It can be difficult to manage remote employees, especially when it comes to enforcing safety and other guidelines. Without the proper training or safety measures, it can be easy for hackers and thieves to take advantage of remote work systems. Here are several ways to help your remote employees maintain business security and keep confidential information safe.
Limit Work to Official Company Computers
Not all remote employees will have the same level of technology and security at their disposal. For this reason, many companies send their remote workers official company laptops or computer systems. Ensure all remote employees have a company laptop and require them to work exclusively off these systems. This ensures all your remote employees have the same software, anti-virus protection, and system with no pre-existing malware and other security issues.
Set Up a VPN
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are crucial when managing remote employees. Whether your whole workforce is in an office or scattered with remote employees, most of your information sharing will take place online. VPNs keep information private and online activity anonymous, protecting your information and covering vulnerabilities in your system. When you provide your in-office and remote employees with company computers, ensure they come with a VPN securely installed.
Hold Cybersecurity Trainings
Not all your incoming employees will be well-versed in how to stay safe online. Whether you’re training your employees on how to avoid phishing scams or how to connect to the VPN, there are many subjects to cover. Provide your employees with free courses and workshops on internet safety awareness, the most effective ways to use their work equipment, and how to protect confidential business data and information. This training can be useful to them both inside and outside of work hours.
Encourage Home Office Shredder Use
When remote employees print out confidential business documents at home, they can put your information at risk of improper disposal and theft. Encourage your remote employees to properly dispose of confidential documents, files, and more by shredding them before tossing them. If you expect your remote employees to work with many confidential documents and printouts, you could even send them a high-security deskside shredder to ensure certified document destruction and maintain your company’s information safety outside the office.
These tips for how to ensure remote employees maintain your business’s security can help cover vulnerabilities in your remote work program. If you want to protect your confidential information and ensure your entire workforce is on the same page, start utilizing these tips and strategies today.