Digital Defense: Essential Security Practices for Remote Workers

The rise of remote work has redefined the modern workplace. Gone are the days of rigid office schedules and commutes. But with this flexibility comes a new set of challenges – cybersecurity threats. Remote work environments often introduce vulnerabilities to your organization’s data and systems. 

73% of executives believe that remote work increases security risk.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t mitigate that risk. Below, we’ll equip you with essential security practices for remote teams. You’ll learn how to keep company data safe and secure, no matter your location.

1. Securing Home Networks

Strong Wi-Fi Encryption

Ensure that your Wi-Fi is encrypted with the latest security protocols, such as WPA3. This is a foundational step in securing a home network. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your network and intercepting data.

Changing Default Router Settings

Many routers come with default usernames and passwords. These are well-known to cyber criminals. Change these to unique, strong credentials. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your network.

Regular Firmware Updates

Routers, like any other digital device, need updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Make sure to check for and install firmware updates from the manufacturer. This helps to keep your router secure.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Password Managers

Remote workers use several accounts and services to access their work. This means managing passwords can be a daunting task. Password managers can generate, store, and autofill complex passwords. This helps ensure that each account has a unique and strong password.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Installing MFA adds an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker compromises a password, MFA requires a second form of verification. This is usually a text message code or app authentication. This second step makes it much harder for attackers to breach accounts.

3. Protecting Devices

Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software

Ensure that all devices used for work purposes have up-to-date anti-malware software installed. These tools can detect and neutralize threats before they cause significant damage.

Regular Software Updates

Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that are exploited by cybercriminals. To stay protected against the latest threats, enable automatic updates for your:

• Operating system
• Applications
• Security software

Encrypted Storage

Use encrypted storage for sensitive data. This ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible to hackers. You can use both built-in options and third-party solutions.

4. Secure Communication Channels

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic. This makes it difficult for attackers to intercept and access your data. Using a reputable VPN service is crucial. Especially when accessing company resources over public or unsecured networks.

Encrypted Messaging and Email

Use encrypted communication tools. These protect the content of your messages and emails. When choosing messaging and email services, ask about encryption. This can ensure that your communications remain private and secure.

5. Safe Browsing Practices

Browser Security

Ensure that your web browser is up-to-date and configured for security. This includes:

• Enabling features such as pop-up blockers
• Disabling third-party cookies
• Using secure (HTTPS) connections whenever possible

Avoiding Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are a common threat to remote workers. Be vigilant about unsolicited emails or messages asking for sensitive information. Verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or downloading attachments. Report suspicious communications to your IT department. This helps others on your team avoid the same emails.

Use of Ad Blockers

Ad blockers can prevent malicious ads from displaying on your browser. These often contain malware or phishing links. This adds an extra layer of security while browsing the web.

6. Educating and Training

Regular Security Training

Continuous education on the latest security practices and threats is essential. This includes phishing simulations and best practices for device and data security. Teams should also be aware of any new security protocols.

Incident Response Plan

Put a clear incident response plan in place. This ensures that all employees know what steps to take in the event of a security breach. This should include:

• Reporting procedures
• Mitigation steps
• Contact information for the IT support team

7. Personal Responsibility and Vigilance

Personal Device Hygiene

Employees should maintain good digital hygiene on their personal devices. This includes regular backups and secure configurations. They should also separate personal and professional activities where possible.

Being Aware of Social Engineering

Social engineering attacks exploit emotions to gain access to systems and data. Being aware of common tactics, such as pretexting and baiting. Maintaining a healthy skepticism can prevent falling victim to these attacks.

Need Help Improving Remote Work Cybersecurity?

The transition to remote work has brought about significant changes. You need to evolve how you approach digital security. As cyber threats continue to grow, so too must security practices. 

Do you need some help? Our experts can help ensure that you are well-equipped to handle remote work securely.

Contact us today to schedule a chat about your cybersecurity.

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

“Hybrid office” is the buzzword you’ll hear used in business discussions. It’s the mix of having employees both working at the office and working from home. This has become more than a buzzword and is now the reality for many companies including ours here at Morefield.

There was a survey of employees with remote-capable jobs. The survey found that as of February of 2022, 42% of them were working a hybrid schedule. And 39% were working from home full time.

The global pandemic brought on this hybrid office transition. It forced companies to operate with teams that could no longer safely come to the office. During this time, employers and employees experienced the benefits of hybrid work firsthand.

These benefits of remote teams included cost savings for both workers and employers. It also allowed the company to operate with more flexibility. Improved worker morale was another advantage.

One fact surprised many employers that feared remote work would tank productivity.  It actually increased in many circumstances.

63% of high-growth companies use a “productivity anywhere” hybrid work approach.

In order for hybrid teams to be productive they need to stay connected.  No matter where they work, the right technology tools should enable them.

One of the leaders in this space has been Microsoft. The company plans to add several exciting updates this year. These will provide more tools for companies to enable their hybrid teams.

Here are some of the ways you can use Microsoft 365 to optimize a productive hybrid office. Note, that some of these features are already out, and others should release later this year.

1. Microsoft Teams & Expanded Features

Microsoft Teams is much more than a team messaging app. The application combines the best features of virtual video meetings and messaging channels. It brings them together into a platform designed to be a secure online work hub.

MS Teams has come a long way in the last five years. And the company continues to add more features to enable hybrid offices. Some of the recent feature updates include:

• The ability to do webinar registration
• Presenter modes that provide a more professional virtual presence
• Increased security through features like smart links and smart attachments
• A full business VoIP phone system add-on
• The addition of a “metaverse” component called Mesh for Teams

2. New Meeting Options for RSVP in Outlook

One of the challenges, when everyone isn’t working in the same place, is how to know when to “clock in” and “clock out.” As well as how to let colleagues know whether you are working at home next week or the office.

