Over 54% of workers work outside of the home, leaving 46% being in either a hybrid remote work environment or working exclusively from home. If a work environment is remote, which is becoming increasingly popular, it’s crucial that companies:
- Implement advanced security measures
- Create policies and procedures to secure remote work environments.
Our Miami cybersecurity company knows that there are multiple steps that must be followed to secure remote workspaces.
Workspace Security is the Responsibility of Employees
An employee should be responsible for securing their workspace. Employers are in far less control of systems when devices are not company-owned. From a security perspective, it’s often easier to access data from a device than over a secure network.
Theft can include a third party copying the file system over and trying to break any encryption or security measures that exist.
Strong worker policies should include:
- Avoiding public Wi-Fi networks
- Strict access limitations to stop family or friends from using the device
Offer Company-issued Devices
Instead of employees using their own devices to access company networks, consider company-issued devices. You can issue devices that already have:
- Firewalls
- Antivirus
- Encryption
- Etc.
If set up properly, the device can be set to update automatically and offer more overall security than a personal employee device.
Multi-factor Authentication
Integrating multi-factor authentication into your workforce is never a bad choice. You can integrate these authentication measures to help:
- Prevent unauthorized access to systems
- Instantly boost overall security
Strong password policies can further help keep unwanted access to systems and databases.
Encrypted or Protected Data Handling
Maintaining data security is a top priority for businesses of all sizes. You should:
- Create strong access control systems
- Prevent files from being downloaded to public devices
- Allow data transmission only through encrypted methods
- Backup data routinely in accordance with your IT department’s recommendations
Data handling is one of the riskiest security issues waiting to happen because lax measures can allow access to sensitive information.
Written Reporting Requirements
If employees do suspect a security incident or breach of any kind, it should be immediately reported to their supervisor or the IT department. For example, if a device goes missing, it must be reported to a specified party in the company.
Software Usage Restrictions
Software and applications may harbor known security vulnerabilities that make it easier for someone to access a system. Companies should only allow authorized applications to be installed on company devices.
Employees should:
- Apply updates ASAP
- Be forbidden to bypass security measures
Employee Training
One of the most overlooked forms of security is also one of the easiest to follow: employee training. If you integrate training as part of your employment agreement, it will automatically harden security.
Knowledge is power in the world of cybersecurity.
Employees should know how to spot phishing or social engineering attacks, be taught how to properly handle data and stay up to date on the latest security best practices. If your team is well-trained in cybersecurity, it will keep remote work environments more secure.
If you create a secure remote work environment, it will make it easier to keep unwanted users from accessing your systems and sensitive data.