The Rise of Remote Work
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put plenty of businesses to a temporary stop. However, life must go on, so organizations started to utilize a remote work setup. It seemed like a quick fix, but as months passed by, the pandemic is still a threat. And it looks like remote work might be here to stay.
And with that in mind, businesses need to be more careful in cybersecurity. As a resort, leaders must educate themselves and their members about data security. They must remind their employees how they are also responsible for keeping it safe and protected.
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Tips On How To Stay Cyber Secure Remotely
The number one priority is to initiate certain cybersecurity practices that aim to enhance their online and offline security. But if you’re wondering what specific measures to implement, here are some effective project management for cybersecurity while working remotely.
- Implement An Effective Cybersecurity Policy
Before anything else, you should make sure that all employees know, understand, and believe that data security should be a priority. Because believe it or not, some employees aren’t aware of how they can be the sole reason for a company data breach. It’s something they should be educated on — both personal and business.
One common misconception that employees have is that if they don’t directly work with customer information, they don’t need to care or worry about securing the company’s data. You should do everything in your power to stop this misinformation.
So, the fundamental first step is to establish an efficient cybersecurity policy that the entire company has to follow. Do this by providing detailed rules and guidelines that employees can follow despite working remotely. This written document should cover the reason behind a cybersecurity policy, followed by an overview of all your company’s security protocols. Lastly, provide additional data on how your company will support remote working employees concerning this policy.
Upon implementation, all company members should protect company data with all their might. And those who are working remotely should take extra precautions.
- Make Sure To Use Secure Internet Connections
Because anyone can work anywhere during a remote setup, it’s essential to connect to a secure Internet connection. Using unsecured ones is a gateway to expose all data within your device, resulting in a data security breach.
Although businesses can’t prevent their employees from working at a local coffee shop, using a safe internet connection should be necessary. Encourage members to bring their pocket wifi or data connection for enhanced security. Doing so will keep the company’s sensitive data more secure.
On the other hand, you may also require employees to utilize a virtual private network (VPN). This tool will encrypt all internet traffic while monitoring for signs of infection. It’s an effective way to ensure that company data won’t fall into the hands of someone outside the company.
However, it’s crucial to find the best VPN that will work for your employees. Not all VPNs are the same, so it’s best to verify whether it covers all necessary factors on not before implementation.
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- Utilize Strong Passwords
One of the most effective ways to protect data is by using safe, strong, and varied passwords across the entire company. It’s essential not to use the same password format on multiple files and teams. Engage your employees in several password security training and refreshers now and then. You can easily arrange these training sessions through virtual meetings.
If you want to take it one step further, invest in a password manager. It will lessen cybersecurity risks by generating random passwords. Plus, it can store all of your passwords without any hassle. There’s no need to worry about using one password multiple times with this tool.
- Reinforce Privacy With Two-Factor Authentication
In 2021, plenty of significant companies had experienced data breaches. Since then, many organizations have started incorporating two-factor authentication into their routine data security management. This method is highly effective because it confirms a user’s identity before logging in. However, it requires a username, password, and an extra piece of information. These range from PIN codes sent via text or email to security questions that members answer before creating the authentication.
Thanks to this additional layer of security, remote workers and employers have peace of mind despite the digital age’s technological advancement.
If you want to be totally secure, you can engage in a multi-factor authentication system. It will require various user information such as retina, fingerprint, or voice recognition. Most businesses steer clear of it because of its complexity and extra cost. But if you have the budget, it would be highly beneficial for your cybersecurity.
- Take Advantage of Encryption Software
Another ideal way to keep your remote employees safe from data breaches is by using encryption software. If, by any chance, an employee’s work device is lost or stolen, there’s a possibility that the information found in the device could be used against the company. By enabling encryption software, you can block access from unauthorized members.
Moreover, communication applications used for chatting and project planning should feature end-to-end encryption. For example, some programs like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office encrypt files and documents. As a result, remote workers are more protected from experiencing data breaches.
The Takeaway
Location flexibility indeed allows employees to become more inspired and motivated to work. And because not everyone thrives in the same working environment, implementing remote work even after the pandemic might be an excellent idea. Moreover, emote workers can still comply with cybersecurity regulations despite working outside the office. Just provide them with enough training and policies for future reference.
Integrating a multifaceted cybersecurity approach would be the best way to go, and following the tips mentioned above will put your remote workers at ease. If you have questions about remote working and cybersecurity, you may reach out to us or browse through our website for more details.
