The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise. Facing rising case numbers, governments enforced shelter-in-place orders to protect people from the spread of disease. Under lockdown, most companies had no choice but to adopt remote working protocols. Unfortunately, many adopted these protocols unprepared and faced numerous issues such as loss of productivity, cybersecurity threats, and more.
Although the pandemic may be on its last legs, some companies consider permanently implementing remote working measures. Remote working protocols allow companies to reduce fixed costs like rent, energy bills, transport, etc. But it’s critical to follow the proper steps when implementing remote working.
Train Your Employees
Train your employees in basic cybersecurity measures with assistance from a top cybersecurity consultant to shield them from social engineering attacks like phishing, spear-phishing, smishing, and pretexting. Hackers typically use such social engineering attacks to breach a business’s network defenses and drop ransomware or a Trojan horse.
Invest in New Technology
In addition to endpoint security, businesses should invest in company computers and devices for their employees for security and convenience. Staff must avoid using company technology for personal use at all costs.
Buy Endpoint Security
Businesses must invest in endpoint security tools that protect all desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones in the company. Top endpoint security systems powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning can proactively stop a cybersecurity attack. Some can even reverse ransomware attacks and restore data.
Shift to the Cloud
There’s a massive shift to the cloud that some experts say was accelerated by the pandemic. Shifting to the cloud can reduce costs, improve workflow, augment cybersecurity, and offer other vital benefits.
Of course, shifting to the cloud isn’t necessarily a straightforward task. That’s why you should use the best cloud computing services to make the migration easier. A company like WatServ is a top IT solutions provider that offers some of the following options:
- Cloud Consulting and Engineering
- CloudOps Managed Services
- Microsoft Dynamics Managed Services
Use a Corporate VPN
A top corporate VPN service will encrypt your data on networks and even mask your IP addresses to protect the privacy of your employees. A good VPN will also secure public WiFi access, which is essential for staff members who use their laptops and mobile devices on the go.
But when selecting a VPN service, please don’t make the mistake of using free VPNs like many small businesses. Unfortunately, free VPNs often use outdated technology open to malware attacks. Additionally, some free VPN services spy on users, sell their bandwidth and collect data in countries where data privacy isn’t a priority.
Plan Team Building Exercises
While many companies invest in the right security tools, they ignore remote working mental health challenges. Working from home has its benefits in the short term, but it can leave employees feeling isolated in the long term.
Remote team-building exercises like morale-boosting meetings, games, and quizzes can help, especially if they end with gift cards giveaways or other forms of gratification. If your business has closed its offices in favor of remote working, it can still occasionally get together physically to socialize and talk shop in safe conditions.
These are some ways a business can prepare for remote working. Your shift to remote working can be incredibly healthy for your organization with the right strategies.
