Source: www.govinfosecurity.com – Author:
Governance & Risk Management , Remote Workforce , Security Awareness Programs & Computer-Based Training
Tips for Employers on Securing the Home Environment and Promoting Better Hygiene Brandy Harris • October 23, 2024
Remote work became the norm for many industries during the pandemic, but as the world recovers, some companies are calling employees back to the office or adopting hybrid work models. Despite this shift, remote work remains a critical part of the future of cybersecurity and many other industries. For those who continue to work remotely or in a hybrid model, the need for robust cybersecurity practices needs to be a priority.
See Also: Live Webinar | Agency Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) Playbook
One of the key challenges of remote work is the risk of isolation, which can lead to disengagement and reduced attention to security protocols. This is especially true as businesses transition to hybrid models, where employees may feel disconnected from both the office and their home environment. To thrive in a distributed team, it is essential to maintain engagement and security awareness. Workers and employers alike can implement strategies to ensure that remote teams remain both secure and productive.
Securing Your Home Office Environment
Whether working fully remotely or in a hybrid model, securing your home office is essential. Your home setup serves as an extension of your company’s network, and without the right precautions, it could become a weak link in your organization’s cybersecurity strategy.
Tip for Workers: Ensure that all devices connected to your home network are secured with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Using a virtual private network to connect to work systems is also crucial, as it encrypts your internet connection. While it’s tempting to stick with default router settings, changing these and updating firmware regularly will significantly strengthen your home network security.
Worker Insight for Employers: Employers should provide tools like VPN access, secure password managers and regular cybersecurity training to remote and hybrid workers. It’s important to offer guidance on securing home networks and ensure that employees have access to IT support to address any security issues.
Managing Device Security
Device security becomes even more complex when employees are splitting time between home and office environments. Remote work means your devices are constantly moving, and this mobility increases the risk of theft, damage or unauthorized access.
Tip for Workers
: Ensure all work-related devices are updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software. Hybrid workers should be diligent in securing devices during travel between home and office. Always lock your devices and enable encryption in case they’re lost or stolen.
Worker Insight for Employers: Organizations should ensure that remote and hybrid workers have the tools needed to maintain device security. This includes automating updates, offering encryption tools, and providing clear guidelines for device management. Employers should also emphasize the importance of securing personal devices used for work purposes and provide solutions to help employees manage both personal and work-related data securely.
Practicing Good Cyber Hygiene
Good cyber hygiene is critical whether you’re working from home or at the office. Distributed workers are prime targets for cybercriminals because they’re outside the protective walls of the company’s internal security systems.
Tip for Workers: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks unless connected to a VPN, as they are common targets for man-in-the-middle attacks. Phishing attacks are another major threat, with remote workers being targeted through seemingly legitimate emails. Be vigilant in recognizing phishing attempts, and report them immediately. Regularly back up your data to secure cloud storage or an encrypted external drive to ensure that important information isn’t lost in the event of an attack.
Worker Insight for Employers: Regular training on the latest phishing and social engineering threats should be a priority for any employer managing remote workers. Employees should have clear and easy ways to report suspicious activity. Providing a company-wide backup solution or educating employees on how to properly back up their work ensures that data can be recovered in case of a breach.
Balancing Productivity with Security
One of the common challenges remote workers face is the temptation to bypass security protocols for the sake of convenience. While security measures like multi-factor authentication and VPNs can slow down processes, neglecting them can expose workers and their organizations to significant risks.
Tip for Workers: No matter how inconvenient security protocols may feel, they are there to protect both you and the company. Multi-factor authentication and secure logins might slow you down slightly, but skipping them could make you an easy target for cyberattacks. Always follow the guidelines, even if they seem cumbersome, and reach out for help if any steps are unclear.
Worker Insight for Employers: Employers must ensure that security measures are both strong and user-friendly. If remote workers find security processes too complex, they may seek workarounds that introduce vulnerabilities. Strive for balance between security and usability, and periodically check in with employees to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
Communication and Collaboration in a Distributed Team
Clear and secure communication is the cornerstone of remote work success. With remote and hybrid teams, it’s essential to ensure that sensitive information is not compromised through insecure communication channels.
Tip for Workers: Always use secure communication tools provided by your employer. Whether sending files or discussing sensitive information, make sure the platform is encrypted. Avoid using personal email or unauthorized messaging apps for work communication. When handling confidential data, use encrypted file-sharing services approved by your organization.
Worker Insight for Employers: Employers should invest in secure communication platforms that integrate easily into their teams’ workflows. Clear guidelines on how and when to use these tools should be provided. Employers should also make it a habit to review these tools regularly and ensure they meet current security standards.
Staying Engaged and Avoiding Isolation
One of the challenges of remote work is the potential for isolation, which can lead to disengagement and decreased attention to security protocols. This challenge is even more pronounced for those who split time between the office and home, as they can feel disconnected from both environments.
Tip for Workers: Stay actively engaged with your team by participating in regular check-ins, video meetings, and collaboration on projects. Remote work doesn’t mean working in isolation. Maintaining communication with your peers helps you stay aligned with team goals and reinforces your commitment to security practices. If you encounter security concerns or aren’t clear on a process, communicate with your manager.
Worker Insight for Employers: Fostering a culture of open communication is essential in a remote or hybrid work environment. Regular virtual meetings, encouraging open dialogue about security practices, and supporting a sense of community can prevent workers from feeling disconnected. This will not only improve morale but also help keep security top of mind.
While many organizations are shifting back to in-office or hybrid work, remote work remains a fundamental part of the workplace landscape. Thriving in a distributed team requires both employees and employers to take security seriously. Workers need to ensure their home environments, devices and communication tools are secure, while employers should provide the resources, training and support needed to make this possible. Through collaboration and a strong security-first mindset, remote workers can stay productive and secure, wherever they are.
Original Post URL: https://www.govinfosecurity.com/blogs/how-to-thrive-in-distributed-team-p-3746
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