COVID-19: Trend Micro’s Siriniwasa on the cybersecurity implications of working remotely

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a shift in how people work, with remote working becoming the new norm for many organizations. As the workforce adapts to working from home or any location outside of the traditional office setting, cybersecurity has emerged as a crucial concern. A recent study conducted by Trend Micro revealed interesting insights into the cybersecurity awareness and practices of remote workers in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The survey found that 66 percent of remote workers in these countries are more conscious of their organization's cybersecurity policies since the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns. Indi Siriniwasa, Vice President of Sub Saharan Africa at Trend Micro, discussed the implications of remote working on cybersecurity in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Siriniwasa highlighted the importance of understanding the risks associated with remote work and the need for organizations to ensure their employees are well-equipped and trained to work securely from anywhere. He identified four distinct camps among remote workers - the fearful camp, the conscientious camp, the ignorant camp, and the adept camp. While some are apprehensive about online security and hesitant to work remotely, others are more cautious and follow cybersecurity protocols. However, a significant portion of workers exhibit ignorance or non-compliance with cybersecurity policies, posing a potential risk to organizations. One of the key findings from the survey was that 32 percent of remote workers in the region use public Wi-Fi networks for work purposes, raising concerns about data security. Siriniwasa emphasized the importance of adopting precautionary measures when using public Wi-Fi, as these networks are inherently less secure. While countries like South Africa boast high-speed internet connections, ensuring the security of data transmitted over these networks remains a critical challenge. He also highlighted the risks associated with 'shadow IT,' where employees bypass corporate security protocols to install unauthorized applications, potentially compromising sensitive information. When it comes to home Wi-Fi networks, Siriniwasa stressed the need for individuals to take proactive steps to secure their devices. While many users may not be security professionals, they can enhance their cybersecurity posture by installing security solutions from reputable providers like Trend Micro. By securing their devices and following best practices, individuals can mitigate the risk of cyber threats and safeguard their sensitive data. The interview also touched upon the responsibility of companies to provide secure Wi-Fi connections for remote workers. Siriniwasa noted that corporate policies vary, with some organizations covering the costs of home internet connections for employees, while others require workers to bear the expenses. He underscored the evolving nature of cybersecurity, emphasizing that security is no longer an afterthought but an integral part of daily life. As awareness around cybersecurity grows in Africa, organizations are increasingly prioritizing the protection of their digital assets and employee data. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of cybersecurity in a remote working environment. As more employees continue to work from home or alternate locations, ensuring robust cybersecurity practices is paramount to safeguarding sensitive information and mitigating cyber risks. By promoting cybersecurity awareness, providing adequate training, and implementing proactive security measures, organizations can navigate the challenges of remote work while protecting their digital infrastructure.