ACT360 – Page 2

September 20, 2022September 29, 2022

Progressive Web App (PWA) Replaces Microsoft Teams Linux Client

Microsoft has announced that it will replace the Teams desktop client for Linux with a Progressive Web App (PWA) by December 2022. The company has not clarified when it will be offering the PWA, but it is expected to have it released before December.

The company released the Linux app for Teams in 2019. It has been serving the market for the last three years and is expected to retire for something better. This CLIENT will stop working when the new app comes into play.

Messages on the retirement of the desktop client were sent to Microsoft customers in late August in the Microsoft 365 message center notification MC412007. The company has not sent customers any other messages regarding the same. There has also been no news regarding the topic. However, given the nature of the communication, it is thought that the company is introducing a platform that it can use to provide additional features to its customers.

When Microsoft introduced the app in 2019, it touted it as a Microsoft 365 app for Linux desktops. It was distributed to the client in .rpm and . deb formats. However, most users complained that the app lacked parity with other clients, especially regarding the background effects for calls and meetings.

Over the last three years, the company has pushed various updates on the client. However, it has not impressed users as much as other Microsoft-based clients. The company may be looking for an app with which to provide feature parity and engage its customer base.

What Customers Did Not Like about Linux Teams Client

While the Microsoft Teams client has offered Linux users the ability to use Microsoft tools on Linux, it has several issues that make it less appealing. Here are some of them.

Slow and Buggy

Several customers complained that the client was slow and buggy, especially regarding video chatting. Some users had issues getting the mic and screen sharing problems to work in some browsers. Besides, the WebGL platform on which it was designed is unavailable on some browsers. The software fallback may take over 30 seconds to load, which is really slow compared to other streaming tools.

Meeting Numbers Came Late

The Teams Linux client invitation system was a problem until the company upgraded it late last year. Earlier, the URLs were gnarly and long, unlike other tools that use a meeting number. It also had a “context” feature that changed based on the person attending the video conference.

Besides, users couldn’t join as guests. They must sign up and use their names and email addresses when they are invited to a virtual meeting. This is very tasking for some users and may lead to issues like phishing and other scams.

Search and Export Features

Exporting or saving an active chat to a file is impossible. There is also a feature that allows you to copy and paste the entire chat for future reference. In addition, the client did not allow users to search within the current chat. These two features were only possible with the administrator. It means users cannot refer to the conversation they had earlier with the rest of the team or search for specific information.

Enter the Teams Web App

The Teams Webs app should be fully operational before the end of November. It promises to revolutionize interactions between Linux and Microsoft users. According to Microsoft, the Teams app contains rich features that enhance user experience.

Among the key features are background effects, gallery view, and reactions. Besides, the app bridges the gaps between the Teams client on Windows and the Linux platforms. Users can also raise their hands during meetings and notify the administrator. They can also blur their backgrounds, insert custom ones, and access all the client features in an easy-to-use layout.

Other great features of the app include a system notification for chat and channel dock icons, each with controls, an auto-start feature, access to system permissions, and the ability to search messages. The app interface has also been redesigned so users can easily access features. It is less crowded, and all the links to the major features are on the main page.

In addition, the company called the Teams PWA an evolution of its Linux web experience, which offers the best of the web with the key functions of any good client. It does not require any installation; it is lightweight and full of features.

How will the Announcement Affect You?

If you use or manage the Microsoft Teams Linux desktop client, you will be required to set up the Teams PWA or use the web app to continue conducting your business. Getting started with the new tool is easy, but you should consider doing it before the cutoff date for the current client.

This involves informing all the users of the change and having them switch to the new platform when it is available to the public. It is also good to try it while the other client is still available. This allows them to learn at their own pace before the alternative is removed.

Microsoft has yet to provide all the details required for a successful transformation. However, most people can already use the publicly available PWA. Once Microsoft publishes a detailed guideline, it will be easy for people to make the proper switch.

The Microsoft Teams PWA is only available on Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Other browsers cannot run it. It is expected that Microsoft will make the app available as a full app on Linux to make communication a lot easier. The company has a Team client for the Mac that is simple to use and has the same features as the Windows platform. It will be interesting to see what the company plans for the future now that there are several competing applications such as Meet and Zoom. All-in-all, the new platform is expected to be a lot better and provide an awesome user experience.

