Working remotely has many advantages for workers and hirers, but it has also increased the chances of having a data or security breach. This is why as a business owner; it is important to keep your business Secure.
Remote working gives business owners the advantage of employing the best talent for jobs no matter the geographical location or boundaries, while also making it easier to save up on office space and other things.
However, information or data can easily be compromised with remote working because it gives access to a third party who the business owner has only met virtually.
This is why both the workers and business owners have a shared responsibility in ensuring that the business is secured, and this can be achievable when the business owner enlightens his or her remote workers on business security and how it can be protected.
So, how can business security be handled while workers work remotely?
Educate the workers
Most workers have no idea that making a business Secure involves protecting the data and information of the business from access to outsiders. This means that data security has to be a priority and it is the responsibility for also the workers..
Cybersecurity is highly important in a business and most workers may feel unbothered by it especially when they are remote workers, this is why educating employees is necessary.
Educating them on what and what not to do to ensure cybersecurity is the way to go. Advising them not to open spam folders or click on suspicious links will help curtail the risk or possibility of being hacked.
The easiest method business owners take as a means of educating their employees is by asking them to sign a policy document that will detail everything about cybersecurity, data protection, and how it is to be shared.
This method has been highly efficient in ensuring that workers even when they are remote workers have an interest in making the business secure because they may be in breach of the policy document they signed if they don’t follow the necessary steps to keep data secure.
Training remote workers may seem time-consuming or expensive, but it is necessary for the business in the long run.
Two factor authentication
Most social media platforms offer the use of two-factor authentication when a person wants to log into their account using a different browser or device.
With two-factor authentication, a code is usually sent by SMS providers as an SMS to a phone number or to an email to confirm identity before logging in after imputing a name and password. So, if you want to secure your activities better, consider using a phone validator to define whether the number is correct or not.
The same should be applied to a business to keep the business secure. It gives both the owner and worker peace of mind to know that there is additional security in place to prevent logging in and accessing the business data.
Businesses that have the resources use multi-factor authentication which not only asks for the code but biometric, retina, or voice recognition before access.Â
Beware Before You Response:
Besides, remote workers should be aware of clicking unknown links and opening random site. A user can click on a padlock to check which SSL certificate is there. If a website runs on multiple subdomains then, there should be a wildcard SSL certificate like RapidSSL wildcard, Thawte Wildcard SSL or any other cert is used by most businesses to keep their web presence secured. In case you have an eCommerce business, you can invest in reliable eCommerce hosting that provides security features, including free SSL certificates. They should also use SSL monitoring to check for the validity of their certificates.
Security of internet connections
Remote or freelance workers choose remote working because of the flexibility it offers them. Working from anywhere be it at home, a coffee shop, a park, etc. is what most remote workers love.
However, using a Wi-Fi network that is unsecured can expose the businesses’ data to breach by third parties. This is why educating workers is necessary while also advising them to use a virtual private network (VPN) before using a public Wi-Fi network.
Using the best VPN helps keep a business secure while putting a remote worker’s mind at ease because the internet traffic he or she is using will be encrypted which makes it difficult for the company’s data to be tampered with.
Additionally, having guidelines in place on how public WIFI should be used will help make workers follow the rules and prevent them from using an internet connection that may put the business at risk.Â
If some documents are too important that even with VPNs it is a high risk to be accessed, then remote workers should be instructed not to open them while using a public Wi-Fi.
Use varied passwords
Most people use just one password to log into all the programs or sites they want which should not be encouraged if you want your business secure.
As business owners, remote workers must be enlightened on the benefit of using varied passwords for the company’s data to be protected.
When strong and varied passwords are used, it is difficult for third parties to have access to the company’s data. A strong password usually has an uppercase, a minimum of one special character, and must be up to 8 characters.
Some businesses use an enterprise password manager which randomly creates strong and varied Passwords for its users while also keeping those passwords secured and easily remembered.
Alternatively, frequently changing the passwords and ensuring that access is only given to specific information based on what a worker is handling should be done to keep information and business secure.
Use helpful software
To ensure that a business is secure, workers should have antivirus software, anti-malware, and firewalls installed on their devices to protect the business data.
Companies use services of UCaas vendors enable the communication between company and remote workers. And, it is the responsibility of business owners to advise and also ensure that this software is used and also provide help where needed to the remote workers to ensure they comply.
Remote workers may want to be uninterested in keeping their devices secured when they are aware that the business already has SSL like single domain, multi domain, wildcard like Thawte Wildcard SSL. But protecting the business is everyone’s duty and responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Having remote workers is highly advantageous because it saves money and also gives access to highly talented and skilled people no matter the geographical barrier.
But, ensuring that your business is secure even while working with a remote team is advisable if you want your business to stay for a long time. This is why implementing the steps that have been given will prove helpful.
Remote working shouldn’t feel like it is detrimental to the growth of a business and the protection of the business information or data. So, everyone must play a hand in ensuring that the business is secure.
James is the head of marketing at Tamoco
