may pose security vulnerabilities. Create a schedule for these checks and establish a process for updating or patching outdated software to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
1
Operating system
2
Applications
3
Plugins
4
Firmware updates
Monitor security software updates and apply them immediately
Monitoring and applying security software updates in a timely manner is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of security measures. In this task, monitor for security software updates and patches, including antivirus software, firewall software, and any other security tools. Once updates are available, apply them immediately to ensure that the latest security measures are in place to protect remote devices and data.
1
Antivirus software
2
Firewall software
3
Other security tools
Regularly Verify the effectiveness of the security measures
Regularly verifying the effectiveness of the security measures is important to ensure the ongoing security of remote work. In this task, regularly review and assess the implemented security measures to identify any gaps or weaknesses. Perform penetration testing or vulnerability assessments to test the resilience of remote devices and systems against potential threats. Based on the findings, make necessary improvements or updates to enhance the overall security posture.
Approval: Annual Security Review
Will be submitted for approval:
Perform regular checks for outdated software
Will be submitted
Monitor security software updates and apply them immediately
Will be submitted
Regularly Verify the effectiveness of the security measures
