Today, it is common for enterprises to have geographically distributed teams. However, remote work presents several security challenges to the companies. Since the remote workforce is not physically working on-site, they rely on Wi-Fi networks to access company data to perform their duties. Here are some policies and guidelines to secure data when you have a substantial remote workforce.
Create a Secure Connection
A secure connection plays a vital role in data security, and it doesn’t matter whether you are working in the office or remotely. Your workforce can use VPN, so you don’t have to worry about telecommuters accessing your corporate data.
According to experts at sonraisecurity.com, you need to implement multi-factor identification to prevent data breaches. Another viable option is to use a remote desktop security layer to prevent copying and store corporate data on remote devices.
Have a Remote Work Policy in Place
A remote work policy is of paramount importance for businesses with a huge remote workforce. The remote work policy defines what the workforce needs to do and what your company expects from them while telecommuting. Your remote work policy needs to include approved messaging applications, security update schedules, and guidelines on required backups.
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Keep an Insider Threat Strategy Ready
The remote work policy should also include an insider threat strategy that focuses on identifying, addressing, and resolving threats that may arise.
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Determine What Should Be Measured
The insider threat strategy should dictate which aspects of employee behavior should be monitored. If the focus is on measuring employee productivity, it should be on what actions need monitoring. If the focus is watching users steal data, it should be on watching the user’s interaction with corporate data in files and applications.
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Determine Who to Measure
You should have a holistic approach concerning data security. It is difficult to anticipate where the threat will come from. It could be compromised credentials, malicious employees, or employee’s mistakes. The security team should be vigilant and secure all endpoints local or remote.
Use Secure IT Tools and Resources
If your company has a substantial remote workforce or offers work-from-home opportunities, you have to invest in the tools and skills required to monitor a remote workforce. An excellent remote work policy would give your IT team control over remote devices and activities.
The teams should consider some factors assessing and modifying firewall configurations, password management, account lockouts, and browser privacy.
Protect Devices
One of the critical aspects of securing data for the remote workforce is protecting devices. The remote work policy should focus on securing devices from unauthorized access, malware, and viruses. It will also help if you encourage your remote workforce to follow best security practices like:
- Regularly updating operating systems and applications
- Always installing applications from trusted sources
- Installing trusted security software
The remote workforce must follow the IT team’s recommendations regarding applications and software to use on remote devices.
Use Web-Based Applications
Using a trusted cloud service is a great way to secure your data. This will give your IT team freedom from many security responsibilities, and they can focus on core IT tasks. Cloud service providers employ sophisticated technologies to secure their platforms, which extend to their clients.
When choosing a cloud service provider, try to understand what kind of service and protection they provide. You can consult a professional managed IT service like sonraisecurity.com to help understand your options.
Data, including its security, is the new oil of the digital engine, and most businesses cannot function without it. No company, small or large, can ignore data security. Not having an adequate plan to secure your data can prove catastrophic, leading to substantial revenue losses, legal implications, and bad name to your brand.
