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Data Security during Remote Work
Introduction
Working from Home has become the New Normal. Working remotely is not something new that has been introduced because of the pandemic; many organisations were already embracing it into their culture. However, this New Normal’s sheer scale due to the pandemic is entirely unprecedented and has bought a genuine threat to Data Security.
The importance of shielding data from cybersecurity threats is far greater today than it has ever been. While remote work has its benefits, employees are working from their homes’ comfort. It may fail to take various precautions needed in an environment outside of their offices which are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
This is where having a well-defined Data Security System plays a crucial role in protecting your organisations sensitive information.
What Is Data Security?
The process of protecting digital information such as various datasets, files, client information or customer databases from corruption, unauthorised access, or theft throughout its lifecycle is Data Security. It includes hashing, data encryption, and tokenization practices that secure data on all applications and platforms and hence, improving the quality of digital experience platforms. It’s a process that encompasses every aspect of information security, from administrative and access controls to physical security of hardware.
Why is Data Security important when working Remotely?
Organisations have proper and protected network systems installed in their offices. Employees are not physically present in office and have to rely on their in-house Wi-Fi network that is far less protected and easier to corrupt and steal data.
Some cybersecurity risks that a Remote worker may face are – Unsecured Network connections, Increased vulnerability to cybercrimes due to online work, Password’s hijack due to reuse of login credentials, Phishing and baiting resulting in data breach, etc.
Implementation of Cyber Security while working Remotely.
To mitigate security risks, you must develop a data strategy that includes identifying, addressing, and Resolving various Issues that may arise during Remote work. Here are some data security services and measures that you can implement:
Different organisations have different goals, departments, and sub-departments and therefore, different cyber threats that will influence which aspect of Remote behaviours should be monitored. For example, if the focus is on internal threats, you should monitor data-related actions such as when files are being emailed, uploaded, or printed by an employee.
You must have a detailed policy for data protection and data security risks and measures for Remote work and make sure that every employee adheres to it through periodic inspections and constantly update it with the help of your team of data security consultants.
Ensure use of strong and varied passwords by your remote workers is an uncomplicated way to safeguard your organisations data, which can be done by providing a password manager.
Use of Encryption software, data security tools such as VPN, Secure Sockets Layering (SSL) IP Sec, Cloud Proxy, Firewalls, Antivirus software and Malware are some of the data security best practices which you can provide for your Remote Workers.
Establish proper Access and Authentication protocols such as Multi Factor Authentication; Access is given on a “Need-to-Know” basis, Real-time Monitoring of external data access.
Establishing an Employee Baseline Activity that is finding out what is considered as “normal” employee activity; once you know what is normal it will be easier to identify when an employee deviates from it and appropriate measures can be taken.
It is not possible to pinpoint where the cyber threat will come from, be it from internal or external means therefore, the cybersecurity team should be vigilant on all ends and perform regular audits and assessments to assure compliance and have a proper data management software in place.
Conclusion
The various data sets that your organisation accumulates, generates, assembles and markets are an in-valued resource. Securing it against unauthorized and corrupted access by and Internal or external sources will safeguard your organisation from Customer Confidence Dissolution, Character Damage, Fiscal Cost, and Brand Disintegration. This also includes knowledge about data curation process.
