Data security is essential in the digital age, and in the age of COVID-19, working from home is also essential for many employees. How can you consolidate these 2 important necessities for your business? How can you ensure that sensitive information and customer data is kept safe when your employees are working from their own homes? Read this blog to get some tips on improving remote IT network security in Orlando.
Ensure Authorized Access to Databases
If you have a database that employees access while working, it’s important to ensure that the database is as secure as it possibly can be. Every employee should have its own account to access the database, and they should be using strong, unique passwords. If it’s been a while since your employees have changed their passwords, have them do this as well. Passwords should be a random mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, along with numbers and symbols.
We also recommend that your business establish a 2-step verification process. While fingerprint or facial recognition is the most secure option, we realize this isn’t always a possibility for companies, especially with remote workers. Consider implementing a system that requires both a password and a PIN or security code instead.
Only Use Secure Devices
While it may be tempting to let employees work from their personal devices at home, this can compromise the security of your company’s database. Instead of having them use their own laptops, set your employees up for secure remote work by sending them home with a company computer.
Ask Them to Secure Their Routers
Most internet routers come with default settings and passwords—and most people are okay to keep them that way. In fact, your employees might not even know that they can configure their router settings. If you have employees working from home at this time, ask them to secure their routers by changing their password; they should do this every few weeks if they continue working from home.
If their routers are not currently protected with a password, they need to change their router to WPA2 or WPA3 and set one up. This ensures that any data entering or leaving their internet-connected devices will be encrypted.
Use a VPN
While your business likely has a well-protected network, most local Wi-Fi providers don’t provide network security. This makes the data your remote employees access more accessible to cybercriminals as well. If you deal with sensitive data, we recommend providing a VPN to all employees. This sets up an encrypted tunnel for all online transactions and disguises the user’s identity and location. While this does come with a bit of a cost for your business, it’s a far lower cost than what would come of having sensitive data stolen.
Use Encrypted Data-Sharing Tools
If your remote employees must share files with others or access files that have sensitive information, make sure this data is only shared through encrypted tools. This not only includes file-sharing software, but virtual meeting tools as well, especially if you’re discussing sensitive information in those meetings.
With so many employees working from home right now, data security for remote workers is more important than ever. Contact Millennium Technology Group if you need more secure IT solutions in Orlando, FL, to accommodate your remote workers during COVID-19. Give us a call for a consultation today!