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Working remotely is becoming the new normal for many people. Companies have had to adjust quickly to this new kind of workforce and this new style of work. One of the key issues that have cropped up related to remote work is a lack of security for sensitive company data.
Remote work offers new means for hackers to access company data. Shoddy VPN products as well as improper behavior on the part of employees who are not educated in online security have led to many companies being hacked or dealing with ransomware attacks that could have been avoided. Remote work can be done safely, but you will have to be sure that your business has the right security in place to maintain the security of its network.
If you are ready to learn more about the process of keeping sensitive data safe when working remotely, you will need to read on!
Keeping Sensitive Data Safe When Working Remotely
Strong Passwords
Passwords can be the weakest link in your company’s online security and you will need to be sure that your employees and vendors who have access to your company network remotely are using strong passwords for every form of access they need to use each day in their daily tasks. You can use password generators to create passwords that will not be easy to guess and you can make sure that your employees are aware of the right kinds of passwords to be crafting for their needs.
You can also set passwords to expire frequently so that there are no issues with easy-to-guess passwords remaining live in your systems. You should also educate users about refusing to allow programs to remember your password for an added layer of security.
Use Encryption
Encrypted messages and encrypted data are much harder to hack and this can be one of the key ways to prevent issues with hacking. When you work with personal information for customers, you need to use encryption for any kind of transmission that involves this data so that this information is not easy to steal. Encryption can be important for use when speaking with vendors and other work contacts via email as well.
Many companies believe that encryption is only necessary for medical communications but encrypted emails are much more important than they used to be. There is no better way to protect company data than to send encrypted communications and you should consider this a necessary part of your business security protocols.
Use the Cloud
If you have not already started to use cloud storage for your data, there is no time like the present. The cloud is very secure and you will be able to access this data from any kind of device without having to have a local copy of the information or the program on your own devices. Making sure that employees are not working off of their own personal copies of programs or spreadsheets and other information can also help communication and clarity within your organization.
Cloud storage is increasingly affordable and easy to access and you will be so glad that you have entrusted your data to this very secure means of storage. You will be much less likely to lose company data to theft when you use the cloud for your data storage and you will not have to worry about a lack of oversight related to security updates and other necessary functions related to your data that is in storage.
Install Updates
Software updates are critical to the security or your network. These updates include patches that make firewalls and other security measures aware of new security threats that have developed. Updates also keep the most current version of programs operating in your network. A lack of updates is one of the most common reasons that companies fall prey to malware and ransomware attacks.
Taking care to run updates and restart machines frequently can make a huge difference in your overall network security. Make sure that your employees understand the importance of running updates on their machines and that you also educate them about the need to restart their computers and devices regularly as well. Failing to run updates and other necessary maintenance functions on your antivirus and other security protection programs can lead to hackers gaining access to your data with ease.
Use a Quality VPN
You should never allow anyone to access your company’s network without the use of a VPN to protect the connection. VPNs keep your data secure and help to prevent hackers from gaining access to your network and company data. VPN use is basically a requirement when your company employs remote workers and you will need to have a VPN solution in place that is reliable and is well-maintained.
VPNs are not that expensive and they are much less costly than a ransomware attack or other form of successful hacking effort. Make sure that your employees realize the risks that are associated with connecting to your work network without a VPN and be sure that they know how to properly use the VPN you have selected for your company’s security needs.
Keeping Data Safe is Easier Than you Think
When you have taken the time to bolster your company’s network with the right security features and applications, you will find that you can have peace of mind about the security of your company’s data. You will need to educate employees about safe remote work practices and be sure that you are keeping company software of all kinds up to date with the latest version. The simple tips and tricks on this list will keep your company from falling prey to cyberattacks, even if you have lots of people working for you remotely each day.
Remote work is the new normal and there is no sign that this is going to change anytime soon. If you have not taken the time to prepare your company’s network for a safe and secure remote work experience, you will be opening yourself up to risks that could lead to the downfall of your company.
