Security and Remote Workforces 

With the current and future global situations, more organizations are working with geographically distributed teams. So this means that data is being both accessed and processed at any point in time and all over the world.

Currently, more employees are operating remotely than ever before. Remote work poses serious security challenges for companies. As the employees are not physically working in the corporate centre , they’re often relying on their own devices or Wi-Fi to access company data. Security Risks (Working from Home- WFH). To mitigate security risks, businesses MUST implement clear and comprehensive policies, adopting proactive measures to ensure the safety and integrity of corporate data. These policies will ensure remote workers are provided with secured access to servers and thereby securing corporate data. 

To make sure you and your company are mitigating your security risk, we’ve included some key strategies businesses can implement to secure their important data and applications, while at the same time improving the productivity of employees. 

Execute zero-trust network access

Though VPNs (Virtual Private Network) have been used for a long time to protect the remote workplace, many businesses are turning to a more reliable solution, referred to as ZTNA (Zero-Trust Network Access). Depending on the zero-trust security philosophy, these ZTNA’s assume anything and everything trying to connect to its network system could potentially be compromised. Thus, workers need to provide verification. ZTNA’s utilize a third-party cloud provider as a mediator to control access to applications.

Educating remote employees

No matter how strictly data security policies have been deployed, it might result in failure if employees within the organization are not aware of their role when implementing these policies. This is especially true in the case of a remote workforce. As employees use systems and applications from their personal devices over potentially unprotected networks, they need to be trained to be attentive in protecting themselves from not being compromised by potential cyber threats. Employees should also be aware of the recent malware threats and phishing scams being used by cybercriminals.

Back-Up Essential Data and Systems

As organizations shift to using a remote workforce, having the right backups will help the businesses to ensure uninterrupted work flow in the event of a network breach. Data backup has become increasingly important because the downtime will likely be much higher as employees depend on multiple technologies to do their work. If key systems, i.e. your network, experience downtime, it can bring entire operations to a screeching halt for the remote workforce. Having essential data backed-up within a reliable data center will often provide increased stability and security.

Use an MDM/EMM solution

It would make sense for businesses to use an MDM (Master Data Management) or EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) system when their workforce is working remotely. It will help to manage a fleet of devices and differentiate corporate from personal data. Additionally, it also improves device security.

Invest in an MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider)

With cyber threats on the rise, cyber security has become a complex and rapidly evolving field. Some companies simply don’t have enough manpower or expertise to implement proper risk mitigation strategies vital to supporting a remote workforce. Shifting to a remote environment exposes a network to different challenges, therefore, in such circumstances, MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider) can prove to be invaluable support. A good MSSP can deliver software tools along with a security workforce to both launch and maintain a strict cyber security strategy.

CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)

A comprehensive understanding of cloud applications that employees utilize, and how they apply them during routine tasks, allows businesses to mitigate risks. It will better protect sensitive & important information. A CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) lets you check all the managed and unsanctioned applications being used within your organization and how employees are connecting to IT resources.

SkySail Technologies | Your IT Provider 

Entire remote workforce setup might be challenging & burdensome. However, we at SkySail Technologies have a dedicated team of experts that is well equipped and are here to support you as you set up your remote network necessities. We are available around the clock for troubleshooting   and are not just a service provider but a technology success partner! Contact us today!