14 Nov Actionable Security Hacks To Make The Most Of Remote Work
The sudden shift to remote work during the pandemic opened up new opportunities for organizations. Business owners who were always apprehensive about letting employees work from home suddenly realized the immense benefits of the model. Not surprisingly, more and more companies are keen to embrace it for the long haul, even after the pandemic is over.
While flexibility and cost savings are the upsides of remote work, you cannot overlook the security concerns. After all, letting employees access confidential corporate data and networks from their locations sounds daunting. Moreover, the growing incidence of hacking attacks compounds stress. But you can rely on these actionable security hacks to make the most of remote work.
Bolster endpoint security
Letting workers use their own devices to work remotely is a risky decision. Moreover, employees often act as the weakest link as they unintentionally compromise data and networks. But you can cover the risk and save big money for your business with BYOD. Measures like two-factor authentication, antivirus software, and virtual private network (VPN) are good enough to bolster endpoint security. Also, educate users about potential threats and ways to avoid them.
Encrypt important data
Encryption can take you the extra mile with security by protecting the confidential data stored on your network. It is even more helpful if you store data and files in the cloud because the risk of interception during transit runs high. Encrypting your assets is an excellent defense because hackers cannot use the stolen data and files even if they manage to get their hands on them.
Master remote access
Remote access is one of the most challenging aspects of letting people work from outside the office. They may compromise your data and network accidentally or intentionally. But choosing a reliable access tool keeps you a step ahead of remote work security concerns. Besides vetting the tool, consider providing role-based access to employees instead of leaving the network open to everyone. Also, have only trustworthy people on board.
Choose secure communication and collaboration tools
Besides mastering remote access, you must also safeguard your systems with secure communication and collaboration tools. People working from different locations always need to stay connected. Likewise, collaboration is essential to complete projects on time. While providing them with tools to be on the same page, ensure built-in security and privacy features for these platforms. It is better to spend a bit more on paid versions for better safety.
Have a breach response plan in place
Breaches and hacking attacks may happen despite the best defenses for your remote setup. A viable data breach response plan keeps you ready for such contingencies. It enables you to spring into action and set things right before things get out of control. Besides addressing current threats, keep an eye on evolving ones and update your response plan frequently. Also, implement measures like data backups to help you in a crisis.
Remote work implementation requires a shift in IT security strategy. You must invest in it without thinking twice because a secure environment makes people more productive and safeguards the business’s reputation in the long run.
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