Remote work isn’t going anywhere—and neither are the risks that come with it. In fact, according to recent reports from IBM, at least 20% of businesses have faced a data breach due to remote workers. The kicker? These breaches cost $1 million more to recover from than your average data breach. Yikes!
But don’t panic! There are simple steps your company can take to protect its data, whether you’re operating fully remotely or in a hybrid setup. Let’s dive into some practical and effective strategies for keeping your information safe.
7 Security Tips for Remote Workers
1. Lock Down Your Internet Connection
The first line of defense is your internet connection. Public Wi-Fi is like an open invitation for hackers to crash your data party. When you’re working from a coffee shop or airport, you’re on risky ground—hackers can easily swoop in and steal your data if the network isn’t secure.
To shield yourself, always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, meaning that even if someone does manage to intercept your data, it’ll look like a scrambled mess. Companies should make sure employees have access to a corporate VPN, making secure connections a breeze.
2. Get Serious About Password Management
You wouldn’t leave your house keys under the doormat, right? So don’t do the digital equivalent with weak passwords! Encourage your team to create strong passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. And for the love of security, skip the obvious stuff like birthdays or pets’ names.
Double down on security by enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It’s like having a second lock on your front door—if someone gets a hold of your password, MFA will still require a secondary verification step, like a code sent to your phone.
3. Encrypt Sensitive Data
Even if someone gets their hands on your data, encryption keeps it safe. Think of it as locking your files inside a digital safe. Without the key, the information is useless to anyone who doesn’t have the proper credentials.
Use built-in tools like Windows’ BitLocker or macOS’ FileVault to encrypt sensitive files on your devices. That way, if your laptop gets lost or stolen, your data remains under wraps.
4. Back Up Data Like It’s Your Job
Backing up your data is a no-brainer—and yet, it’s a step many people overlook. Don’t be one of them! Automate your backups to make sure your data is stored safely on a regular basis. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, use two different types of storage (like an external hard drive and cloud storage), and make sure one copy is offsite. This way, even if disaster strikes, your data is still accessible.
5. Use Secure Communication Channels
Remote work means a lot of messaging, emailing, and video conferencing. Unfortunately, not all communication tools are created equal when it comes to security. Sharing sensitive information through unencrypted channels is like posting your passwords online.
Stick to encrypted messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, or Wire for secure conversations. When it comes to video calls, check if your platform offers end-to-end encryption (Zoom and Microsoft Teams have these settings—just make sure they’re enabled!).
6. Guard Your Devices Against Physical Threats
It’s easy to think about data security as purely digital, but physical security is just as important. Make sure your devices are protected from unauthorized access. If a laptop gets lost or stolen, it’s not just the hardware that’s gone—it’s potentially sensitive company data too.
Enable features like “Find My Device” on Windows or “Find My” on Apple devices so you can remotely lock or wipe them if needed.
7. Securely Destroy Data When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
Deleting a file isn’t the same as erasing it. When data is on old hard drives or SSDs, it’s still there—lingering and waiting to be found by someone who knows what they’re doing. This is why securely destroying outdated data and devices is a must.
Enter Phiston Technologies, your go-to for secure data destruction. Phiston’s hard drive shredders, SSD destroyers, and media disintegrators make sure old storage devices are completely irrecoverable. Plus, they offer convenient services like shipping your drives for shredding and issuing Certificates of Destruction (CODs) to keep you compliant with industry regulations.
Why Choose Phiston for Secure Data Destruction?
- Stay Compliant: Phiston’s data destruction solutions are designed to meet strict regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. That means you can confidently tick the box for compliance.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Phiston’s products, like the MediaDice® All Media Disintegrator, are built to handle all kinds of storage media, from traditional hard drives to the latest SSDs.
- Peace of Mind with COD: When you shred with Phiston, you get a Certificate of Destruction. This isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s your guarantee that the data is gone for good.
Wrapping It Up
Remote work brings flexibility and convenience, but it also comes with unique security risks. Protecting sensitive data requires a proactive approach—whether it’s securing your internet connection, using strong passwords, encrypting files, or backing up data. And don’t forget about properly disposing of old data and devices.
By following these tips and using reliable services like Phiston Technologies for secure data destruction, you can keep your business data safe, wherever your team is working.
Contact us today to learn more about our data destruction solutions.
