How to Maintain Security in Remote Work

5 minute read

written by Cápita Works

Oct 21, 2022

Working remotely is quickly becoming the new normal for modern companies. Team leaders discovered something in a world where many offices had to shut down during the 2020 covid-19 pandemic. Remote and hybrid working seems to be effective at improving productivity. 

Countless studies show the remote workforce is more invested in their work than those who go to the office, often working up to 1.4 days more per month. Remote staff members also demand fewer overheads and don't require massive real estate investments. 

Unfortunately, there's a downside to the remote working trend, and it's the risk of cyber threats. You might think that remote workers could increase a company's chances of a security breach. 

If you're reading this article, it means that you understand the importance of keeping your business secure. But do you know what steps to take to secure your business?

Learn more about ways to strengthen your cybersecurity in remote work by reading this article. 

Step 1: Create a Cybersecurity Policy

The first step in defending company data is ensuring that all your employees follow the proper data protection guidelines. Employees are often the principal cause of cybersecurity risks, as they usually take shortcuts when setting passwords and protecting sensitive information.  

Employees may assume they're logging into a system from a secure environment when opening the door to criminals.

A firm cybersecurity policy will outline everything your team members need to do to stay secure. The policy includes ensuring they use strong passwords for their accounts and never log into services from a public connection.  

This policy could also determine which applications and tools are safe for your remote employees to use when dealing with business data.

Step 2: Secure Network Connections  

Access to an unsecured Wi-Fi network is one of the most common ways for companies to stumble into a security breach. 

Unfortunately, many fully remote workers have shifted to using personal devices, standard Wi-Fi connections, and home networks to connect to the office. These services aren't always as protected as they should be.

The easiest option for companies seeking better network protection may be to implement VPNs. Asking your employees to use VPNs ensures they have a direct and secure way to connect to the business network and access important information.  

Make sure that any VPN you choose covers every level of an encryption important to your team.

Step 3: Consider Password Managers  

Password safety is another critical part of running a secure business in the age of remote work. Unfortunately, now that today's team members are using a wide range of software solutions and accounts daily, the number of passwords they must remember is increasing. 

The result is often more employees using repetitive and plain passwords to access tools.

53% of people admit to reusing the same password for multiple accounts. While you can support your team with information on how to choose more secure passwords, a password management solution may be a better option.  

Password managers allow team members to access various tools with just one set of credentials. That means they only have a single code to remember. 

Step 4: Explore Two-Factor Authentication 

A password manager can help make your accounts more secure, but passwords only offer a single layer of protection. Two-factor authentication could be an excellent choice for companies that want to strengthen the security of remote teams.

That's because even if someone were to figure out your employee's password, that wouldn't be enough to get them into an account.

Multi-factor authentication requires an additional input of a limited-time code or something similar to unlock access to an account or service.  

Multi-factor authentication is increasingly becoming more advanced. Today, it's possible to build strategies using passwords and biometric data to secure services. Your employees could protect their data with a fingerprint or retina scan.

Step 5: Remember the Basics

Technology like biometric security is opening the door to a new level of protection for today's businesses. While these advanced offerings could be an exciting step forward for many companies, the fundamentals are still important.  

Encryption software with your video conferencing and messaging software is a must-have in the remote world. 

It's also worth ensuring that your employees have up-to-date systems for security on any devices they use, such as antivirus software, anti-malware, and phishing protection. Firewalls cover everything from tablets and computers to smartphones and other mobile devices.

Remember, mobile device management tools can also help your team leaders ensure that apps and security services remain updated on your team's devices.

These services allow you to implement patches remotely, remove dangerous data from an employee's hard drive, and even denylist certain apps.

As you can see, you can ensure your business is cyber-safe in many ways. However, the most crucial thing you must remember is that prevention is better than cure. It is better to maintain strong passwords and protect your data than to deal with a cyber threat's aftermath.  

Remote work doesn't have to jeopardize data security. Once remote workers are fully educated in the demands of secure working and have the right tools in place, they can enjoy all the benefits of flexible working without the security risks. 

If you want remote employees who you can completely trust, we have the solution for you! With us, you can find qualified professionals in a nearby or border country and save up to 70% on salaries. It's a world of resources at a fraction of the cost! 

Contact us for more information on how we can help you and your business.  

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