Supporting your Remote Workers

With remote working still being the norm for some firms, this month we thought we would give tips on how you can keep your Systems & data secure, and let you know how we, as an outsourced IT support business can help you support them..

Firstly, the basics for safe remote working and things that all remote workers should be made aware of by their employers:

1. Secure Network Connections: Instruct employees to only use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi connections for work devices. Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable, so a VPN encrypts data and adds an extra layer of security.
2. Software Updates: Enforce regular updates for operating systems, antivirus software, and all work applications. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.
3. Strong Passwords: Implement strong and unique passwords for all work accounts and require multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. And ensure that your workers do not have matching passwords for personal accounts and work accounts. If you do run a business with remote workers, this is something you need to educate on – proper password hygiene is paramount.
4. Home Network Security: Advise employees to secure their home networks by changing default router passwords, enabling strong encryption (WPA3), and keeping router firmware updated.
5. Beware of Phishing: Train employees to identify phishing attempts. Phishing emails try to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
6. Data Encryption: Use data encryption for sensitive information both in storage and transit. This safeguards confidential data in case of a security breach.
7. Device Management: Consider a mobile device management (MDM) solution to remotely wipe lost or stolen devices and enforce security policies.
8. Security Awareness Training: Conduct regular security awareness training to keep employees updated on cybersecurity threats and best practices.
9. File Sharing Security: Establish secure file-sharing procedures. Avoid using public file-sharing platforms for sensitive work documents.
10. Data Backups:Ensure regular data backups to a secure location. This allows for data recovery in case of a cyberattack or hardware failure.

Then there is the actual support that remote workers will need, does your business have an onsite IT team to help these home workers?  If not, this is where IT Support businesses such as ourselves can help.

• With Systems Integration you have access to Expertise: We have a pool of technicians with a wide range of skills. This ensures remote workers can get help with specific problems, even if it’s a niche technical issue.
• Remote Support Tools: We are able to remote access tools to diagnose and fix problems directly on the remote worker’s device. This eliminates the need for on-site visits, saving time and resources.
• Proactive Maintenance: Systems Integration offer proactive monitoring of systems. This helps identify potential problems before they disrupt workflow, keeping remote workers productive.
• Availability: Technical issues can arise outside of regular business hours. We can provide extended or even 24/7 coverage, ensuring remote workers get help whenever they need it.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring and maintaining an in-house IT staff can be expensive. When you partner up with Systems Integration, we offer a scalable and cost-effective solution, allowing businesses to pay only for the services they need.

We have over 30+ years helping local Swindon and Wiltshire Businesses with support for remote workers as well as general inhouse IT infrastructure support. If you are looking for IT advice to ensure you stay productive and efficient, regardless of your workers location, get in touch.