Many people telework. Teleworkers use various client devices, such as desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets, to read and send email, access websites, review and edit documents, and perform many other tasks. These client devices may be controlled by the organization, by third parties, or by the users themselves. Most teleworkers use remote access, which is the ability for an organization’s users to access its non-public computing resources from external locations other than the organization’s facilities.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise rapidly around the world, an increasing number of companies are closing their office doors and instructing employees, wherever possible, to work from home. This shift in business operations is an essential move to halt the virus’ spread. But the sudden and massive uptick in remote working leaves businesses extremely vulnerable to cyberattacks.