8 Ways to Ensure Data Security of Remote Workers 

Remote work has made it convenient for a massive number of people to work from the comfort of their homes. You can work from home or any place in the world while maintaining a work-life balance. All this has been possible by the advancement in technology. Remote working comes with a lot of benefits for the employees. Equally the employers share perks because of low operational costs as well.  

Advanced technology has brought about a considerable increase in remote work. However, it has also brought with it the risk of data privacy. Data breaches have become very common. They can jeopardize the user’s privacy as well as the company’s reputation at any time. Hence, it is necessary that the company contacts IT service providers for business IT solutions against cybercrime. It is essential that companies take the required steps for the protection of their remote workforce on the cybersecurity front.  

Endpoint Protection for Home Users  

Workplaces usually have enterprise security infrastructure that protects their on-site devices with the enterprise network connection. While it is easy to maintain such security for on-site workers, it is difficult to provide remote workers with the same level of safety. Hence, endpoints at home are constantly vulnerable to phishing campaigns and malware.  

To cater to this issue, companies can direct remote workers to install antivirus tools on devices connected to the corporate network. Your IT teams can use other security tools available in the market. This will allow them to set up remote access for your remote workers.  

VPN  

Virtual private networks should be made mandatory for remote workers. This is valuable because before the data reaches its final destination, it goes through a server in an encrypted form. It provides your remote workforce’s data with an added layer of protection by keeping it secure and private. For an even more favorable outcome, you should ensure that your VPN is up to date.  

Encrypted Communication  

Your company’s data holds utmost value; hence you should take measurable steps for its protection. This data is carried through the company’s networks. Hence, you should protect the enterprise network at all costs. Unsecured endpoints because of remote work might make your network vulnerable to cyberattacks. Companies can tend to this problem by introducing encryption platforms to remote workers. This ensures the protection of mobile as well as static data across transcripts, emails, chats, and recordings.  

Backup Systems  

There is an increased risk of data loss due to breaches. Hence, it has become crucial for companies to keep backups of their data and resources. Companies can provide their employees with cloud storage to cater to this problem. Cloud storage helps you store all your private and confidential files online. This was data is very easily accessible to the users. However, you should protect cloud data using security programs. This ensures protection from any data breaches or potential cyberattacks.   

Multi-Factor Authentication  

Multiple factor authentication helps companies limit access of sensitive to authorized professionals, as per their function and profile. OTPs, biometric-based information and response-based questions all act as authentication barriers for your data.  

Awareness of Cybersecurity Hygiene  

To ensure the strength of your cybersecurity network, it is important for people implementing it to have cybersecurity awareness. Therefore, regular training programs and security sessions should be carried out to further educate the employees on this matter. Users can be taught to use antivirus software updated tools. Furthermore, you can train them to not click on unverified links and to update their firewalls. This will protect them from disguised scams.  

Password Managers  

Because of increasing reliance on digital platforms, remote workers must memorize multiple passwords. Using the same password across multiple platforms can compromise their account’s security. Hence, you should encourage remote workers to use password managers. They provide the users with secure data sharing. Moreover, they ensure that the users log into multiple accounts safely.   

Update Software  

As software gets updates of better versions, so do data breach programs. Cybercriminals are looking for loopholes all the time to gain access to a company’s data. Hence, they are coming up with new techniques to do so. Therefore, companies should equip themselves with the latest and updated software for protection against such threats. Regular reviews can ensure that your workforce is using the most recent versions of security software.  

Conclusion  

Remote working has many benefits for companies and employees. To ensure that the data of remote workers also remains secure at all times, companies must use the right technology. Hence, companies must maintain a high level of data protection policies.