Whether your business is currently working remotely, moving to a hybrid workforce, or looking to make the jump to remote work, these tips will help ensure that your business is operating safely and effectively.
Adjusting your system or moving to a new telecommuting model is not always easy. It is important to address potential risks to data security and privacy expectations and requirements. Once you have created an operational remote structure, it’s important that you have technology and protocols in place to protect the users and your business’ data.
Security Tips for Remote Work
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Implement MFA for all remote employees to access applications and data whenever ever possible. MFA is a two-step login process that has the user enter something they know, like a password, and something that they have, like a unique code delivered via text or email. MFA adds an extra level of security to applications, protecting your business’ data.
- Networks – Encourage your employees to use private and protected Wi-Fi networks when they are working remotely. Public Wi-Fi connections at coffee shops, stores, libraries, airports and restaurants can put users and data at risk. Even residential connections can be risky. Home wireless routers should be protected with robust passwords to ensure that the devices connected to the Wi-Fi, and the data accessed through it, are protected.
- VPNS – If your employees have access to sensitive information, require that they use virtual private networks or another method of secure remote access. Using a VPN, a remote employee’s public internet connection is encrypted and their online traffic is shielded, creating a secure tunnel to the company network. If a home computer is poorly protected and is infected with malware or ransomware, however, the breach can spread to the entire company network since only the “traffic” is encrypted. It is dangerous to view VPN as the singular answer to the security issue. Businesses need to consider a holistic approach to ensure that the endpoint remoting into their company network is not itself vulnerable.
- Backup Data – In the event of a cyberattack or emergency, having your data backed up and a recovery plan in place ensures that your business survives the threat. Test your data backups regularly to make sure that all important business information is accessible no matter what.
Policy and Procedures for Remote Work
- Standardize Policies – When moving to remote work, create a set of policies for your employees that include: what device(s) they are permitted to use, how they should be keeping them safe and what they can use them for.
- Education – Make sure that your employees are armed with the knowledge needed to protect business data. Providing your employees with information on cyber threats can often stop threats in their tracks. Employees are the first line of defense in the war on cybercrime, so make sure they are trained to spot phishing emails and know how to avoid falling for social engineering scams.
- Passwords – Require employees to use secure passwords and know how to create them. Using a longer passphrase with special characters and numbers is a great way to ensure a safe password and remember it. Switch up passwords between applications and platforms, so that if one gets hacked the others aren’t compromised as well. Don’t write down passwords on a piece of paper or in an excel sheet; instead save them in a password manager application.
Work with a Trusted IT Partner
At CMIT Solutions, we are here to help you navigate the transition to remote or hybrid work. We will ensure that you have the technology and controls in place to protect your business and keep your employees working efficiently.
To learn how we can help your business, contact us for a free consultation.
