Three steps to remote-work security

摘要

While working from home has been key to business continuity over the last 18 months, it has also opened up some potentially major security issues for firms. In an office setting, there are multiple ways to secure data, including firewalls and physical security measures such as badges, doors, locks and keys. However, remote employees could be working from their homes, their cars, or at a local coffee shop. They have laptops, mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches - all of which communicate with each other and could use several different services (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, RFID, etc.).Being outside a secure office makes these employees, and their data - that is, your data and your clients' data - vulnerable to data leaks and hacks. Even something like a chat or text message could contain confidential information, such as a Social Security number, birth date, tax information, or even medical information.This is why robust data security is vital for any company. Data breaches that compromise client or employee data are notoriously costly, averaging over $3.9 million in 2020. They not only hurt a firm's reputation and bottom line but can also result in the theft of client information, proprietary information or intellectual property. Think of all the due diligence-related information your firm has on clients who might be preparing for an initial public offering or merging with another company.