More than ever before, companies are embracing a hybrid workspace model for their employees. A hybrid workspace enables employees to work from a variety of locations, including working from home or other off-site locations.
As more and more companies move to a fully integrated hybrid model, challenges will arise for organizations of all sizes.
Fortunately, there are several methods to tackle these difficulties so that the organization and its employees can succeed.
Create a Firm Device Policy
The first step is to create a firm device policy. This policy should include what devices are allowed, what software is allowed, and what security measures are in place.
By having a clear device policy, employees will know what is expected of them when they are working from home or another off-site location.
You may allow employees to bring their own devices and choose whether they want them company-supplied or BYOD (bring your own device).
Some of the advantages and disadvantages to a BYOD device policy include the following:
Advantages
- Convenient for employees: Employees will be more productive and efficient since they can perform their tasks on the go without having to worry about being disconnected from work.
- Lower technology costs: By not providing devices, you may save the business money. (Though it’s critical that you clearly state what level of reimbursement is required if an employee requires a new/replacement device.)
- More flexibility for remote work: Employees who use their own computers, tablets, or smartphones for work will have access to that job from both the workplace and at home, allowing for easier telecommuting.
Disadvantages
- Higher security risks – If there are no specific regulations in place on how to keep mobile devices up to date on patches, software upgrades, and other security-related items, users are at a greater risk of data breaches.
- Less monitoring – No way to monitor the device’s ability to protect against malware.
IT administrators should also consider whether corporate data may be accessed on personal devices. While it is often easier for employees to access documents quickly from their phones or home computers, this raises the potential for a data breach.
Train Your Employees on Cybersecurity
Employees need to be regularly trained on cybersecurity basics. This includes how to identify a phishing attack, how to create strong passwords, and what to do if they encounter a ransomware attack.
By training your employees on cybersecurity, you are arming them with the tools they need to protect themselves and the company from cyberattacks.
It’s also prudent to have an up-to-date incident response plan in place in the event that one of these attacks succeeds. A quick reaction might prevent the whole company from being attacked.
This will safeguard your data, no matter where your workers are located. It’s critical to protect your company from all of the cyber assaults that continue to occur day by day.
Don’t forget security as you transition from a regular workforce to a hybrid workspace or remote one; otherwise, this may be fatal.
Invest in a Trustworthy MSP
When employees are working from home or other off-site locations, it can be difficult to keep track of who is doing what and when. This is where a managed service provider (MSP) can help.
An MSP can provide 24/7 monitoring of all devices and systems, as well as regular reports on employee activity.
This can help to ensure that no sensitive company information is being released without authorization, and it can also help to keep track of employee productivity.
Some of the other services an MSP can offer businesses include:
- Installation of advanced firewalls
- Remote workforce network security
- On-site or remote IT Helpdesk
- Cloud computing options
- Data backup and recovery planning
How Can an MSP Help You?
If you are looking to transition to a hybrid or remote workforce, it’s important to partner with an MSP who can help you maintain security and keep track of employee activity. An MSP will allow you as a business owner or employee to focus more on growing and developing your business rather than worrying about who has access to what information.
If you are ready to carry your business into a world of hybrid work, schedule a free consultation with Simple Systems to receive a cybersecurity analysis.
