There are quite a huge number of people across the globe who work remotely. Some do it while others do it only once in a while. The trend seems to be growing rapidly due to its huge number of advantages. According to research, 30% of people working remotely tend to accomplish a lot within a small period of time. This is the main reason why most companies work with remote teams. Well, despite all those positive remarks, telecommuting also brings with it a number of security challenges. Companies that work with different teams remotely tend to have a hard time ensuring data security. If at all you are facing such a problem, below are some tips on how can you keep data secure when working with a remote team.
Reinforce Password Policies
Coming up with a password management policy can be quite an efficient way to ensure data security. Simply make sure people working remotely use strong passwords which are then changed frequently. Every password should be at least eight characters long and must have a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. This will prevent any unauthorized personnel from gaining access to your confidential files. In case you trust your telecommuters, you can make use of password management services which will allow them to remain logged in without necessarily knowing the password. Such services include one pass and last pass. These password policies will seal any loopholes that people would have otherwise used to gain access to your confidential data.
Always Make Use of a Secure Connection
Whether the remote team is working on a big project or a small project, making use of a secure connection should be your top priority. This should be the first thing to configure before the project even kicks off. One of the best ways to come up with a secure connection is by using a Virtual Private Network popularly known as a VPN. What a VPN does is that it keeps telecommuters from accessing company data using a private computer. It also prevents them from using a public connection that is unsecured. On top of a VPN, you can add a remote desktop security layer. This will prevent people from downloading company files to their personal computers thus keeping information secure and confidential. At the end of the day, the remote team will only be able to work on the project without being able to access any other confidential files.
Use a Third Party Facility to Hold Your Server
When it comes to data and information, the server is usually the heart of the company. This is because it holds all the information about the firm, both private and public. These include firm records too. That is why it is vital to keep it secure at all times. One of the most remarkable ways to do so is by going for hosting and colocation services. This is where you keep your server in a third-party facility that is completely secure. You will be provided with everything required to keep it functional, including the bandwidth. Colocation services come with both physical and virtual security as well as an effective cooling system for the server. All you have to do is install your server, and it will be done.
Avoid Phishing Emails as Much As Possible
Phishing emails are a problem that both big and small companies tend to face on a daily basis. The problem becomes even more imminent when working with a remote team. This is because the team will have a hard time recognizing a phishing email since they are not used to the company’s policies and structure. It is thus important to keep telecommuters aware of phishing emails. They usually come in a variety of formats, including bank statements. When you click the attached document, the file activates and may end up creating a loophole for the sender to gain access to your company data or even infect your company files with a virus.
Ensure No USB Drivers Are Used
This might seem to be a very basic method of protecting your data when dealing with a remote team, but then it is a very effective data security policy. By avoiding the use of USB drives, you are simply avoiding the possibility of handing unauthorized personnel company information on a silver platter. There are so many cases where people have lost USB drives containing important company details. To avoid this, make sure you minimize the use of USB drives. If it can’t be avoided completely, encrypt every drive used to ensure whoever comes across it doesn’t gain access to any information just in case he or she is not part of the remote team.
So far, those are some of the most important ways to protect your data when dealing with a remote team. Making use of the above information will enable you to keep your company safe from unauthorized personnel. Some like colocation go as far as protecting your company data from physical attacks such as robbery and natural calamities. At the end of the day, you will get to enjoy the full benefits of using remote teams while minimizing the challenges involved a great deal.