Remote working was on the rise even before COVID-19 changed our entire lifestyle and became a new normal. Now, given the new state of the world, every organization has had to rapidly adopt remote work to continue their business operations.
With the increase of remote working with millions of employees and employers, remote work security practices have become equally common. According to research , by the second quarter of 2020, about 557 million individuals around the world, including 35% of Americans, working from home. Many of those folks will continue to work from home long after the pandemic has passed.
If an organization is used to a traditional office environment, remote workforce management can be difficult to adopt and understand. Poor technology, insufficient management, and policies can make or break the transition to remote work.
Here are the 5 critical practices for effectively managing remote workforce.
1. Centralizing Storage Systems
Businesses need to lock up their confidential and critical data at the maximum level. If you are using a server-based storage system, it is necessary to use centralized storage systems with open access procedures for all employees.
Tools can provide secure access options if you’re using cloud systems. In addition, remember that minimizing local data storage is part of your personnel security protocols.
2. Provide the Right Software
Providing the right software you need to make sure your team is equipped with the software they need to perform their tasks effectively. Providing software is very important depending on what your team does and cares about.
Apart from specialist software applications, team members also need access to communication software such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, and essential applications such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. It is also important to ensure that all team members use the same versions of core software and the same applications to avoid compatibility issues, as well as provide training to employees who are unfamiliar with certain remote work software.
3. Getting Good VPN and Antivirus Tools
One of the most important things for all remote workers to do is to lock their connection in the safest way possible. Relying on existing security software is not enough when the risks of cyber attacks are so high. Instead, get a solid Virtual Private Network (VPN) and antivirus software that is regularly updated and provided by a reputable organization.
VPNs encrypt the data you send and receive. They also anonymize your online presence, making it difficult for attackers to identify. Antivirus security tools are at the forefront of fighting malware. Some popular tools themselves carry crypto mining software, so be aware and only choose apps that focus on security.
4. Using Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra barrier to block potential attacks. Multi-factor authentication means using an additional piece of information, usually stored externally, whether it’s on expert authentication dongles or your phone is texted when you log in.
In short, in some cases, SMS is not the best for authentication codes as it is not secure. However, there are application or voice-based MFA solutions that can do the job as well. Even if these increase your login time by a few seconds, the extra protection of multi-factor authentication is unlike this.
5. Making Tools Available To Every Employee Across the Network
While many companies have security tools like encryption, virus checkers, and VPNs, not every company makes these services available to remote workers. Instead of limiting useful software to your head office or to certain employees, it is useful to check licenses and expand access if possible.
In cases where you need to add extra users, it’s often cheaper to do so among a large number of employees rather than relying on individuals to purchase vital tools for themselves. It is essential to take a holistic approach and ensure that it is covered for every employee.
Check this out: NordLayer Review | VPN Service For Businesses On The Go
Conclusion
Managing a remote workforce involves a number of challenges that require specific solutions and practices. Hybrid teams of both those who work remotely and those who work physically in the workplace can help businesses reduce overall costs, increase productivity and be more active in times of distress. To adapt to this process easier, the best 5 practices we have explained above will enable us