5 Steps for Improving Remote Work Security: Best Practices to Follow Today
If you’re a business owner, you know that the remote work trend isn’t slowing down. And while there are many benefits to allowing employees to work remotely, there are also real cybersecurity risks that come with it. This makes the need for robust remote work security practices more important than ever before.
In this quick guide, we’ll share some of the best practices for remote work security and steps to follow today to help keep your data and systems secure. Whether your business is just transitioning to a remote work environment or you’ve been remote for a while, smart security procedures can protect your business.
What is remote security?
Remote work security refers to the protocols and measures that a company puts in place to protect its employees who work remotely, i.e., outside of the standard office setting. This can include everything from ensuring that data is properly encrypted and stored on secure servers to providing employees with access to virtual private networks (VPNs) so they can connect to the company network securely.
Today’s dispersed workforces make remote security a crucial component of your small business operations. And while the need is fairly obvious, putting it into practice takes some planning and work. But don’t worry; at USX Cyber, we’ve got you covered with the steps you need to get started.
5 Steps to Improving Remote Work Security
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to remote cybersecurity. However, we’ve compiled 5 steps for you to follow today in order to improve your remote work security and begin building a set of best practices.
- Establish a remote security policy.
- Restrict access to sensitive data to authorized users only.
- Use encryption to protect data.
- Use a VPN to connect to the company network remotely.
- Train employees on how to work securely.
1. Establish a remote security policy.
Perhaps the single most important step you can take is establishing a remote security policy. This should include a set of IT security guidelines that govern how employees who work remotely should access and use company resources. The purpose of a remote security policy is to protect an organization’s data and systems from being compromised by unauthorized users, as well as ensure that all remote workers have the necessary tools and training to work securely.
There are many factors you need to consider when creating a remote security policy for your business. The most important factor is the type of data that will be accessed remotely. Other factors include the level of access needed by users, the sensitivity of the data, and the potential for data loss.
2. Restrict access to sensitive data to authorized users only.
Another critical measure you can take to protect your business from data breaches and other security risks is to restrict access to sensitive company data to authorized users only. This means that only employees who need access to the data to do their jobs should be given access and that access should be limited to what is necessary for them to do their work.
Restricting access is important not just because it helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data. It also helps ensure that employees are using company resources safely and securely.
3. Use encryption to protect data.
Encryption is key to protecting your small business in a remote work environment. Simply put, encryption is the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format so that it cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. Encryption should be used both while data is in transit, i.e. being sent over the internet, and when it is stored on servers or devices.
Encrypting data helps protect it from being accessed by unauthorized users, whether they are outside the company or inside the network. It also helps ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and PCI-DSS. So if you handle credit card transactions or operate in the healthcare industry, encryption is all but required to do business.
4. Use a VPN to connect to the company network remotely.
A VPN, also known as a virtual private network, helps to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This extra layer of protection provides a secure connection to the company network, which helps safeguard your data and systems from being compromised. It also allows you to access company resources, such as files and applications, from any location — which is especially relevant with a remote workforce.
There are several different VPN providers available, so it’s important to choose one that meets your needs. The most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN provider are the level of security they offer, the features they provide, and the price.
Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider, the next step is to set up the connection. This process varies depending on the provider you choose but typically involves creating an account and downloading and installing the software. Once installed, you simply open the software and enter your login information to connect to the VPN.
5. Train employees on how to securely work remotely.
Employees are your greatest resource, but they can often be the weakest link in an organization’s cybersecurity defenses. That’s because they may not be aware of the risks posed by cyber threats, or they may not know how to protect themselves and the company from these threats. It’s your job as a business owner to ensure your employees are well-trained on how to securely work remotely.
Training employees on cybersecurity matters is essential for protecting your business from data breaches and other security risks. Employees need to be aware of the dangers posed by cyber threats and know how to protect themselves and the company from these threats. They should also be familiar with the company’s remote security policy and understand how to comply with it. But just as important is drafting your policy so that it is clear and comprehensible for employees of all technical abilities.
The best way to train your employees on cybersecurity is through a combination of online training courses and hands-on training. Online courses can provide employees with a basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts, while hands-on training allows them to apply what they have learned in a safe environment.
Protect Your Remote Business Today
Working remotely can be a great way to attract top talent and give your employees flexibility. However, it is by no means without risk. Running a remote small business requires a specialized cybersecurity plan.
And that’s exactly what USX Cyber specializes in. Whether you do business in-person, in the cloud, or entirely remotely, — our exclusive GuardientTM Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform stands ready to protect your organization.
Contact one of our expert analysts today to find out how easy it is to get the cyber protection you need.