Studies have shown that over 90% of workers want to work from home at least some
of the time.

Public networks and unknown devices are a cybercriminal’s paradise.

Remote and hybrid business models can deliver major benefits
to owners and employees alike. But making them work requires understanding and proactively managing the associated data
security risks.

In this article, we’ll share 10 best practices for maintaining a secure work-from-home environment.

1 Set Clear Expectations

Data security is a team effort; all your employees must be properly informed and trained. Your first rule should be: work from home doesn’t mean work from anywhere. Public networks and unknown devices are a cybercriminal’s paradise. Your team should know how to keep their home systems safe and how to identify potential threats.

2 Keep Work and Personal Use Separate

As much as possible, you and your employees should use separate devices for separate purposes. At a minimum, your team needs work laptops they can’t use for social media or games. DNS (domain name system) filtering software can block malicious or unapproved web content. It’s all the better if your team can have dedicated mobile devices and phone lines, too.

3 Distribute Equipment to Employees

For safety, compatibility, and equity reasons, your team should be issued work-owned devices. That way, you can implement remote monitoring to ensure data security and device health. It’s also much easier to deliver tech support across a standardized set of machines. When employees depart, arrange for the timely return of all company-owned hardware and files. 

4 Install All Software

Business-issued devices should arrive preloaded with all necessary work programs and security tools. This includes email programs, collaboration platforms, IT support software, and antivirus and anti-malware tools. Make sure to enable access to shared drives and bookmark key web addresses.

5 Opt for Cloud Computing

If you’re hazy about cloud computing, the term just refers to accessing programs and files via the internet rather than on a hard drive or server in your home or office building. While some firms opt for VPNs (virtual private networks), the cloud is often a simpler solution. You won’t have to maintain a local server or worry about backing up valuable data. Plus, by subscribing to cloud-based software, you can enjoy automatic updates and swift scalability.

6 Set Strong Passwords

A recent study found that more than 80% of data breaches are related to weak or stolen passwords. Use at least eight characters, including numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Require unique passwords for each account and prompt users to change them regularly.

7 Enable Multifactor Authentication

Strong passwords are essential, but they’re not enough to safeguard highly sensitive enterprise data. A smart next step is an app that sends a time-limited code to the user’s phone upon login. This easy-to-implement technology can drastically reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

8 Limit Filesharing

To prevent internal data breaches, ensure that employees have access to files on a need-to-know basis. While we’d all like to trust our employees implicitly, many cybercrime incidents are inside jobs. Shared files should be compartmentalized, and HR and financial records should be carefully restricted.

9 Lock It Down

Computer and cloud server sessions should automatically time out to discourage unauthorized access. It’s also important to consider the physical security of your remote employees’ devices. Establish clear policies that prevent laptops and phones from being left unattended. Additionally, enable “remote wipe” on all devices so proprietary data can be deleted in the case of theft.

10 Consult an IT Expert

When it comes to protecting your business’s digital assets, it’s always wise to seek specialist advice. A trusted
third party can help you compare all your hardware, software, and networking options. You can enlist an expert’s assistance in running regular data security audits, or you may choose to outsource all your IT needs to an
experienced professional.

Work With Us

For personalized guidance on setting your business up for success, consult your financial institution.

0