How to address data-privacy risks created by remote and hybrid work – Guide
The global pandemic has forced many people to switch to teleworking, but this new way of working has also brought new challenges. For example, some people are now working in places where they may be exposed to sensitive company information. ..
The Ponemon Institute’s study found that an average of 40 percent of organizations’ remote or hybrid workers spend time in cafeterias and shared workspaces, according to IT and IT security managers surveyed. These public spaces pose unique security and data privacy risks – from unsecured Wi-Fi networks to visual hackers who can see and capture sensitive information on employees’ screens.
The Ponemon survey respondents were aware of these risks. For example, about two-thirds of them said they were very concerned that prying eyes would see sensitive information on remote or hybrid employee screens.
The challenge for companies is how they can maintain control over the security and privacy of their information, especially as they seek to make permanent remote and hybrid work options after employees return to the workplace.
A new type of policy
Only a small percentage of business managers say their organization has increased its privacy policies since transitioning to remote or hybrid work, according to a study by the Ponemon Institute.
A company’s remote or hybrid work policies are often difficult to create and enforce. The challenge is that most companies have never had remote or hybrid work policies in place. If they did, they likely did so in their travel policies.
The remote working policies needed to address the challenges of hybrid work are not clear. They could address issues such as: -Making it easier for employees to work from home, -Providing more flexible hours, -Creating a workplace culture that encourages remote working, and -Encouraging employee training on the best ways to work from home.
Second, the safeguards must be effective and reliable. Third, the policies must be implemented in a timely manner.
- VPNs: VPNs are a great way to protect your privacy and security when working remotely or in a hybrid work environment.
- App security: App security is important because it helps to protect your data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
- Firewalls: Firewalls help to protect your computer from being attacked by unauthorized individuals.
- intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS): IDS/IPS help to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your computer or data.
- cloud-based security solutions: Cloud-based security solutions are a great way to keep your data safe and secure online.
The best way to protect yourself from viruses and malware is to use antivirus and antimalware software. These programs can help you prevent the spread of viruses and malware, and they can also help you protect your computer from being infected by other types of malware.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. With big data analytics, businesses can better understand their cyber threats and vulnerabilities, and take proactive steps to protect themselves. Big data analytics can help identify patterns in cyber activity that could indicate a threat or vulnerability. By understanding the behavior of attackers and victims, businesses can create more effective defenses against attacks. In addition to detecting threats, big data analytics can also help identify opportunities for improvement. By understanding how users interact with systems, businesses can make changes that improve security and user experience. ..
In today’s world, identity and authentication are essential for many purposes. For example, if you want to access your account on a website, you need to provide your name and password. Similarly, if you want to be authenticated when logging into a service or using an app, you need to provide your identity information.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) are computer systems that are designed to identify and prevent unauthorized access to computer networks. ..
These technologies help protect network access and detect potential network threats. However, they don’t protect against potential physical hazards such as visual hackers who only need their eyes or a smartphone to see and capture sensitive information on an exposed screen.
Remote and hybrid work presents unique risks that must be addressed in order to protect employees. Programs that focus on educating employees on these risks will help reduce the chances of any negative consequences.
A third important factor in policies that should be considered when it comes to working in a completely private space is the fact that many employees find it difficult to work in a public space. For example, only about one-third of business managers in the Ponemon study said they work in their home office.
Screen privacy filters for laptops or monitors can help protect data privacy by darkening viewers’ angular view while providing an undisturbed viewing experience for the device user.
Workers need to be aware of the privacy-like effect that laptops have, and the risk that they may not enable it. A better option is to set privacy filters physically on laptops, monitors and mobile devices screens. These filters can provide the desired level of privacy and other benefits such as glare reduction, blue light reduction and screen saver.
Dealing with risks in the office
The data privacy issue for remote and hybrid workers is not just a concern. It’s a top priority for any organization that relies on the use of digital tools and technologies.
In a study conducted by Ponemon, white hat hackers impersonating part-time or temporary workers were sent to the offices of eight participating companies. In 88% of the attempts, they were able to visually hack information such as employee login credentials, accounting information, and customer information.
As companies review their policies to address the challenges of remote and hybrid working, they should consider updating office worker policies at the same time. This will help to ensure that all employees are treated equally and that everyone is aware of the new policy changes.
A clean desk policy should require employees to turn off devices and remove papers when leaving their work areas. Privacy filters should be installed on all computer screens and devices in a company’s offices or premises. And document shredders must be located wherever employees regularly handle confidential information. ..
Adapting to a new normal
The COVID-19 was a major change in the way work was done. Companies quickly adapted to the new way of doing things, and can still do so while keeping their workers safe and comfortable. With the right policy changes, companies can give all workers the flexibility they need while protecting their information.
Final note
This guide is designed to help you address data-privacy risks created by remote and hybrid work. If you have any questions about this article, please ask us. Additionally, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends.
