Many small enterprises have evolved to embrace remote labor as a result of COVID-19. As constraints in countries around the world begin to ease with Covid-19 subsiding slowly, many corporations are announcing hybrid models that allow employees to work partially remotely during the week.
If your company allows remote work or considers converting to a hybrid model, you must consider security. Why? Because regulations and culture are your most effective deterrents to cybercriminals.
It can be challenging to develop a new security policy that covers all of your employees and the many locations where they may be working. But there’s no need to be concerned.
Create your manual: Create your security guide as the initial step. This digital document should contain all the instructions, which should be altered and tailored for your company. The goal is to develop a resource that all employees can use, regardless of their work or what devices they use. Any team member who has a query or wants to double-check a policy should go there first.
Computing systems: Your company may provide everyone with a computer and phone, or it may require everyone to bring their own. In either case, you must have complete faith in the tools that everyone uses at work. The first step is to make sure that everyone’s gadgets are current. Employees should only use the most recent versions of Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Nobody should use an operating system like Windows 7 that is no longer receiving security updates.
A strong password, PIN, or a reliable biometric solution, such as Face ID or Windows Hello, should be used to secure devices.
Internet connectivity: The first rule of connection is straightforward; Make sure your routers are up to date. Team members should sign up for automatic updates or check for new security patches regularly. The second golden rule is also self-evident; You should use strong, one-of-a-kind passwords to secure routers. Secure a document containing the router password and the Wi-Fi password, both necessary to adjust various settings.
Outside the home, employees should exercise even more caution. Attackers can access employee hardware and potentially steal critical data using public Wi-Fi networks with weak protection. To avoid this, staff should use a VPN and stay away from networks with questionable names.
User Software: Everyone in your company should use strong, unique passwords to safeguard their accounts. If someone logs into everything with the same set of characters, they’re putting your organization at risk. With Single Sign-On, you can reduce the number of passwords that consumers need to remember (SSO). As the name suggests, SSO allows employees to enter into numerous apps and services using the same credentials, minimizing the number of unique passwords they must remember.
Working environment: You can’t, or shouldn’t, monitor everything your employees do at home. Instead, create a security culture – a shared desire and obligation among your employees to safeguard your company through sound security practices. It won’t be easy to change your company’s culture, but if you listen to your employees and provide them with the tools and training they need to thrive, you’ll gradually build a different kind of workforce. One who, while operating outside of your company’s control, has the expertise and willingness to make sound, confident decisions.
Training and development: Training and development are essential if you are changing the working environment. It would be best not to presume that everyone can use a password manager or upgrade a router manually. You can combat technical issues by setting up webinars and informal calls where individuals may ask questions and learn more about working safely both inside and outside the office.
Revise and make improvements: What is effective today may not be effective tomorrow. Regularly review your handbook and ask yourself if you have the necessary policies in place. When required, make modifications and explain your reasoning to your team. If you provide your employees with the right tools, training, and expertise, they’ll do everything they can to keep your company safe, no matter where they work.
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