Introduction
Summer is when many of us relax, unwind, and often take time away from work. However, summer can also come with hidden data security risks for businesses. Whether your team works remotely, takes devices on holiday, or simply is less vigilant, the summer months can expose your business to potential data breaches.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to keep your business data safe this summer with practical steps you can take to ensure your business stays secure while your team members enjoy the season. I am using the term team members so that we can include our outsourced team members, including our VAs.
1. Remote Working and VPNs
As the world embraces flexible working, many employees will work remotely during the summer, whether from their garden, a coffee shop or even while on holiday abroad. While this can boost productivity, it poses security risks if employees access company data over insecure networks.
What You Can Do:
- Implement VPNs: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your team member’s internet connections, making it harder for hackers to intercept sensitive information. Ensure they use a business-approved VPN for all remote work.
- Set Clear Remote Working Policies: Remind your team to avoid using public Wi-Fi for work-related tasks without a secure connection. A quick email update on remote working best practices can go a long way.
2. Device Security While Travelling
Team members often take their work devices on holiday, whether they intend to work or not. This creates a vulnerability if laptops, tablets, or smartphones are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized people.
What You Can Do:
- Encryption and Password Protection: Ensure all devices are encrypted and secured with strong passwords or biometric locks (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition).
- Mobile Device Management (MDM): Implement a Mobile Device Management system that allows you or your team members to remotely wipe data if a device is lost or stolen.
- Restrict Data Access: Consider limiting access to sensitive company information while team members are away. If they don’t need access during their time off, temporarily revoke it.
3. Training Your Team on Summer Security
Team members are your first line of defence; extra awareness can make a huge difference during summer. Summer is an excellent time to schedule a quick refresher on data protection practices.
What You Can Do:
- Summer Security Refresher: Set up a short training session or send a guide covering key security points, such as phishing scams, password management, and secure device use.
- Encourage Reporting: Make sure team members know how to quickly report lost or compromised devices and encourage them to flag suspicious activity immediately.
4. Limit Data Access for Holidaying Staff
When we are on holiday, we are often less focused on security and more on relaxation, which can increase the risk of human error or accidental data breaches.
What You Can Do:
- Revoke Access Temporarily: If team members don’t work while away, consider temporarily removing their access to sensitive systems. This reduces risks and gives them peace of mind, knowing they’re not expected to check in.
- Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For those needing access, use 2FA for an additional layer of security, ensuring that even if login credentials are compromised, your systems remain protected.
Conclusion
Summer should be a time for both relaxation and peace of mind. These proactive steps can reduce the risks associated with remote working, device security, and human error during the summer months.
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