How to Deal With Data Security Risks in a Hybrid Work Environment

Hybrid work arrangements are here to stay, although various data security risks and concerns may arise with them.

As the work industry continues evolving and the COVID-19 pandemic goes on, many workplaces are looking forward to creating a “hybrid” working policy that allows them to continue working despite the evident challenges and changes that have appeared as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

At first glance, hybrid working seems to be the smartest choice given the world's current situation. Suppose offers multiple perks for both the companies and the workforce, such as flexibility and convenience without compromising the performance or productivity of the enterprise. However, one of the biggest hybrid work challenges includes data and cybersecurity risks.

COVID-19 has impacted multiple areas of our lives, from how we coexist with other people in common places to how we work. In 2020, most companies experienced a sudden shift as they’ve changed from in-person meetings to virtual conferences and many other tools along with remote working.                                                                                                             

Hybrid working is increasing in usage, and so is secure emailing

According to Zivver statistics, secure emailing has increased by at least 67% since spring 2020. Furthermore, as the hybrid data concerns become more palpable with the increase in popularity of the hybrid organizational model, this percentage is expected to continue growing in the following months.

 Managing remote work security can be a complicated task, but it can become more manageable with today's technology. Using work-from-home security software is one of the first steps all companies must take. Still, there are other measurements that should be taken into account if you want to make sure that you're not compromising the data your company constantly manages.

Today's article is focused on giving you tips so that you can reduce the data security risks your company is facing as a result of the change from an organizational model to another.

What are the data security risks that companies are facing?

We cannot provide a list of solutions if we don't get to know the problems we are facing. The first step is to acknowledge that determining situations exist. You will encounter multiple situations that your company and many other enterprises may be facing as a result of the sudden change to a hybrid working model.

1. More risk of human error

Data security risks are not only a digital tool’s fault. We’re all humans, and we commit mistakes very often. Many businesses also face cybersecurity risks today.

Multiple studies have revealed that the population is more stressed than ever.  The obvious stress the pandemic has brought, plus all the preoccupations that a worker has to deal with daily at their workplace, are things that may make us "slip" from time to time.

With an uncertain routine, people can forget certain things from time to time. For instance, they may send some emails to incorrect people, deliver sensitive information, and so on. These problems are easily avoidable, especially if the company is offering flexible job opportunities.

2. Flexible tools necessities

It is quite important to provide the whole workforce with flexible tools, especially in a time where most information is being shared digitally. In addition, it is quite important to ensure that there are safeguarding tools at everyone's disposal so that everyone can exchange information easily without taking into account the place they're doing it from. Finally, using safe communication solutions will help your organization comply with certain data policies and help your employees "look twice" before sending particular information to any person or entity.

Contemplating solutions that every secure hybrid workforce should have

Of course, there are more problems that may arise given the nature of hybrid work arrangement. However, instead of numbering all the possible solutions, we can number multiple solutions that can solve the problems mentioned above and many others that may appear as the new working model is implemented at your workplace.

It is important for your company to provide enough tools and resources so that the workforce and data can remain safe. These needs will vary based on the company, its nature, and needs, but you can use some general hybrid data security tools to make sure that the data security risks are covered as much as possible.

1. Use a VPN for the company

Virtual Private Networks are an excellent way of securing the communication channels available at your company. Therefore, it is highly recommended to implement this solution to keep all the data exchange between the company and the employees 100% secure if you have remote workers.

VPNs are tools used every day to encrypt your connection information. It isn't quite complicated to get started and is a hugely practical solution to many privacy and security risks or concerns that you may have in mind.

If you think that a third party may have access to sensitive information easily when, for instance, you exchange such data with a remote worker, the best way of protecting such data is by installing a VPN.

2. Promote a security culture

It's hugely important to create a security system that keeps your company protected. Nevertheless, it is also hugely important that all your employees are aware of the risks you're going against, and you can do that by providing sporadic security training. You can promote these ideas both in-person and remotely, as most of the information exchanged is sent and received via digital means.

3. ID-management strategies

IT departments have a crucial role in every hybrid working environment. As remote employees require several digital tools to get to work, it is quite important for you to implement creative ways to ensure that every person who enters your business software and information belongs to the company.

Conclusion

Given the current state of the world, multiple concerns about data security risks have arisen. Therefore, all enterprises need to implement measurements that help them prevent unwanted situations that may cause damage to the company in the long term. Furthermore, it is quite important to take into account that these risks are acknowledged and taken care of in time.