Making Your Computer Rock-Solid

Just because a large part of your workforce is working from home doesn't mean your IT support department can step back when it comes to security. If you are having most of your workforce work from home, instead of in the office, it is vitally important that you work to keep all work communications and efforts safe and secure.

Security Tip #1: Make Sure Employees Update Their Systems

First, you need to make sure that your employees are keeping their systems up-to-date. Have your IT support department send out an email explaining how to update their systems and software on their computers.

In order to ensure that everyone is updating their systems, have them take a screenshot and send the latest version software to the IT department. This will allow the IT department to track who is keeping their software and operating systems updated and who needs additional reminders. Operating systems and software updates are important to maintain, as they usually contain additional security measures.

Security Tip #2: Provide Antivirus and Anti-Malware Tools

Second, you need to make sure that all your employees have antivirus and anti-malware tools on their computers that they are using to work from home. If you have not provided your employees with these tools in the past, now is the time to do so.

Your employees will be accessing cloud software and applications that could be hacked when they are working from home, and one of the best defenses are solid antivirus and anti-malware tools.

Security Tip #3: Provide Employees With a VPN

Third, you are going to want to provide your employees with a subscription to a virtual private network. A virtual private network will help keep your employee's work online secure bypassing their internet traffic through multiple servers. This will help make sure that their work stays safe.

Be sure to also provide your employees with virtual training on how to use a VPN. They will need to open up the application and log-in before they start working on their computer every time they start up their computer.

Security Tip #4: Require Multi-Factor Authentication for Business Software

For any business software or programs that your employees will be accessing while they work remotely, be sure to require them to set-up multi-factor authentications (MFA) as an additional layer of security. With MFA, employees have to both enter the password and a code that is sent to their work mobile device in order to access company software and programs.

If your employees are working from home, you need your IT department to work together with your employees to increase their security as they work remotely. This can be done through email, screenshots, and online training.

Your IT department can coordinate software and system updates, provide employees with VPN software, make sure everyone has antivirus and anti-malware tools on their computer, and have them work with employees to set-up MFA for business applications and programs.

If you need help implementing these tips, contact an IT support service.