Harvard Business Review proves to us that remote work isn’t going anywhere.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people thought they would lose their jobs. However, a new modality gained traction, allowing thousands of professionals to work from home on similar or identical tasks to those they performed in enterprises, despite concerns about home office cybersecurity.

Even though many executives are eager to return to work, it is natural to believe that the situation will not return to normal in such a short period of time. Given the facts from the Harvard Business Review, it is critical to be vigilant throughout the workday to ensure complete safety.

Why isn’t it time to say goodbye to remote work yet?

It is common for many employees to not want to return to in-person offices due to technological advances. Furthermore, home office cybersecurity has become more professional, allowing a company’s personnel to maintain data on high alert without having to travel to a set work site.

Many inventions and research began to be carried out to ensure that the most diverse functions in the business sector could react positively to distant interactions, decreasing the need to return to work, thanks to the COVID-19 epidemic, which perpetuated this tradition of working from home.

Another factor contributing to the lack of “goodbye time” is the enormous number of startups founded during the pandemic. Because they work primarily remotely, they are likely to continue investing in this paradigm in order to sustain the integration and results gained within this highly comfortable modality.

Can remote work reduce productivity?

Taking into account that home office cybersecurity is typically maintained, in addition to a large quantity of resources and facilities for employees, many studies claim that productivity can be reduced by up to 10% when compared to work performed in person.

However, it is important to remember that remote work is significantly less expensive than in-person employment. This is due to a significant reduction in the requirement to rent a place as well as the necessity to spend in in-person selection processes, which entail a significant amount of time and financial resources.

It is vital to note that the hybrid model’s productivity demonstrates significant differentiation across roles and people, taking into account their management techniques. Remote work, in general, may have minimal net effect on productivity and may gradually enhance it, particularly due to employee incentive.

5 things to do about home office cybersecurity

It is critical to ensure home office cybersecurity in order to secure employees and company data. Check the necessary actions to avoid failures.

1. Use a secure connection

Encourage employees to encrypt data flow between their devices and the company network by using a Virtual Private Network. Furthermore, it is preferable to avoid utilizing insecure public Wi-Fi networks to access confidential information.

Secure connections are largely responsible for blocking suspicious cybercriminal acts, as well as preventing data theft and corruption.

2. Frequently update software and devices

Ensure that all devices used for remote work have the most recent operating systems and software. After that, tell staff to use antivirus and firewall software to keep their personal devices secure.

When software is frequently updated, it is possible to ensure that equipment is secured from potential invasions that were more vulnerable in a previous version. As a result, all equipment must be continuously checked.

3. Stay aware of security policies and guidelines

Create remote work security policies, including guidelines for the usage of personal devices and networks. It is critical to ensure that all policies are comprehensible and that staff are committed to adhering to them.

4. Ensure the protection of confidential data and information

Employees should be educated on the necessity of keeping sensitive data private and not sharing it in unauthorized settings. You protect sensitive information, make sure you employ data encryption solutions.

5. Perform security audits

Conduct frequent audits to evaluate remote work security, detect vulnerabilities, and guarantee policy compliance. Maintain an open channel of communication so employees may report security problems or events to enable better cybersecurity control when working remotely.

5 things not to do when it comes to cybersecurity when working remotely

To avoid further damage to the organization while implementing remote work, it is critical to understand what cannot be done in this system under any circumstances. Check out the precautions listed below.

1. Leave security policies aside

When working remotely, do not disregard or disregard company security policies. To preserve personal information and system integrity, it is critical to adhere to set criteria.

2. Using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks

To access company information, avoid using unprotected public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are easily breachable, revealing sensitive data.

3. Sharing confidential information on low credibility channels

Share sensitive information on illegal or insecure applications or platforms. Use only company-approved means to discuss sensitive information, with the goal of passing this type of information on to employees as well.

4. Leaving devices unprotected

Don’t take your personal devices used for remote work lightly. Ascertain that they have the most recent antivirus, firewalls, operating systems, and high-quality cybersecurity services.

5. Skip safety training

Don’t underestimate the value of remote employee security training. Ensure that everyone is appropriately trained on safe procedures such as spotting phishing and handling information securely.

Need more cybersecurity in your home office? Count on Tracenet

Hiring Tracenet services is another effective technique to secure home office cybersecurity. Contact us using this link to receive a thorough assessment of your network security, consultation to build security policies for the firm, analysis of risks and responses to incidents, and many more resources for the security of your organization.

Home office cybersecurity is one of the most important issues for firms who still employ people in this capacity. As a result, it is critical to have excellent services that can ensure the integrity and protection of sensitive data while preventing losses and market wear and tear.