If you work on your business venture, there is a risk as well, but working as a remote employee of a large corporation puts the whole organization at risk of a security breach. While some companies have sound network security systems, others are not aware of the dangers of remote working.
Why Do Remote Employees Face More Security Challenges?
More responsibility shifts towards an individual employee as a remote worker but not everyone realizes it. If you work from a company office, your system is protected by corporate security. Businesses invest a lot of money to buy the right security solutions. For their remote employees, corporate devices still carry out a certain level of protection but the environment heightens the risk.
Hackers have started targeting home networks more since more people have shifted towards the trend of working from home. There is also a risk of disposing of physical documents that contain sensitive business information. Simply tossing an important document in the bin after use can result in a significant security breach.
Here are some effective ways to help ensure data security for remote workers.
Secure Cloud Option
When working remotely, there is a set of tools that ensures connectivity between members of a team. Moreover, you need a safe cloud option to store and organize files so other members can search for them while ensuring security.
Business owners must ensure the chosen communication platform is safe and meets all the security demands. They should look for a virtual data room suitable for their business operations. Learn More about Firmex and popular virtual data rooms to know how they manage your confidential sharing needs.
Store Confidential Data Safely
Even if you work from your home, try to keep data and files safe with CASB as your company’s future depends upon it. When you are not working, keep any USB and paperwork in a folder and lock it in a cabinet. Keep your office room locked so kids can’t have access to it. All your office devices should be password protected with a strong passcode.
Once your work on some sensitive documents is done, destroying documents and hard drives physically is the best way to prevent others from recovering them.
Treat Your Home Workspace Same as an Office Location
Despite all your efforts, a small mistake can end up putting your confidential documents into the wrong hands. For this, you have to treat your workplace at home as if you are working in an office location. Refrain your family members and friends from using work-related computers, laptops, or devices for personal use. If you do so, you will put business information at risk.
For extra security, return all paper documents to the office for storage. Avoid conference calls on the porch or backyard, you might not know if someone is eavesdropping on the conversation.
Enhance Security to Avoid Cyber Attacks
Even though remote workers can be an easy target for cyber attacks, there is a lot you can do to make it more cyber secure.
Use the latest safeguarding technology like firewalls and anti-malware to avoid ransomware.
Set up automatic updates for security systems.
Set up a residential proxy network for privacy and to keep your IP address safe.
Think before you click on random emails and messages.
Improve home security and look door of your workspace when not in use.