September 19, 2022October 7, 2022

Data Classification Matters And Records Management

Why Data Classification Matters for Records Management Success

Key Points:

Records management (RM) is the administration of digital or paper records. It includes the creation, maintenance, and destruction of records.
RM aims to ensure that records are created and maintained to facilitate their retrieval and use while ensuring their authenticity, integrity, and reliability.
Data classification is a core component of records management. It organizes data into categories to manage it more effectively.

With the proliferation of electronic records, it is essential to classify and manage them in accordance with their value and legal requirements. Discussions surrounding records management and data classification often lead to debates. Stakeholders tend to have very different opinions on what should be done with an organization’s data and how that data should be managed. However, some general principles can help to guide these discussions and lead to more productive outcomes.

Records Management: A New Approach to an Old Problem

As the world becomes increasingly digital, organizations find that their traditional methods of managing paper records are no longer effective. As a result, many are turning to records management solutions that can help them manage both digital and paper records. Records management is not new, but it has changed how it is approached.

In the past, records management was often seen as a compliance issue. Organizations were required to keep certain records for a certain period, and they needed to ensure that those records were properly stored and maintained. While compliance is still an important part of records management, the focus has shifted to include a wider range of benefits.

Today, records management is seen as a way to improve efficiency, save money, and protect an organization’s data. By properly managing their records, organizations can reduce the storage space they need, make it easier to find and retrieve information, and ensure that their data is properly protected.

There are several benefits to implementing a records management solution, including:

Improved efficiency and productivity: A records management solution can help organizations more effectively manage their records, saving time and money.
Reduced risk: A records management solution can help organizations to reduce the risk of losing important records.
Compliance: A records management solution can help organizations to meet their legal and compliance obligations.
Improved decision making: A records management solution can help organizations to make better decisions by providing easy access to records.

To have an effective records management program, it is important to first establish a clear understanding of the organization’s data and its location. This can be difficult, as data is often spread across different departments and systems. Once the data has been identified, it needs to be classified into different categories. This will help to determine how the data should be managed and what level of protection it requires.

Once the data has been classified, it is important to establish management rules and procedures. These rules should be designed to ensure that the data is accessible when needed and protected from unauthorized access. The procedures should also be reviewed regularly to ensure they are still effective.

It is also important to plan how data will be disposed of when it is no longer needed. This plan should ensure that the data is securely destroyed and that no unauthorized access to the data is possible.

How Do I Get Started With Records Management?

There are four basic steps involved in getting started with records management:

Determine what type of system will work best for you. There are many different ways to organize your papers and documents, so take some time to explore your options and find what works best for you.
Identify which papers and documents need to be kept. Not everything needs to be saved forever, so it’s important to know what can be safely discarded and what needs to be kept long-term.
Store your papers and documents in a safe place. Once you’ve determined what needs to be kept, ensure it’s stored properly, so it doesn’t get lost or damaged.
Maintain your system on an ongoing basis. Implementing a records management system is not a one-time task; it’s something you’ll need to do on an ongoing basis as new papers and documents come in.

What Is Data Classification?

Data classification is organizing data into categories that can be used to manage the data more effectively. One of the most important aspects of data classification is determining how data should be categorized. Data classification schemes typically use a hierarchical structure to organize data.

However, there are many different ways to approach data classification. The best approach will vary depending on the type of data being classified and the goals of the classification scheme. In general, however, data classification schemes should be designed to meet the following criteria:

The categories should be clearly defined, so there is no ambiguity about what data belongs in each category.
The categories should be mutually exclusive so that each piece of data can only be classified into one category.

Workplace data can be classified into four primary categories: public, internal use only, confidential, and restricted.

Public data is information that can be accessed by anyone without restriction. This category includes information typically published by the organization, such as press releases, product descriptions, and marketing materials.
Internal use only data is information that is not intended for public release. This category includes employee records, financial data, and trade secrets.
Confidential data is information that must be kept secure and is only accessible to authorized individuals. This category includes supplier contracts, customer lists, and product development plans.
Restricted data is information subject to special restrictions, such as legal limitations on its use or disclosure. This category includes personal Identifiable Information (PII) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) data.

There is a reason why data classification is a critical component of effective records management. Without proper data classification, your records management efforts are likely to fail. Data classification provides a framework for understanding the value of data and how it should be protected. When data is properly classified, organizations can make informed decisions about how to store, manage, and dispose of data.

