The Future of Work and How to Keep Your Virtual Hybrid Workplace Secure

One of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the known value of a remote workspace. Enabling employees to work from home has made a difference not only throughout the various phases of change and regulations businesses have been dealt, but also with up-keeping employee health and providing them with a safe way to work.

Moving forward, we’re expecting to see a rise in a virtual, hybrid work model. As workers return to the office, many businesses are offering the option for their employees to work from home for at least part of the time. This setup provides access to more talent, increased productivity, lower costs, more flexibility, and improved employee morale. The model may bring several benefits, but there are also some concerns to keep in mind while setting up this hybrid workplace.

While it may seem like your employees’ homes are the safest place for them to be, it’s important to remember that you’ll need their help to secure and maintain a safe work environment. Cybersecurity must remain a crucial part of your company culture and procedures that instill safe practices can help protect not only your employees but also your business. Safe practices should now include measures for individual security as well as secure access management for those working remotely. Here are some standard practices to get started:

1. Keep Personal and Work Devices Separate – If possible, encourage (or provide for) the use of separate devices for work use. This applies to both computers as well as the use of mobile phones, which are less secure devices. Utilizing a specific work computer and limiting the use of mobile devices for work purposes is recommended.

2. Use Strong Passwords – Strong passwords should be used for both personal and work use. Keeping them updated frequently is also crucial to security.

3. Check Security Settings – Make sure your employees check that their network is encrypted, their devices require a password, auto-lock or sleep is set to occur after inactivity, and WiFi and Bluetooth discovery settings are turned off.

4. Encourage Attention to Detail – Many phishing or social engineering scams rely on employees to be too distracted to notice important details. Educate your staff on avoiding these threats by taking note of warning signs.

5. Take Measures to Help Keep Your Employees Secure – To help keep your business and your employees secure, you can start by implementing cybersecurity training. However, this training should be constantly and consistently updated and repeated. Keep yourself and your employees ready for evolving threats and remind them of what practices they should have in place as well as what they should be looking out for. As their employer, you can also take steps for the security of your remote employees. Turn on multi-factor authentication to keep accounts safe, utilize a password management platform that will encrypt your passwords for security, use a VPN (virtual private network) to keep access secure, and provide your employees with updated antivirus software.

Education and preparedness can help keep your business and your employees safe, whether they’re working from your office or remote. This virtual hybrid work model seems here to stay, so spend some time outlining ways to stay on top of cybersecurity with remote workers. For guidance on distinguishing threats, establishing cybersecurity training, and keeping up with cyber threats, get in touch with me. I am happy to share my expertise and to help ensure your business is secure.

The information presented here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.