The shift to remote work has been accelerated by the global pandemic, but it had already been gaining traction in recent years. Remote work offers employers and employees greater flexibility, allowing them to work from anywhere with an internet connection. It also eliminates costs associated with commuting, encourages a healthier work-life balance, and increases productivity by reducing distractions.
While remote work offers many advantages, it can also present unique challenges and risks. Communication is key in any organization, but especially so with remote teams. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be difficult to ensure everyone is on the same page. Furthermore, maintaining team morale and motivation when working remotely can be a challenge. Additionally, there are security and privacy risks associated with remote work, as sensitive company data is often stored on personal devices.
Best practices for securing remote access
When your employees are working remotely or have a hybrid work arrangement, implementing a virtual private network (VPN) can help to protect company data. Workers should not be permitted to use public Wi-Fi for their work. Additionally, organizations should use mobile device management tools to monitor access to their networks, as well as solutions such as data loss prevention software to prevent unauthorized transfers of sensitive data.
Companies should be prepared to respond if a breach or theft occurs. A remote-wipe feature is a security tool that allows organizations to remotely delete data from devices in the event they are lost or stolen. This ensures that any sensitive information stored on the device remains secure and cannot be accessed by unauthorized parties. If someone on your team loses their laptop, phone, or tablet, or if they are hacked or otherwise breached, this may be a necessary response.
Best practices for securing remote communication include using encryption, implementing secure passwords and two-factor authentication, and regularly updating software. Video conferencing services with end-to-end encryption and secure messaging apps are recommended, as well. Finally, organizations should provide their remote workers with necessary security training to ensure they are following best practices for communication and collaboration.
Using cloud-based solutions for communication, collaboration, and storage ensures that all remote workers have access to the same information. Remote access management solutions allow organizations to monitor, control, and manage access to their networks from anywhere in the world. With these tools, administrators can securely provide remote workers with corporate resources such as data and applications while still protecting company assets. Taken together, these steps can help to protect an organization’s data from unauthorized access while still allowing remote teams to collaborate effectively.
Best practices for managing remote teams
Once you have protocols for communication and security in place, you’ll need to focus on managing your remote team. The biggest requirements in remote team success involve setting clear expectations and communication protocols, providing consistent feedback and support, and establishing regular check-ins.
Additionally, organizations should equip their remote workers with the right tools to ensure they have access to all the resources they need to be successful. Finally, establishing guidelines for work/life balance can help to ensure remote workers are not overworking themselves, which can lead to decreased productivity and morale.
Overall, remote work offers many advantages for both employers and employees. However, it’s important to consider the challenges and risks that come with this type of arrangement. With the right policies in place, remote work can be a successful and beneficial transition.
Need help determining if your remote work setup is cyber-safe? Have questions about a VPN or remote network options? Contact TAG Solutions today! We have decades of experience helping other businesses with their IT, communications, and cybersecurity needs. We’d love to hear from you!