Data security is one such challenge that is accepted universally by companies and the staff. As employees today are working from their home Wi-Fi networks, some are even using the public networks, and amidst all this, it has become a challenge to keep the data safe and sound. To address the theme, we have prepared this guide that leads to secure data while working from home. While the physical security of the home office is equally important, which accounts for the devices to be stolen or any other hindrance in the workspace, it is cardinal that you do not take the security of data for granted. Let’s dive in and truly understand the same:
- Firm cyber security policy: The importance of data security must be well known to all the employees in the organization. It is often seen that the employees are a part of the organization but are unaware of the data security policy in the organization. Therefore, there must be a practice of making the employees aware of the personal and professional data security practices to keep the organization safe and sound in the digital space. Companies might assume that the policies are known to the employees, but it is not so. Establish a firm policy and ensure that all the employees are well aware of every fact present in the policy document. This policy should have special measures to protect the employee data while working remotely as well. 2. Safe Internet connections for the employees: In most of the attacks, it is seen that the employees were using unsecured Wi-Fi networks that made the breach easy for the cybercriminals. The use of a private network has emerged as an easy solution to this and has been adopted by big and small businesses to keep employee data secure. Organizations need to use the right VPN and verify it to ensure that all security-related aspects are covered. This is also a factor in ensuring transparency in the organization’s modus operandi in terms of access. 3. Strong passwords for the win: Keeping the employees’ data safe is another foundational practice used widely across organizations. In this regard, it is important to train the employees in password safety to protect your organization from any form of breach. Unfortunately, remote workers often forget about password protection while working remotely, so regular training must be given in the same. In addition, basic measures like keeping the passwords strong and not using the same password for two platforms must be followed for security in the digital environment. 4. Security through special certificates: It is a challenge for security leaders to keep the data secure when working remotely. There are few tried and tested practices that can shield against potential threats, and one such practice includes the use of special SSL certificates. There are many SSL certificates present in the market that organizations employ to keep security in check. Large organizations with multiple domains and subdomains to secure prefer using a multi-domain SSL certificate that provides security to up to 250 FQDNs (this number varies from provider to provider) under an umbrella certificate. It is available at affordable prices and helps the organization keep the data secure and gain the user’s trust. We recommend you to invest in the same for maintaining outstanding cyber security.
- Two-factor authentication for maximum security: Even after the organization and employees employ the strongest passwords, it is seen that it is not difficult for cybercriminals to breach security. In this way, employing two-factor authentication (2FA) is a great move in terms of security management. It is wired around the username and password being employed as the primary level security and a secret question or pin as the next level which is asked. Thus, it guarantees double security and reduces the chances of password compromise, which is better in terms of biometrics and further ensures maximum security to the organization.
- Mandatory security training for all: It is often seen that the companies do not pay attention and hesitate in investing in the employees. Training employees is important, as they often forget that the small little security practices greatly impact the organization’s overall security. They should be regularly trained in practices like not using a public network and employing a VPN; this brings out the best results in terms of security for the organization.
- Restrict the use of personal devices: Amidst the pandemic, several employees work from home and use their personal devices for various operations. Unfortunately, this allows the hackers to get into the system and steal the organization’s data. Therefore, it is better to take precautions like limiting or restricting the use of personal devices that are not as secure as the company’s network, which greatly impacts the overall security levels. CONCLUSION: Working outside the secure network of the business has its own set of challenges. These challenges recently emerged in the form of security concerns for the employers and employees both. With the increase in the number of people working from home, it is the need of the hour to address these challenges to avoid security issues at all costs. Measures like mandatory use of a VPN, use of special certificates, strong password policy, training in cyber security, and consulting cyber security export can be employed to safeguard the organization to a great extent.
