Related Posts
There’s a lot that employees and the organizations they work for can do to avoid common remote work scams.
For a long time, employees were protected by the digital walls that IT departments built around the physical office. Now, with so many employees working remotely, those same protections don’t always apply.
This leaves workers exposed, like soldiers crossing an open field under constant fire from one of the most common threats: phishing scams. But just because remote workers face higher risks than their office-based counterparts doesn’t mean they’re defenceless.
Here are five proven solutions that can help your organization build stronger resilience against cyberattacks.
The Main Types of Phishing Scams Targeting Remote Employees
Phishing scams have evolved far beyond the old cliché of a “Nigerian prince” in urgent need of money. Remote employees are far more likely to encounter these types of scams:
-
Phishing
-
Spear phishing
-
Smishing (SMS/text phishing)
-
Vishing (voice call phishing)
-
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
5 Ways to Defend Against Remote Work Scams
Phishing scams work because they target the weakest link in cybersecurity: people. That’s why strengthening employees’ awareness and habits is one of the most effective defences against attacks.
1. Provide Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Cybercriminals prey on those who are unprepared. Remote employees should regularly take part in cybersecurity awareness training that helps them:
-
Spot phishing attempts
-
Report suspicious activity
-
Protect sensitive information
-
Practice safe browsing habits
-
Use strong password management
Regular training turns employees into the first line of defence, not the weakest link.
2. Strengthen Email Security
Most scams arrive through email. Organizations can dramatically reduce the risks by implementing modern email security standards:
-
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) – Specifies which servers and domains are authorized to send messages on behalf of your organization.
-
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) – Uses a digital signature to confirm that a message was not altered in transit.
-
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) – Builds on SPF and DKIM to tell receiving servers how to handle emails that fail authentication checks.
In addition, organizations should use advanced anti-spam and anti-malware filtering, and consider tools like Microsoft’s Safe Links, which scan and rewrite URLs in inbound emails to block malicious links.
3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Phishing often aims to steal passwords. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects systems with a second layer of security, such as:
-
Codes sent to a mobile device
-
Hardware one-time password tokens
-
Biometric verification
Even if a hacker gains access to a password, MFA ensures they cannot easily access protected systems.
4. Enable Call and Text Screening
Cyberattacks don’t just happen by email. Criminals also use phone calls (vishing) and text messages (smishing) to trick employees.
Organizations should enable call and text screening on employees’ mobile devices to block suspicious activity before it reaches them. Some devices include this feature natively, while others may require third-party apps.
5. Update Remote Access and Acceptable Use Policies
If employees are working remotely, your organization should have clear rules for network access and device use. For example:
-
Prohibit employees from logging into internal systems from unsecured public Wi-Fi.
-
Prohibit the use of personal devices for work, unless explicitly approved by IT.
-
Clearly define what work devices can and cannot be used for.
These policies reduce the risks associated with insecure connections and unmonitored personal devices.
How Brickhost Can Help
Phishing and remote work scams are a major threat to businesses of all sizes, with potential consequences ranging from stolen data to financial loss.
The good news is that these risks can be managed. Brickhost provides expert guidance and services to help organizations defend their remote employees with strategies like advanced email security, MFA, and policy development.
Get the Remote Work Security You Need Today
Brickhost offers responsive and secure managed IT services to small and medium-sized businesses across the country. Since 2003, we’ve enriched lives by delivering ultra-responsive service, prioritizing cybersecurity, and investing in our people.
Contact Brickhost today to take your cybersecurity to the next level.
