7 Tips to Protect Your Business from the Risks of Managing Remote Workers

In our digital age, running a business and having employees can involve managing remote workers. While many workers appreciate the increased flexibility that comes with working outside the office — it can even be a way to retain top talent — there are also liability risks that come with remote employees.

With more employees working from home, every device, Wi-Fi network or email server accessed outside of the business is a potential access point for hackers. It’s important to have policies and guidelines in place to ensure that your business is not a victim of a cyber-attack. 

Manage security and compliance risks by being smart about how your remote workers operate. Here are seven tips to help you reduce the threat of cybercrime while your employees work from home.

If you want to talk to an agent about protecting your business against all kinds of risk, reach out to Farm Bureau.

Tip #1: Establish Security Guidelines and Rules

Most companies conduct training and send out periodic emails about phishing, but that’s not enough to remind your employees to practice good cybersecurity habits.

A fresh reminder, including formal procedures or rule documents, can help reinforce security best practices and keep risks top of mind for employees. While your employees are working from home, be sure to notify them about common online scams with occasional reminders.

Tip #2: Set Up a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that your internet traffic goes through so it isn’t seen by third parties. Setting up a VPN may sound daunting, but even a non-techie can do it — it just requires a couple of hours to configure. Be sure to use VPN with multi-factor authentication: It’s the strongest defense.

Tip #3: Require Encryption and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) to Secure Networks

No Wi-Fi is totally secure. But private, password-protected networks are significantly more secure than public networks.

Remind your employees to only connect to private networks that require passwords to help improve cybersecurity while they’re working remotely. This will greatly reduce the risk that your secure information will be hacked. Follow these tips to secure home Wi-Fi networks. 

Tip #4: Use Password-Protected Devices

Consider requiring employees to use strong passwords that contain letters, numbers and special characters. You should also remind them not to use the same password on multiple devices and accounts.

Requiring password updates periodically will also keep your devices safer and increase the level of cybersecurity. Offer your team access to a password manager (like DashLane or 1Password) to help manage their passwords, which will keep everyone safer.

Tip #5: Maintain Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Have employees install and regularly update security software on any device they use to perform work remotely. This would include a phone, tablet, laptop or any other device.

Many employers are eliminating the option for employees to use their own device and requiring that employees use only employer-supplied equipment and devices, and if that’s possible for you, consider it as well. If you don’t provide equipment, remind your employees more often, and check if possible, to make sure they have their software up to date.

Tip #6: Power Down

Simply powering down computers when they are not being used can help keep your network safer. When they’re powered off, they are not accessible or susceptible to attacks or intrusions through the internet. Encourage your work-from-home employees to boost cybersecurity by shutting down their work machines at the end of the day.

Tip #7: Backup Data

It’s also important that you and your employees regularly back up sensitive information. Important data should also be encrypted. Secure backups are the best strategy to prevent critical business disruptions in case of a ransomware attack.

Protect Your Business

Whether you’re just starting to have employees work remotely or have had remote employees for years, it’s important to remind them of the importance of cybersecurity in small businesses. If you have questions about how to protect your business, reach out to Farm Bureau.