We’re all worried about cyber-security in this day and age. This is particularly true for business owners. As businesses become more dependent on technology, there are a lot of benefits but a lot of risks as well. This is particularly true as more and more businesses employ remote employees.
Remote work is virtually impossible to avoid during the current pandemic. Not only is a remote workforce safer; it’s also often more productive and efficient. Additionally, business owners are able to save money on renting out an office space and paying for utilities. But the reality is that there are cyber-security risks to be concerned about as well, which is why it was expected that spending on commercial IT services would amount to $952 billion worldwide by the end of 2020. Many business owners don’t realize, however, how important working with professional IT providers on cyber-security really is. That’s why we’re looking into some of the security risks that come with a remote workforce. While this doesn’t mean that companies should avoid employing a remote workforce, it does mean that they need to invest in managed security services. With that being said, let’s explore some of the security issues that crop up after businesses move their employees to remote work.
1. Equipment Theft
When employees work remotely, they typically will be issued equipment by their employers. This technological equipment will often include headsets, microphones, webcams, and laptop computers. Some of them even use tablets and work phones. Unfortunately, this type of equipment may host sensitive information. This is a major reason why commercial IT services are often consulted with to devise plans that will prevent equipment theft.
Ideally, employees will never attempt to steal equipment. But if they do, the priority should be ensuring that as much data as possible can be remotely removed from those pieces of equipment. This is often done through cloud computing. Additionally, IT professionals can help create check out systems to ensure that equipment is tracked alongside the employees using that equipment.
2. Compromised Data
When employees work in offices, they often feel more “watched”. While this comes with professional drawbacks, it also comes with benefits. Employees often walk through steps like carefully saving and following protocol because they feel more of a pressure to do so in an office setting. When working at home, they may not feel the need to following important steps like these.
What this can cause is compromised data, which is less likely to save correctly and more likely to be lost. This is why it’s important that commercial IT services are employed to remotely monitor procedures and ensure that it’s less likely that data will be lost. Additionally, when they’re available they are able to act quickly and prevent the problem from spiraling out of control.
3. Lack of Backups
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why companies run into this type of issue, of course, is that employees are not properly backing up their data. This can be done more effectively through step by step procedures implemented by IT professionals.
When working with providers of commercial IT services, business owners can collaborate with them to implement training programs for new employees or employees moving to the remote workforce after years of being office employees. This helps ensure that employees are properly trained. IT service providers can also conduct audits to ensure that employees are following procedures.
4. Lack of Discretion
Unfortunately, some employees who work from home do get into the habit of treating their work computers like personal laptops. This means that they’re more prone to browsing and may find themselves on websites that they shouldn’t be on, or disclosing information that they shouldn’t disclose. Business owners can prevent this from spiraling out of control by working with IT support to implement barriers.
Firewalls, as well as tightly encrypted passwords, can prevent employees from accidentally leaking company secrets or exposing their computers to viruses. But this shouldn’t be undertaken without advisement from IT professionals.
There are so many benefits of working with professional IT support providers. In fact, it’s arguable that utilizing a remote support staff isn’t possible without them.
