Data Security In The Remote Work World

In today’s remote work environment, which has rapidly increased due to the coronavirus pandemic, data security is especially important. To mitigate risks, it’s vital that companies have comprehensive policies to ensure the integrity of company (and client) data. In today’s blog post, we’re sharing some best practices for data security with a remote workforce. Continue reading to learn more, and if you’re looking for a Microsoft Dynamics 365 professional to help you find business solutions, including data security, contact Elite Search Professionals today. 

Why Do I Need Secure Remote Access?

When employees work remotely, cybersecurity threats greatly increase. Your workers will be relying on their own routers and other personal devices, which are difficult for your IT team to manage and secure. Accessing storage resources from remote locations over public internet makes it easy for third parties to access the connection and steal sensitive information. 

Security threats that are already present in the traditional work environment are now able to be exploited on a larger scale, and phishing attacks may be easier to execute outside of the office. The potential for malware attacks also increases as employees work on their personal devices, rather than company-owned, and centrally-managed, business devices. When you have employees working remotely, it’s important to manage the risks and adhere to data security best practices.

Set Up A VPN

Setting up a company VPN provides you with several benefits. First, they make it possible to access resources remotely that would otherwise be unavailable, while also encrypting connections. VPNs can also allow some access control for corporate networks. While a VPN is no silver bullet, it mitigates risk and you should think of it as one tool in your data security toolbox.

Securely Manage Sensitive Data

Your employees should work with sensitive data carefully and properly. Make sure that your employees cannot download companies’ data to their remote-work devices. You want to avoid a situation where an employee copies customers’ personal data to their own computer or to a thumb drive, which later goes missing or is inadvertently shared, and can expose the sensitive information. 

Migrate Your Business Applications To The Cloud

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud application, which means your employees have 24/7 access to information as well as built-in security features that are compliant with industry regulations. If you haven’t migrated to the cloud or are looking to take advantage of Microsoft business solutions for remote work, a Microsoft Dynamics 365 contractor from Elite Search Professionals can help. Browse available contractors or contact us today to learn more.

Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication

While multi-factor authentication (like having an employee enter a password and then a code sent to their cell phone) can be a hassle, it’s worth it. It’s very effective in preventing security breaches.

Keep Work Separate

Did you know that thirty to forty percent of employee internet activity is non-work-related? Not only does this affect productivity, but it also increases the chance of security risks. If you have a remote workforce, you should provide them with a company computer, which should be used only for business. Personal tasks should be done on a personal computer or smartphone.

Run Software Updates Regularly

Whether your employees are using company equipment or their own electronic devices, they should be running regular software updates. Software updates or patches often include new features to improve stability and security. Remind employees to download updates or active automatic updates on all remote devices.

Create A Telework Policy

If you haven’t already, it’s important to have a policy in place for managing remote work and company data. Setting clear rules to govern remote work helps with data security and risk management. Set guidelines on whether employees are allowed to use personal devices. You should also have rules for how employees should report suspected cyber attacks when they are working remotely and unable to interact with the IT team in person. Having a telework policy in place goes a long way in managing remote access threats to your data.

Elite Search Professionals – Microsoft Business Solutions

Utilizing a cloud-based system (or migrating your existing system to the cloud) like Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a vital part of data security in the remote work world. If you’re looking for a Microsoft Dynamics professional to help you with your migration, our team is here to help. We are experts in Microsoft Dynamics D365 F&O, Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Business intelligence, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Staffing and Recruiting. 

 

Our mission is to connect top talent with leading companies across the United States. We thoroughly vet our contractors and match them to your business’s needs. When you work with Elite Search Professionals, you can trust you’re getting the best-of-the-best. Learn more about hiring, and if you’d like to work for us, submit your resume today.