Deep Freeze Cloud: Optimizing Remote Work Security for Businesses

We all know the story by now: In 2019, remote work was a barely observable trend. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit and nearly everyone who could work from home did so. 

Five years later, it’s hard to say exactly how the winds are blowing. There’s some talk of companies and industries moving back to in-office work. But it’s unimaginable that we’ll ever get close to 2019 levels, even if there is a reduction in the remote workforce. And it’s not obvious there will be: the growth in remote work has correlated with growth in productivity. If your organization wants to capitalize on the positives of remote work, you need to take special cybersecurity precautions.

The Benefits of Remote Work

The advantages of remote work for employees are pretty clear. While some enjoy the office atmosphere, the convenience of staying home and the time saved by not having to commute is very attractive for many workers. However, remote work setups don’t just benefit employees; organizations can benefit too. Apart from the potential productivity increases, companies can save money by cutting down on office space and they may attract top talent by offering remote or hybrid work.

The Drawbacks of Remote Work

If you’ve just signed a multiyear rental agreement for your office space — or actually purchased a property — you’re probably not thrilled about having it empty. But that doesn’t have to be a real, long-term issue. If you’re a decision maker in a business and your company has gone or is considering going remote, there’s one thing above all else you must consider: cybersecurity.

Remote Work and Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a concern for every organization — it’s not as if on-site companies are sheltered from cyberattacks and threat actors. However, those businesses don’t have to protect workstations on different networks in different locales. Organizations with remote work schedules have more potential gateways for leaks and attacks to protect. Here are some common challenges to consider:

• • Insecure Wi-Fi: Home Wi-Fi networks often lack the robust security measures of corporate networks. Weak passwords, outdated routers and unpatched firmware create easy entry points for cybercriminals. Furthermore, public Wi-Fi networks, such as in cafés or libraries, pose even greater risks because of the lack of encryption.

• Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals exploit the remote work environment by targeting employees with phishing emails and social engineering tactics. These attacks aim to steal login credentials and sensitive data or install malware.

• Personal device use: Employees using personal devices may lack up-to-date antivirus software, security patches or proper configurations. This increases the risk of malware infections and data breaches.

• Data mixing: Mixing personal and work data on the same device can lead to data leaks and privacy issues.

How Faronics Deep Freeze Cloud Improves Remote Work Security

Faronics developed Deep Freeze Cloud with remote work in mind. With Reboot to Restore technology, individual workstations are safe from cyberattacks and unauthorized changes, and other features help to maintain a consistent and secure baseline configuration for endpoints, regardless of user activity. 

Here are some benefits of Deep Freeze Cloud for remote work:  

Consistent Endpoint State

In a remote work environment, staff might download unapproved software, visit unsecure websites or inadvertently introduce malware. Deep Freeze can “freeze” the workstation, discarding any changes upon reboot. This helps maintain a clean and secure system, even if the user engages in risky behavior.  

Malware Protection

Malware infections are a significant concern in remote work scenarios. By reverting the system to its original state, Deep Freeze Cloud effectively eliminates malware and other unwanted changes. Because remote workers often use personal devices that may not have up-to-date antivirus software, malware is a big issue. Deep Freeze can neutralize this threat.

Simplified Endpoint Management

Remote workers often lack direct IT support. Deep Freeze Cloud simplifies endpoint management by automating the restoration process. IT administrators can remotely manage and control Deep Freeze settings, ensuring consistent security across all devices.  

Reduced Help Desk Calls

IT departments typically deal with a plethora of calls regarding software issues, malware infections or system instability. Deep Freeze significantly reduces these calls by automatically resolving common problems. This frees up IT staff to focus on other pressing security matters.

Software Compliance

By keeping workstations set to a specific configuration, software compliance is simpler and easier to accomplish.

Deep Freeze Cloud acts as a safety net, ensuring that remote endpoints remain secure and functional, regardless of user actions. It’s the ultimate solution for maintaining a consistent state for remote machines. To learn more about how Deep Freeze can help your business achieve remote work security, please reach out to our experts today.