4 Best Cybersecurity Practices for Your Remote Employees
Cybersecurity has changed quite a bit over the last decade, adapting to keep up with the wide array of threats from hackers and thieves. In just the last couple of years, business owners have had to find new and inventive ways to protect their most sensitive information as more and more employees have begun to work from home. While it can be a tricky process, it’s not impossible. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have a system in place that can help with website and email security, as well as remote support and we can point you in the right direction for that. Follow these steps to avoid security issues while your employees are working from home.
Don’t Underestimate Your Needs
Many small business owners mistakenly believe that because they aren’t a major corporation, they’re under the radar when it comes to security threats. Cybercrime and data breaches can happen to any business, however, and small businesses amount for 43% of all cyberattacks, simply because hackers are aware of the lack of tightened security. Ransomware is one example of a common crime that targets business owners by threatening to release sensitive information and customer data unless a financial exchange is made. However, an IT service and security platform can help continuously safeguard your data as well as jump into action in the event of an attack. The right service will also validate your info often to make sure no unauthorized changes have occurred — meaning, you can keep an eye on your most sensitive information whether your employees are in the office or working remotely.
Utilize Tech
These days, there are plenty of resources available for employers who need to streamline remote work, and these can also be utilized for cybersecurity concerns. For employees who use mobile devices at home to access company email or other sensitive programs, be sure to install mobile device management software so you’ll have access to all company-related data and can delete it down the road if the employee moves on or if the device itself is compromised. Consider allowing remote employees to use company-owned computers and/or tablets at home so they aren’t accessing your data on personal devices, and make sure everyone is using the same secure email service.
Go Over Best Practices Often
Tech can be extremely helpful for business owners who have remote employees, but it’s also important to go over best practices with your team and make it a recurring habit. Set rules about using cloud-based services or unsecured wi-fi, go over password and antivirus requirements and limit who has access to certain info. Train every employee on the importance of safe email and website practices, updating them on the latest scams so they’ll know what to avoid and how to react if they find themselves a victim.
Have a Plan Prepared
No business owner wants to imagine a scenario in which their data is exposed, but when it comes to breaches and other security issues, it’s essential to have a plan in place that will help you deal with the aftermath. Not only do cyber threats cause problems for a business, they can also damage a customer’s trust — taking years to repair if it’s not handled correctly. Your plan should include a way to contain the breach, possibly recover the data, and alert customers to the issue. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you have a plan in place for preventing another attack.
Ensuring that your employees have a reasonable amount of security when they work at home can be challenging, but there are several online tools and resources that will make the job easier. Keep communication open and hold regular meetings to talk about concerns so that everyone is on the same page.
Ready to create a plan for website and email security? Get in touch with Social Encode today!
