Remote working became a widespread practice during the pandemic but it looks like it will become a permanent option for many businesses today. There are lots of benefits to remote working for any business, but perhaps one of the biggest challenges is security. However, with the right cyber security provider, you can ensure that your business is protected, both in terms of its remote workforce and those who are working on-site.
What are the challenges of remote working?
Unsecured home computers, inconsistent security behaviours in a home environment and poor storage and backup at home are just some of the risks that can arise when it comes to remote working. Putting a comprehensive infrastructure in place to protect your business is something you can do with a cyber security provider. This will be as much about information and attitudes as it is to do with equipment and technology.
How to keep secure when remote working
Viewing cyber security for remote working as simply an extension of existing office policies is an effective way to approach these challenges – with a few tweaks to consider those issues that are unique to a remote working environment. Below are some simple suggestions for how to improve security for remote working.
- Ensure your business is using a unified communications platform – Remote working can mean that data becomes fragmented, and it is difficult to keep track of communications. So, a solid foundation for remote working cyber security is to use a single, centralised platform for everything. This minimises the risk of data getting lost or stolen and means that data can be effectively managed across a broad spectrum of different locations. It will not only improve security but increase transparency too.
- Think carefully about device use – If possible, remote workers should only use devices belonging to the business for work. However, if that cannot be achieved, then personal devices need to have the best possible protection in place, whether that’s encryption software or anti-malware software.
- Focus on positive password security – It sounds simple, but passwords give cybercriminals access to the entire system, so where they are weak, this is a huge flaw. Robust password management, combined with account controls and permissions, is vital for any business with a remote working contingent, as it helps to manage better the risks of having different people accessing systems from different locations. We tend to underestimate the importance of passwords until something happens, so it is crucial to make sure that you train and educate your remote teams on why these matter. Longer passwords tend to be harder to guess but are not secure if someone must write them down to remember them.
- Create a secure connection – Cloud computing has made it possible for employees to work from anywhere, but the security of connections remains a challenge. The use of a virtual private network (VPN) is an obvious solution here, or using remote desktop services that integrate IP restriction and SSL encryption.
It is perfectly possible to keep your business secure with the right remote working cyber solutions in place.
SADS IT is a trusted IT provider working with local businesses across London and the South East. Contact us today.