To help hybrid teams better coordinate, Outlook is getting an update. It will allow users to RSVP to meetings. This can let team members know whether they are attending virtually or in person.

3. Better Framing for More Engaging Meetings

One thing that can distract from the purpose of a meeting is someone’s background at home. Positioning of the camera can also be problematic.

One person might have their face taking up 80% of the video screen. Another may only take up 20% because they’re sitting farther away from their PC’s camera.

A new Surface Hub 2S Smart Camera will allow for better face framing. This will affect when people are meeting virtually in Microsoft Teams. Features include adjusting the room view so people’s faces will be clearer. As well as having more consistent sizing.

The video display will also automatically adjust as people join or leave a physical room.

4. Get Better Control of Your Video Using PowerPoint to Present

People often share a screen in a video call and present a PowerPoint presentation. It can be difficult to keep everyone as engaged as when you’re presenting in person.

For example, in person, you can maintain eye contact. People can clearly see your facial expressions as you emphasize various things. That’s not always the case when presenting virtually. The app may push your video feed into a tiny box.

There’s a new upcoming feature for Teams called Cameo. It will allow you to seamlessly integrate PowerPoint with MS teams. You can decide exactly how you want your video feed to appear in relation to your presentation.

Another addition is Recording Studio. This new feature for PowerPoint allows you to record professional-looking on-demand videos. You can do it right inside the app.

5. Get Help With Your Presentation Skills

Microsoft has poured a lot of AI capabilities into Microsoft 365 over the last several years. One that will soon help you deliver better virtual presentations is Speaker Coach.

This is a private and personalized coach. It can help you hone your presentation skills. This improves your switch to the differences between presenting online versus in person.

Some of the feedback it can provide include:

• Use of repetitive language
• Use of filler words (Ummm)
• Speaking pace
• Pausing for input
• Intonation
• Speaker overlaps
• And more

Ask Morefield About Improving Your Hybrid Office Capabilities with Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 has a ton of helpful features. But it does help to have an expert guide to help you navigate these capabilities. Contact us today to set up a chat about how Microsoft 365 can help your business grow.

^{Article used with permission from The Technology Press.}

Operating during a pandemic forces business owners, educational administrators and government employees to question how to transition to a remote workforce. Until recently, most institutions were unprepared for a global event with the power to close businesses, schools and other workplaces. That lack of resources and procedures can cause an array of issues for normal operations.

What Is a Remote Workforce?

A remote workforce is a team that works from home instead of reporting to an office, government building or classroom. Remote workforces got their start in the 1970s when IBM allowed some employees to work from home part-time. Since then, remote work has spread to a variety of industries like:

• Accounting.
• Teaching and tutoring.
• Customer service.
• Project management.
• Writing and editing.
• Account management.
• Medical coding.
• Data analysis.

Working from home looks different depending on your industry and individual role. Regardless, many of the things you use every day are not as easily available when your employees cannot come into work. Technology, communication services, strong Internet connections and IT support are all resources that can cause issues when your employees cannot access them.

Tips for Moving Your Company to Remote Work

Morefield Communications is an industry expert in remote work solutions. We have decades of experience, and we want to share our tips for moving a company remote:

• Ensure everyone has the technology and resources they’ll need.
• Take new security precautions to keep your data safe in and out of the office.
• Empower your employees to create an efficient setup for remote work.
• Evaluate whether your management style is effective for employees working from home.
• Enjoy the freedom remote work affords you and your employees.

Getting Back to the Office With Advanced Screening Technology

When you return to the workplace, give your employees the peace of mind they deserve. We offer a no-contact automated temperature scanning system. The technology gauges body temperature within 0.3 degrees Fahrenheit in less than a second. The interface communicates whether an employee’s temperature is within the normal range. It also gives them instructions on where to go if it detects abnormal temperatures. The scanner can determine whether someone is wearing a mask and ask them to wear one if they are not.

Elevated body temperature is one of the first symptoms of a virus or other illness. Screening your employees as they enter the workplace ensures your company is doing all it can to keep its employees safe as they transition back to working on-premises.

These units are standalone units that operate without an attendee or extra equipment. Compared to invasive screening procedures with healthcare professionals and greater risk of exposure, your investment in a temperature scanning system is a cost-effective solution for promoting workplace safety. The scanner is also compatible with other workplace systems like cameras.

Why Partner With Morefield Communications?

Morefield Communications can help you in every step toward transitioning to a remote workforce and back again. We understand the complications inherent to transitioning your workforce to remote work. Besides physical security technology, Morefield Communications offers:

• Cloud and managed services: Bringing your documents and data to the cloud is the key to encouraging efficient, organized remote work. Cloud services can also lower maintenance costs, which boosts your business’s profits.
• IT solutions: Our managed IT and networking services help reduce overhead costs by cutting down on the time and resources it takes your IT personnel to solve technical problems. Your team will run into plenty of issues as they acclimate to remote work, and our services will help you reduce downtime.
• Cybersecurity services: Remote employees might be outside your network. We’ll help you keep your institution’s private data safe from breaches.
• Unified communications solutions: Correspondence between coworkers is crucial for efficient operations and customer satisfaction. We offer a variety of services that make communication between employees easy, no matter the distance between them.
• Audio/visual solutions: Working from home involves as much collaboration as going into the office. Our video conferencing and remote work solutions help your team communicate effectively. We provide conference room design, computer networking and control system integration for increased efficiency and performance.

Connect With Morefield Communications to Ease the Transition

It’s time to prepare for the next time your workplace has to transition to a remote work model. The team at Morefield Communications is ready to connect with you and choose the best services for your company or institution. Contact us today for more information.