How to Maintain Security When Employees Work Remotely
Technology has advanced so rapidly that the modern workplace is no longer tied to one office or location. In combination with the global pandemic, people can work from anywhere in the world with internet access. Working remotely has changed our way of life, allowing workers to save on travel costs and time, reducing the cost of employers needing to pay for office spaces, and expanding their recruitment range, all without risk to an individual’s health.
As everybody is moving to work remotely, the risk of security breaches also increases. Hackers and data thieves develop new tactics every day, so companies need to keep their internet security up to date to protect their data. Here are some ways to protect your data and stay safe while working remotely.
Don’t use foreign Wi-Fi networks
Free Wi-Fi may sound great on paper, but it can also be dangerous and risky to use. Many places like cafes and restaurants have free wifi, but some people are sneaky and set up an access point claiming to be the businesses public wifi for guests. As an employer, it’s essential to spread this information to your staff and instruct them to combat it. The easiest solution is to require employees to use a virtual private network (VPN) when using public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN encrypts internet traffic and user data, so those who are monitoring data on the web can’t be seen. This will also provide security for cloud services. Not all VPN providers are the same, and if you are the employer who is providing a VPN for your staff do your research on the most reliable option, or talk to us about data protection measures.
Invest in proper antivirus
Windows Defender can only do so much for you. Equipping your computer with a quality anti-malware software will protect your computer and data from harmful links that aim to infect your computer with malware. As an employer, keeping your staff equipped with the best tools such as firewalls and antivirus, will keep them protected. We also recommend using a different password for each account you have. Using the same password for everything becomes a huge risk if that one password gets discovered. If you need help managing your passwords and setting this up, we provide IT support for small businesses and individuals who may feel overwhelmed by this setup.
Use two-factor authentication
One of the biggest cybersecurity tips we give to remote workers is to use two-factor authentication (2FA) when you can for your accounts. This means you’ll need another way to verify yourself when signing into an email, for example. This is often your password then a one-time code sent to your phone for you to enter. Setting up 2FA ensures that even if someone gets ahold of your login details from a phishing email or by other means, your data will still be protected, and you’ll be alerted of their attempt to steal your data, and change your passwords. Sydney IT support services can help you or your business set up 2FA for your accounts and your business to keep everybody secure.