The modern workplace – how can we make it secure?

We now communicate via videoconferencing, share and co-edit files hosted in the cloud, chat spontaneously, and have access to our corporate strategic data – anytime, anywhere. The modern workplace offers several advantages: everything is fast, easy to access, and always up to date. But does this new way of working jeopardize corporate security? Let’s talk security.

Mobility, accessibility … vulnerability?
When we think of the modern workplace, we immediately think of the teleworking that is now a fixed part of our reality. However, the accessibility of data integral to teleworking should also be perceived as an opening of the gates that can leave you more susceptible to cyberthreats.

The reality is that your data is always at risk, whether it is in the cloud or not, whether you are accessing it from the office or while relaxing at a café. Fortunately, there are many IT security tools available to help your business. Here are a few:

1. Use two-step verification
A very effective solution is to implement two-factor authentication, which consists of using your password to access a service on one device and validating this access from another device. This prevents malicious parties from logging onto your social networks, bank accounts, or online apps.

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2. Use secure VPN connections
Hackers can use unsecured Wi-Fi connections to gain access to your device. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you should assume that it is not secure. Using a secure VPN (virtual private network) connection that encrypts communications will help you bridge the security gap that exists between your device and your corporate servers.

3. Prepare against the loss or theft of hardware
Whether the information involves clients or your company, it is a safe bet that in carrying out your tasks you will have access to confidential information. If this sensitive information is stored on your devices, is it well protected in the event that your devices are lost or stolen? 

For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you be able to remotely delete confidential information stored on your various devices. Tools such as Microsoft Intune can remotely wipe any lost or stolen device.

4.Educate to reducehuman error
Human error is one of the main causes of data loss. Accidents, negligence, and misinformation – these all increase the vulnerability of your data and systems. Email and collaboration apps such as Teams are the primary means of communication for remote employees. This fact has not gone unnoticed by hackers, who use topical emails as bait to trick people into clicking on malware links.

Training and education are excellent ways to reduce the risk of IT security breaches in a company. Anti-phishing tests are a great way to expose employees to the latest phishing techniques and to educate them on the subtle differences that will enable them to recognize such tactics.

It is, of course, good practice to use an anti-phishing tool on all your devices. Fortunately, some versions of Microsoft 365 include ATP (Advanced Threat Protection), which protects your devices in several ways. Among these protections, there is a tool that checks and processes your incoming messages in order to detect any phishing.

5. Make sure you have a data usage and backup policy
Despite the various tools available for employee training, your business may nevertheless fall prey to data loss. Make sure you have a data backup and recovery application such as Acronis, and that you keep it up to date. In the event of data loss or a ransomware attack, you can then easily revert to the previous backup and recover your data without any delay or loss of information – and without having to pay a ransom. 

In Conclusion
Security is essential to the quality of your modern workplace. A good partner in IT solutions and services can help you protect your environment, create backup copies, and above all, support you in training your employees in organizational cybersecurity.

If possible, request a security audit by IT experts. This will give you an objective overview of your company’s vulnerabilities and provide you with a list of concrete recommendations, or even a remediation plan. 

Kezber has 25 years of experience as an IT business solutions expert. We can give you peace of mind in your modern workplace.