How to Manage Potential Security Risks for Homeworking Employees

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, government guidelines require everyone to work from home, if they’re able to do so. Throughout 2020, more people worked from home than ever before, with surprisingly positive results. Many employees enjoyed a better work-life balance due to remote working arrangements, while businesses were able to reduce their running costs while maintaining productivity levels.

As a result, a significant number of companies are now committed to making remote working arrangements permanent. If you want to implement effective remote working, however, it’s vital to ensure employees can operate safely. With this in mind, take a look at these top tips for managing potential security risks for homeworking employees:

1. Identify the Risks

You can’t safeguard against risks unless you know what they are. Furthermore, security protocols will only be truly effective if you ensure you’re protected against all viable risks. Of course, cybersecurity is a complex topic, so identifying potential threats isn’t easy. However, working with an FCA compliance consultant like Scott Robert, for example, or a cybersecurity expert, can help you to determine what threats your business is facing. With bespoke advice from Scott Robert Compliance, you can ensure you’re able to operate safely as an FCA authorised firm. In addition to this, custom advice regarding GDPR and ICO regulations will help you to create effective security protocols for your business.

When you think of the potential harm caused by a security breach, it’s easy to see why so many firms are relying on specialist consultants to help them create secure homeworking infrastructures.

2. Provide Devices and Equipment

Providing employees with the equipment they need means they won’t have to use personal laptops or tablets for work purposes. In your homeworking policies, be sure to state that employees should not use work devices to access websites for personal reasons, such as social media or online shopping. By issuing your own devices, you can ensure they’re fully loaded with the anti-virus and security solutions you’ve selected before employees begin using them.

3. Train Staff

No matter what protocols you put in place, staff need to abide by them if they’re going to be effective. Educating your staff about security risks and common cybersecurity scams helps to ensure they’re aware of how a threat can present itself. Additionally, when employees know how damaging a security threat can be, they’re more likely to adhere to the relevant policies. Regular security training will help to ensure employees are aware of the latest threats and able to deal with them appropriately.

4. Facilitate Wi-Fi Encryption

Homeworkers will typically use their own internet connect when they’re operating remotely, which could leave your infrastructure vulnerable to attacks. Requiring homeworking staff to use an encrypted protection can prevent anyone else from accessing your platforms or data. Recognise that employees may be unsure of how to set up an encrypted connection themselves and provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Transition to Remote Working

Although there are many benefits associated with remote working, it can take employees a little time to adjust to the new setup. Similarly, in-house processes may need to be updated to reflect the change in your operations. By taking a strategic approach, accessing expert advice and continually updating your security measures, you can ensure that your new remote working policies benefit your business and your team.

For more information visit the Scott Roberts Compliance website