5 Ways To Tighten Company Cybersecurity With A Remote Workforce
Communicating the risks and consequences of a security breach is a great start
Posted on 06-08-2020, Read Time: Min
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In 2015, 3.9 million U.S. workers were working remotely. That number had increased to 4.7 million, or 3.4% of the population by the beginning of 2020 (Flexjobs.com). While it’s difficult to get an accurate number just a few weeks after this data was published, undoubtedly the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the work-from-home-force by millions more.
While some workers have been clocking remote hours for years, many more are completely new to teleworking. Companies who are unprepared for this shift have found themselves ramping up remote work policies at a whiplash-inducing pace. In the rush to transfer hardware, implement new video conferencing and project management software, and find comfortable ways to communicate and share files, it’s vital not to let security fall by the wayside. Employees aren’t always aware that the free flow of information between themselves and colleagues can carry an enormous risk to the bottom line of the business.
Clearly communicating the risks and consequences of a security breach is a great start. Successfully updating cybersecurity policy among a remote workforce also needs to include simple, actionable steps for each and every worker. Here are 5 of the most important to get you started.
- Ensure only approved tools are used at home. In this time of disruption and uncertainty, individuals new to working from home are scrambling to find new ways to stay connected and productive. It’s tempting to download any tool that promises to make life easier. Unfortunately, some of these apps aren’t as careful about security as they should be, or completely honest about how they use the data they collect. Workers should be given access to the tools they need to do their job safely and effectively, so they aren’t forced to look around the web for untested (and possibly dangerous) solutions. Consult with tech-savvy workers and a trusted technology professional to find out what is needed to bridge the gap between the office and the home office. Choose solutions that address these issues without creating security gaps, then communicate new recommendations and update approved applications regularly.
- Ditch factory passwords. If you don’t already have a company policy requiring a password manager, this is a good time to put one into action. Every worker should be using a strong password generator and storage solution. There should be consistency in the software used (see previous step) so that it’s easy to train and support workers to install and use the tool. As they set up their password manager, employees should also be encouraged to audit their passwords for every home and work account. Each account needs a complex, unique password to protect data. While they’re at it, recommend they close out and delete any unused accounts. The up-front time investment pays dividends in security.
- Make home networks secure. It may sound daunting, but there are basic steps to creating a secure home network that anyone can take. Remind all workers that installing hardware or software updates is not optional. Updates provide crucial patches for holes in security and other bugs. Another simple step that goes a long way is to ensure wireless connections have encryption enabled. Most wireless routers offer encryption options that are turned off by default. Every system is a little different, but a quick phone call with IT support should be enough to help each remote worker get this important feature set up properly.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security on password-protected accounts. Once a password is entered, a second identifier is required - typically a code sent through text message, email, or phone call, or sometimes a separate authentication app. Workers both in and outside of the office should be encouraged to use this option on any account where it is available.
- Make remote work policies easy to follow. Perhaps the most critical step to having a more secure teleworking team is communicating clear expectations. Employees are not always aware of the crucial role they play in cybersecurity. Virtual training programs and eLearning platforms can quickly bring any workforce up to speed. Follow-up training and open lines of communication help build positive security habits that protect the company.
While this rapid shift to remote working may seem overwhelming in many ways, cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. A few simple precautions backed by an effective training program can give workers and managers alike peace of mind that workplace data is secure, even when work is happening remotely from a home office.
Author Bio
| Chris Willis is Senior Product Manager, customer content, for eLearning Brothers. As a creative instructional designer and business consultant, Chris Willis boasts more than 20 years experience working remotely, leading geographically diverse teams to solve a wide range of business challenges for large enterprise clients. Connect Chris Willis |
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