What started out as a temporary solution now has become a regular work mode. Because of the pandemic, most teams had to shift to remote work as a way to sustain their businesses. Today, when onsite work has once again been allowed, more and more people are choosing to continue working from home. With so many changes in the business world, managers of remote teams are facing a new concern. How to ensure data safety in the virtual workplace? The safety measures they had in place in the offices are no longer useful. If you’re concerned too, then continue reading to learn the basic principles for remote teams on data safety.
Cybersecurity Training
Hacker attacks are becoming more sophisticated every day. They’re trying to keep up with the rapid evolution of technology. All it takes for a data breach is a slight human error and your confidential information will be out in the world. If you don’t train your remote team in cybersecurity, you might face serious consequences at some point. Regular training will equip your staff with the knowledge they need to work in the virtual workplace. Since they’re all working from different locations, the cybersecurity training will keep them on the same page regarding digital data. You can even create policies on online safety and make them a part of your onboarding process. This way, anyone new who joins your team will know what they’re supposed to do to keep all the conversations and files safe.
Common Attacks
Have you ever heard about shoulder surfing, phishing, and social engineering? These are the most famous cybersecurity attacks right now. These threats are so refined that you can’t see through them easily. For example, you receive a regular email. But, by the time you realize there’s something wrong with it, your data will have already been compromised. Since remote teams usually use multiple tools for communication, they’re particularly sensitive to these threats. If you want to learn more about available tools, you can find out more here. Telling employees about possible attacks prepares them and keeps them alert for any odd emails or audio calls. In case they notice anything strange, they should report it to the security team and follow their instructions.
Antivirus Software
One of the most crucial software every member of your remote team has to have is an antivirus. They usually go hand in hand with operating systems. Nonetheless, they might want to switch to more advanced and professional versions. These packages contain all the precautions remote teams need. For example, the software scans files and documents automatically or optionally for malware. When it identifies any, it immediately removes it along with the code and discernible traces. More importantly, it verifies whether your computer and connected devices are secure to use. The best part about this software is that it operates in the background non-stop and notifies the users about the potential threats.
Two-Factor Authentication
Your team conducts all their business online. They exchange important corporate news, updates, information, and data. More importantly, they log in on numerous tools and platforms every day for personal and professional use. That’s why doing everything they can to improve the security of their accounts is pivotal. Thanks to innovative technologies, you can advise them to add another layer of protection. Two-factor authentication or 2FA is the additional step users have to take before they can access their accounts. Firstly, they type in their usernames and passwords. Then, they have to answer a question or enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This information is usually sent to their mobile device. Some more advanced 2FA include fingerprints, voice print, or an iris scan. Either way, the user has to confirm their identity in some way to log in successfully.
Boundaries
Chances are you’ve given all the necessary devices to your staff, so they don’t have to use their personal ones. Still, some remote workers feel tempted to use the same devices for private and work things. It’s important to discourage them from doing this right from the start. The devices you’ve assigned to employees contain all the safety nets they need. However, their personal devices don’t have as many safeguards as they should which exposes the data and accounts and makes them vulnerable to attacks. For this reason, being proactive and following guidelines and protocols on cybersecurity is imperative. In case your employees have to use their devices, they can first consult the security team.
Conclusion
Remote work was originally planned to last throughout the pandemic. Since most employees prefer working from home, managers have to prioritize data safety in the digital workplace. With these tips, all the data will be safe and the staff will perform all business operations without interruptions.
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