The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to start remote work for their employees. This gradually shifted to a hybrid work environment, with days at home and days in the office according to business needs. As this becomes the norm due to its favorable nature, particularly among workers, managing security risks for the business becomes crucial. Since hybrid work relies heavily on the digital communication of workers spread out from each other, there are special challenges to managing business security.
Business security for hybrid workers can be better managed through these crucial steps
Ensuring the security of your workers and business is important, but it must be done in the right manner.
Deploy Remote Access Security
Employ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all employees before they have access to any sensitive company data or assets. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) makes use of MFA, in which it considers every network wishing to connect as a potential threat.
In this manner, it verifies every person before providing access. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) also ensure worker connectivity and productivity by allowing access from different locations, which is beneficial for those on the move.
Have a Strong Endpoint Security
Cyberattacks are on the rise as endpoint devices such as mobiles, desktops, laptops, and more are seen as easy targets. Ensure security in company provided and personal devices by keeping the antivirus software and firewall on auto-update.
Find the best Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution in the market that matches your business needs and employ it. Make sure to manage and audit these systems regularly, and fix patches wherever necessary. For stolen devices, make sure to have remote wipe know-how to prevent unverified access to company data.
Keep Your Communication Secure
Lots of data is transferred and discussed through various channels when employees communicate with each other. At every point of data transfer, it should be encrypted. This includes screen-sharing, video calls, internal chats, and more. A Unified-Communication-as-a-Service (UCaas) provider will secure data by limiting breaches.
Mandatory Training for All Employees
Before providing access to any data, employees must complete a mandatory security awareness training program. This would cover a range of topics like password protection, identifying phishing attacks, safe internet usage, and most importantly, the risks to them and the company from engaging with cybercriminals.
Design the content with clear learning objectives in mind and use a method of teaching that would be appealing to the workers. Conduct such sessions regularly and update your employees on new methods of cyberattack.
Conclusion: Be Adaptive to Be Secure
Hybrid work environments were originally an adaptive measure to the pandemic, but they quickly became a favorite in many industries, and are now here to stay. Similarly, as cyberthreats continue to present more concern, businesses must adapt and employ the right security measures for their hybrid workers. Ensuring remote access security, endpoint security, and secure communication networks are important for maintaining business security. Keep your employees up to date with regular training programs.
