When working remotely, the last things you need are any sort of added problems. You’re typically working with deadlines, collaborations, and multiple communications issues. Just doing your job is a full-focus role, even if you’re an expert.
Remote workers will know how much havoc can be caused by even minor issues. Best practice for remote work is to have all your tech nailed down, reliable, and absolutely trustworthy. This is, after all, business. Technologies and other issues need to be working smoothly and fluently. On the job, you don’t want to be tinkering with wi-fi, or anything else, if you can help it.
On the positive side of the equation, remote workers are typically high-end users and know how to manage their gear and tech well. Even on the no-frills level, you’ve got the equipment you need to do the job.
Cyber security for remote work essentials
Employers, remote workers, and remote contractors need to be on the same page with their cyber security. On the other side of the remote work equation are communications. That’s where online security comes calling as an unwelcome, potentially major risk/liability just when you don’t need it.
When it comes to cyber security, you need to be absolutely bulletproof, for many good reasons.
To explain:
- Cyber security goes well beyond the old faithful antivirus and firewall. Security threats are online. They’re always there and evolving. If you’ve ever been hacked, you’ll know what a scary, crazy, expensive, process it can be. You can lose your basic communications, email, get locked out, and more.
- Working remotely, you’re potentially vulnerable. Your business systems may have great security, but that’s for them, not you. Authorisations and accreditations go only so far as security measures. Some companies (financial companies, tech companies, major corporations, etc.) also attract a lot of heat from hackers. Hackers can sometimes get contact details from either end of the communications networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in the network.
- Risks need to be identified. The fact is that many contracts employing remote workers have a menagerie of devices of various ages and degrees of security in their networks, so shared risk cuts both ways.
- If you’re working with sensitive information, you need to be careful. It’s often the case that working with things like research, commercial transactions, can be targeted. Commercial and technical information is currency for hackers, and they don’t mind helping themselves to any information they can find. Others don’t mind paying for it, either, so be aware your sensitive work needs to be well protected.
Let’s not over-simplify cyber security realities
You’ll see a lot of hype online about Easy Fix solutions for cyber security. These sales pitches are designed to reassure would-be clients, but they’re also more than a bit misleading. There are some critical facts to consider here:
- Every business system needs custom security. There are no exceptions. No two business systems and their networks can be exactly the same. They all need a thorough check for possible risks. Most networks have some older software and sometimes even antique setups which can be very high-risk. If you’re in the process of shifting over to remote work, this is the time to take a long hard look at improving security and ditching the fossils.
- Security means 24/7 security. As an employer, you must have remote backups, and top quality support 24/7. Hackers don’t work 9 to 5. This type of security is very like 24/7 IT support, in many ways, but it has to be there ASAP when you need it. It’s best to integrate your support with your remote workers to cover all the angles. A major cyber security event can be truly devastating, so make sure everyone’s covered. As a remote worker, you may need help, too, either as a hack attack recipient or to deal with “collateral damage” from a hack to your employer or contractor. If you’re an independent contractor, you can set up your own security.
Cyber security solutions
Custom security is the best, safest, and most cost-effective option for remote workers, employers, and contractors. The “custom factor” will map out a clear picture of your security needs, support requirements, and above all, protecting your work.
The benchmarks for top quality cyber security are:
- 24/7 support. Don’t even bother with anything else. You can never be sure when you’ll need it. It’s good to know you can get support at any hour of day or night.
- Remote backups: This seems almost like a no-brainer until you realise that your onsite backups can be hacked, too, if they’re accessible. Remote backups are safe, practical and ready to restore any system almost immediately. Cut the downtime and save your valuable business assets.
- Cloud security: This is critical for many businesses. Your support service can also manage your Cloud needs from the ever-reliable Office 365 for business to more exotic Cloud tools and platforms.
- Clear costing: Good cyber security and support will give you a competitive straightforward cost for any services you require. Cyber security isn’t a guessing game, and costs shouldn’t be, either. It’s also no coincidence that the better services give the better prices and better values.
- High service standards: Good support services are always that bit better at everything. The communications processes are always timely, well handled, and you get results with a phone call or message ASAP. Nothing is too much trouble, and you get a good, practical help whenever you want.
Looking for a hand with your cyber security?
If you’re looking for top quality help with your cyber security needs, MaxIT is here to help. We’re a broad-spectrum support service for Australian businesses of all kinds, from startups to top-end corporations. We can help you with your security, backups, Cloud services and much more.
Just call us for expert help when you need top-of-the-line friendly service. Our team of professionals will be happy to assist with any type of support you need, at excellent rates. Call us or contact us online anytime.
