Business Challenges when working from home

For the past few years remote working has been a small, but growing, requirement for businesses whose employees work in various physical locations. However, COVID-19 has forced companies to facilitate staff working from home wherever possible. In general, this means any employee who does their job on a computer can work from home.

Whilst it seems like an easy process to pick up a PC or laptop, take it home and plug it in, there are certain considerations that are commonly overlooked that could have dramatic repercussions on a business.

Some issues that should be considered:

  • Home setups are often insecure utilising basic devices and are not as secure as a business level device opening the risk of data hacking
  • Remote working means data is sent over the internet which can be intercepted between the home and office
  • IT Support must remotely support devices
  • Devices can be stolen from home
  • Employees may use personal devices for work access
  • Data can be lost if not backed up sufficiently

Fortunately, there are a range of free or low-cost best practices that can be put into place to minimise any risk to you as a business.

  • Where possible only use work supplied devices
  • Define and train staff on password practices such as using a different password on each application and using 2 factor authentications if available (there has been a 600% increase in password hacking since the start of the pandemic)
  • Install antivirus software that protects against not just traditional viruses but also ransomware, malware and exploits
  • Utilise automated cloud backup software on remote workers devices
  • Access systems though VPN (virtual private network) if available
  • Create a disaster recovery plan for both remote workers and office-based data
  • Make sure loss of data and devices is covered for remote workers under your insurance

 

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