To most people, Covid feels like nothing more than a fever dream, but it is very real, and it has left a lasting legacy – an element of which being the increase in alternative working styles. More workers than ever before are embracing alternative working styles, whether that is hybrid working or wholly remote. While this has been transformative in a lot of aspects, it has also posed challenges in terms of cybersecurity. Luckily, with an understanding of the basics, you can dramatically decrease the possibility of a breach. Take a look.
Secure Networks
First and foremost, your employees should only work or access data via secure networks. This wouldn’t be a problem if they were to work from an office because their network should be secure. Home networks also tend to be pretty robust, so home working also should constitute much of an issue. It is public networks that should mostly be avoided. Some employees might want to get out of the house and work from a coffee shop or the library, but this is a little risky unless they were to use a personal hotpot or VPN.
IT Support/Managed IT Services
Regardless of the working style, a business needs some form of IT support or managed IT services. When it comes to alternative working styles, it makes sense to outsource – why spend the money on developing a team in-house when the issues are going to need to be fixed remotely anyway? IT support tends to be reactive, where managed IT services are proactive, so be sure to consider which choice makes the most sense for you. Luckily, you have a lot of options, so be sure to do your research and consider your base; for example, if you are looking for managed IT services, then you should check out Solution Builders.
Data Encryption
If your employees are not working from an office on secure devices, then they need to be taught and given the tools to encrypt data when working from mobile devices at home. This means that should they decide to take their work devices out and about or otherwise lose or have them stolen that the data on them remains safe. Mobile devices are also more likely to be the target of viruses and malware in general which is why you should always install anti-viral software on them before handing them out to employees.
Password Protection
Lastly, one of the easiest ways to protect a device is simply to install password protection on it. Regardless of whether they have their own desktop in the office or work laptop or smartphone, all of them should be password protected. It may also be worth advising them on password best practices and how they can create strong passwords.
The Bottom Line
Alternative working styles do indeed have a lot of benefits for both employers and employees, but there are downsides too, and cybersecurity can be a real challenge when you aren’t working in a traditional office environment. Luckily, developing a better approach is easier than it might seem if you take on board the tips listed above.
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