The COVID-19 pandemic influenced many organizations to promote a mobile, remote workforce. And, even as society begins shifting back to pre-pandemic normalcy, a large number of companies continue to allow their employees to work remotely.
While this arrangement can be beneficial for everyone involved, it does introduce complications and additional security concerns.
Let’s take a look at some tips and best practices you can use to help improve the security of your mobile workforce.
Employee Training
One of the most productive actions your organization can take to improve cybersecurity is to develop and encourage a program of employee training.
You’ll want to provide guidance on data handling policies to all of your team members, both in the office and your remote workforce.
This is especially true when dealing with any data deemed particularly sensitive, like bank account information, health care data, and proprietary information.
You should also educate them on information related to identifying & avoiding phishing schemes.
For new employees, you’ll want to require such training, while an annual refresher remains a good idea for everyone in your organization.
Use Extreme Caution with Public WiFi
Public WiFi networks are everywhere, and offer remote workers an easy and convenient method of connecting to the office.
Unfortunately, these same convenient systems are notoriously insecure, and pose great danger to corporate systems.
For this reason, never use public WiFi to access company resources unless you use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt data transmission and secure your communication.
Enforce a Strong Password Policy
People tend to use passwords that are easy to remember.
But, this becomes a dangerous practice that shouldn’t be permitted when accessing your company’s computing environment.
A strong password policy that includes regularly scheduled changes should be enforced across all systems.
If necessary, you can even incorporate password management software into your business practices.
Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) in Your Remote Workforce
Regardless of whether you employ a remote workforce or your employees work within your building, MFA remains one of the basic principles of strong cybersecurity practices.
Use MFA wherever possible to minimize the risks of compromised credentials enabling unauthorized access to an organization’s infrastructure.
This eliminates the possibility of a single carelessly-guarded password letting hackers into a system.
Mobile Device Management
If your company provides cell phones, tablets, or any other devices, make sure these are inventoried and centrally managed.
This includes ensuring that all hardware and software security patches and updates are installed on the devices.
End-point security should be implemented with anti-virus and malware detection software installed and updated regularly.
Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring
As great as the cloud can be for sharing and storing your company’s data, it also poses additional security risks.
For that reason, any cloud resources accessed by your remote workforce should be continuously monitored for security breaches.
That’s because even well-intentioned employees may inadvertently misconfigure applications that allows hackers to gain access to your company’s infrastructure.
The cloud provides hackers with another attack surface from which to compromise sensitive data.
Back Up All Devices Regularly
Regularly scheduled backups are critically important for remote workers and their mobile devices for multiple reasons.
Mobile devices can be lost or stolen, and a valid backup may be the only way to recreate the information they contained. Backups also protect against ransomware or other forms of malware and provide a recovery point in the event of a successful attack.
Reaching Out for Help
Whether your team members work solely from the office, or if you employ a remote workforce, securing your information properly remains a critical challenge.
But, with regular device backups, MFA, and proper cybersecurity training, you’re on the right track. And, with strong password policies & monitoring of cloud systems, your organization can stay one step ahead of attacks.
That said, sometimes it feels easier said than done. It’s often challenging for organizations to effectively manage and maintain the security of their resources.
Fortunately, you never need to go it alone.
Ideal Integrations, along with our cybersecurity division Blue Bastion, can help.
Ideal Integrations offers customers managed cloud solutions to help you address the needs of your remote workforce.
Simply contact us at 412-349-6680, or fill out the form below, and let our security and IT experts will gladly outline your options and best solutions.