The pandemic requires companies to discover alternative working ways not only for the protection of their employees, but also for the long-term viability of their businesses. The “new normal” brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus stimulates the use of technology in an environment outside of businesses, a solution that offers a lot of advantages but also raises a number of data security problems.
Any method of working that requires stepping outside the company carries hazards, but our team of experts is here to help with a set of suggestions and recommendations to guarantee your workers have secure access outside of corporate perimeter protection systems.
Mandatory requirements for remote connected workstations (remote)The company’s workstations
Ensure that the company’s equipment for employers (laptops, tablets, workstations) meets the following requirements:
The equipment has an up-to-date operating system and an antivirus anti-malware solution,
Workstations have a firewall installed and configure.,
Hard disks are encrypted,
The employee has a user account with limited rights,
The account of the administrator is renamed and restricted to employees.
In extreme circumstances, these safeguards can be strengthened by restricting USB ports and limiting employees’ access to business resources. As a result, the employee will be unable to login to the workstation and utilize it for personal purposes.
Employee workstations
If staff are required to utilize their own equipment, there are a number of security and data protection procedures that can be taken:
The operating system is updated to date.
The antiviru anti-malware solution is also updated to minimize the risk of infection(remote).)
The equipment has a firewall installed and configured.
Specialized solutions are implemented that delimit the company’s data from those so that the risk of the company’s data reaching the employee’s personal space is minimal.
This safeguard ensures that personal information is not stolen by cybercriminals or mistakenly accessed by other family members who share the same computer.
Recommendations for connecting equipment to company resources
Remote work can infect the company’s network if the appropriate precautions to safeguard and encrypt communications are not taken.
Another crucial part is clearly identifying the resources to which employees will have remote access and establishing access controls. In this case, Privilege Access Management solutions for users with enhanced rights are recommended.
Securing the transfer of confidential data and communication channels
Two-factor authentication is required for access to the company’s file transfer systems. If there isn’t a file transfer company, the files will be encrypted and a strong password will be used to transfer them over public servers.
Employees’ equipment must be linked to the company’s servers at the same time to receive security updates, as well as new signatures for the antivirus solution and other apps they have installed. Another crucial feature of conference/meeting planning is the availability of secure communication channels.
Training employees when working from home
One of the most basic requirements for effective security measures is to educate human resources about potential cyber threats. First and foremost, employees must be made aware of the security hazards and personal responsibilities that come with working remotely.
Starting with the understanding that not every available communication solution is secure, it’s critical that team members don’t use the company’s work points for anything other than professional objectives, and only through the company’s official channels.
IT support is critical in cases where employees are experiencing technical or connection issues. Another point made in the press release is that individuals should pay attention to emails that mention Coronavirus because cyber attacks targeting this topic are on the rise.
The internet connection must be secure; open and free WiFi networks should be avoided. Network encryption is necessary even for residential WiFi setups. When workstations aren’t in use, it’s a good idea to lock them down. Furthermore, meeting information should not be broadcast on public channels (e.g., social media), and regular data backups are essential for data security.
Constant monitoring of logs
Along with protection strategies, constant log monitoring makes the detection and counteracting of cyber assaults even more successful. Dedicated teams can thus detect real-time threats or even behaviors arising from (abnormal) parameters generated by illegal acts.
Prompt response to incidents
A company’s security consists not just of mechanisms to respond to cyber threats, but also of a strategic plan for incident management when they occur. SafeTech Innovations experts can assist your team in establishing a plan for reporting and managing any form of cyber incident in this regard.
Such an approach will ensure that your company’s financial losses are minimized and that it is on a long-term route. An incident response team is required by every firm with a mature cyber ecosystem to test any scenario, assess problems, and upgrade security solutions on a regular basis. Discover incident response services and learn about your company’s security!