Suddenly, the majority of employees are working from the home workplace. It probably feels like less grip and control over digital security for entrepreneurs and IT managers. Unfortunately, given the strong growth in the number of cyber attacks, this appears to be the case. “30% more cyber attacks by COVID-19” was recently reported in this Computable post. Therefore, these 8 clear tips for working safely at home.
Tip 1: See the company network as the basis of everything
This first tip is an important starting point; ensure a robust, workable network with sufficient internet and data capacity. Because when employees look for “alternatives”, for example if an application does not work properly, there is a proliferation of unsafe applications that you would normally never accept in the office. A rogue app is unfortunately installed this way.
Tip 2: Make sure there are enough VPN tunnels to the office
The many working from home has led to a run on VPN services. Now that several colleagues are logging into the corporate network from home, more secure tunnels must also be built to allow internet traffic to flow from the corporate environment to the home workplace and vice versa.
Tip 3: Draw up guidelines on the use of private computers
When employees do not have a company laptop, they can accidentally use the infected game PC of the children. Therefore, provide colleagues with guidelines on keeping the right software up-to-date to prevent viruses and malware.
Tip 4: Look beyond the usual Office applications
Accounting programs or CRM systems are often available as a web application, but is a secure connection also used? In your browser screen you may or may not see a secure lock. If you click on the lock, you can check whether the internet connection is safe.
Tip 5: Use MFA, Multi Factor Authentication for applications
That is logging in just like you do at the bank, for example, by entering an extra code on another device. Just logging in with username and password can be insufficient if employees have chosen easy-to-crack passwords.
Tip 6: Encrypt the hardware
Laptops can be stolen from home workplaces. Therefore, it is important to apply device encryption so that only people who have permission have access. This can be done, for example BitLocker encryption. We can also ensure that the data is no longer accessible in the event of theft of smartphones, laptops or tablets.
Tip 7: Explore the possibilities of Windows Virtual Desktop
This tip applies to companies that work with Microsoft 365 in the Cloud. It is interesting for them to invest in Windows Virtual Desktop, instead of buying extra VPN capacity. With Windows Virtual Desktop, all Windows 10 applications run in a virtual environment in the highly secured Microsoft Azure cloud. An additional advantage, in this situation, is that less investment is required in hardware. As long as there is an HTML5 browser, you work with Windows Vitual Desktop just like in the office with a less load on the company network.
Tip 8: Keep informing employees
People are and remain the weakest links. Digital security is something you have to keep alive yourself. Therefore, share information weekly or monthly. How do you do that? Google for “cyber attacks and coronavirus” then you will see what we mean.
Why digital security is even more important?
It ensures that the privacy of customers and employees is not compromised. In addition, a data breach can lead to significant fines imposed by the Data Protection Authority.
ICT2MKB | Safe working and collaboration for everyone
Do you need to take a closer look at your own safety and that of the company? Feel free to contact us to stop the increasing number of cyber attacks.
Doen!