Remote Data Security: How Do You Keep Your Company's Data Secure When You Have Remote Workers?

How the Company and the Management Team Can Ensure the Data Remains Secure

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Source: timify

Remote work environments present unique challenges for security teams, who must implement effective organisational measures and security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance. These teams face ongoing challenges related to data security, regulatory compliance, and managing evolving threats in distributed work settings.

Companies can implement the following six strategies to improve data security for remote workers and reduce cybersecurity risks across their distributed teams:

1. Creating Strong Passwords and Using Secure Password

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A strong password is the first defense strategy against data breaches. Changing default passwords on all devices and accounts is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and enhance overall security. Companies can educate employees on creating strong passwords that combine upper and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers. They should also use password managers that generate and store random, unique passwords for each account, like 1Password and LastPass.

These tools restrict the use of the same passwords for different accounts, reducing the risk of password reuse and increasing protection against hackers. It’s advisable to change these passwords regularly and ensure you log out of all sessions. Additionally, changing default passwords on hardware such as routers and personal devices is a key step in securing hardware and protecting sensitive data. Saving passwords in browsers can lead to data breaches in case of device loss or theft; hence, there is a need to use a secure password manager.

2. Using Stronger Protection Techniques

Apart from using strong passwords, adding an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication minimizes the risk of unauthorised access by unauthorized users to sensitive data and is essential for robust remote workforce cybersecurity. It requires users to enter a unique code sent to the email or a mobile device linked to the account, making it harder for hackers to gain access.

3. Establish a Cybersecurity Policy

Companies must establish clear data protection and security policies outlining the procedures and protocols for remote employees. Clear guidance should be provided to staff on how to follow these policies, including best practices for securing personal data and privacy when working remotely. It should cover safe usage of secure internet connections, personal devices, and other data safety measures. Once complete, they should brief employees on the practical application of these policies, to ensure they fully understand how to observe and maintain the protocols to avoid a severe security breach and to help ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

4. Installing the Best Tools

Companies should give remote employees the necessary online safety programs, including anti-malware, firewalls, and antivirus software. It is crucial to install security software on both company devices and employees' own devices, including laptops and mobile devices, to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance. The internet has many options, but companies should select and provide high-quality software they are confident can prevent and flag malicious activities that could compromise the company’s data. The management team must enforce regular updates and scans to enhance maximum protection.

They should also provide reliable remote access software and secure services to help employees work on their office devices. It’s a better option because the data remains intact on secure devices. For example, they won’t need to download sensitive files to their personal devices, which could lead to unauthorized access from other users. Examples of reliable remote access software include TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, and ConnectMe. Other secure platforms like TIMIFY, which are GDPR-compliant, also help teams manage scheduling workflows without compromising client data.

5. Encrypting Sensitive Data

Encrypting sensitive data makes it unreadable without a decryption key if it falls into the wrong hands. Encryption is essential for secure data transmission when employees access company resources remotely. Companies must prioritize encrypting all sensitive data, whether accessed remotely by employees or on the company servers.

6. Using a Protected Network Connection

Virtual private networks (VPNs) for remote employees secure the connection between the company’s network and a remote device, encrypting all transmitted data. Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks or even home networks exposes sensitive company data to interception and cyber-attacks, but using VPNs allows employees to securely access company resources from any location. This layer of security protects sensitive information from potential cyber-attacks. Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks are dangerous for remote workers, but using a VPN mitigates the risks. Companies should provide remote workers with a trusted and suitable VPN to allow them to work freely without worrying about data security.

Importance of Consumer Data Protection

Source: timify

Consumer data protection is paramount in the current digital economy. Failing to protect personal data can result in severe consequences, including data breaches, data loss, and the exposure of sensitive personal data, which may lead to legal penalties and reputational damage. Businesses must know the importance of transparent data practices and informed consent. Additionally, they should strictly adhere to international regulations and standards to mitigate data security risks businesses face if they do not comply by following these tips:

1. Regulatory Compliance

They should ensure their service providers comply with international standards, including GDPR compliance, PCI DSS, CCPA, SOC-2, CDPA, HIPAA/HITECH, and NIST SP 800-171, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring compliance with these standards. These providers collect massive amounts of consumer data; hence, there is a need to observe top-notch security strategies. Bleaching these regulations can lead to reputational damage and substantial fines. These standards make businesses handle consumer data responsibly, including its usage, storage, capture, and sharing.

2. Non-Digital Data Safety

They must protect non-digital data, such as that collected through consent forms, paper surveys, and feedback forms. They can secure it by secure storage, digitizing it promptly, and destroying physical copies that they don't need in the future.

3. Data Access Restriction

Consumer data should remain limited to authorized individuals who require it for their role. It is also important to monitor access to consumer data to ensure that only those with proper authorization can view or use it. Password access control and multi-factor authentication mechanisms can safeguard it and avoid misuse.

4. Clear Privacy Policies

Companies must have a comprehensive and transparent privacy policy on data collection, usage, and sharing. They should review the policy regularly to maintain compliance. Furthermore, they should make it available to the public and easy to understand. They should ensure users can opt out of data collection anytime.