Increasing Records Management Compliance in Your Organization

Records management compliance is critical for any organization. Maintaining accurate records helps to ensure the safety and security of your business operations and protect your customers, employees, and other stakeholders.

There are several steps you can take to increase records management compliance in your organization, including:

Define your records management objectives and goals.
Implement policies and procedures for records management.
Educate employees on records management compliance.
Conduct regular audits of your records management system.
Implement technology solutions to automate records management.

Data governance is critical to the success of any organization. You must ensure that your organization complies with records management regulations and best practices. Implementing these practices can help safeguard your data and improve your bottom line.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to records management, there is no one size fits all solution. The best approach depends on the organization’s specific needs and the type of records being managed. Many different records management systems and software are available, so it is important to research to find the one that best suits your needs. Whatever system you choose, it is important to ensure that it is properly implemented and regularly reviewed to meet your organization’s needs.

September 16, 2022October 7, 2022

Raising Awareness of Digital Risks

Raising Awareness of Digital Risks: What Businesses Need to Know

Key Points:

Rapid technological advancement has led to new risks that businesses must now face.
There are many steps businesses can take to mitigate these risks, but they need to be aware of them first.
Ignoring these risks can lead to serious business consequences, including financial loss and reputational damage.

In today’s business world, technology is constantly evolving. This rapid change can be both a blessing and a curse for businesses. On one hand, new technology can provide businesses with new opportunities to grow and improve their operations. On the other hand, it can also lead to new risks that businesses must learn to manage. One of the most significant risks businesses now face is digital.

What Is Digital Risk?

Digital risk is the risk of loss or damage caused by technology. It includes risks such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and system failures. When your business scales, the attack surface area also increases. The larger your business, the more likely you are to be a target for criminals. However, this does not mean small businesses are immune to digital risks. Small businesses are often targeted. After all, they are seen as easier targets because they usually have fewer resources to dedicate to security. Digital transformation has changed how all businesses operate and has created new risks that need to be managed. Businesses must learn to manage these risks or be left behind.

What Are the Types of Digital Risks?

The complex nature of the digital risk landscape can make it difficult to identify all the risks your business faces. However, there are some common types of digital risks that businesses should be aware of, including:

Cybersecurity risks: Cybersecurity risks can be caused by weaknesses in your cybersecurity measures. This includes poor password management, unpatched software, and phishing attacks.
Data security risks: Data security risks can be caused by poor data security measures. This includes poor data management, insecure data storage, and data breaches.
Network security risks: Network security risks can be caused by weaknesses in your network security. This includes unsecured Wi-Fi networks, Denial of Service attacks, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Compliance risks: Compliance risks can arise from not complying with regulations or industry standards. This includes GDPR compliance, PCI DSS compliance, and HIPAA (US) compliance.
Cloud security risks: Cloud security risks can be caused by weaknesses in your cloud service platforms. This includes insecure data storage, cloud service outages, and account hijacking.
Resiliency risks: Resiliency risks can be caused by failures in your ability to recover from an incident. This includes things like extended downtime, data loss, and reputational damage.
Third-party risks: Third-party risks can be caused by the actions of your business partners or vendors. This includes things like data breaches, system failures, and service outages.
Privacy risks: Privacy risks are risks to the privacy of your customers or employees. This includes things like identity theft and data leaks.

How to Manage Digital Risks

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing digital risks. The best approach will vary depending on the specific risks faced by your business. However, there are some basic principles that all businesses should follow when managing digital risks.

Define what digital risks are relevant to your business.
Assess the potential impact of each digital risk.
Put in place controls to mitigate the impact of digital risks.
Monitor and review digital risks regularly.
Communicate with all stakeholders about digital risks.
Be prepared to respond to incidents arising from digital risks.

By following these principles, you can ensure that your business is well-prepared to manage its digital risks. Digital risks are an increasingly important part of business in the modern world. Understanding and managing these risks can protect your business from potentially devastating impacts.

How to Mitigate Digital Risks

Given the complex nature of the digital risk landscape, businesses must take a holistic approach to manage these risks. Some steps that businesses can take to mitigate digital risk include:

Implementing strong cybersecurity measures: This includes things like two-factor authentication, data encryption, and intrusion detection.
Improving data security: Ensure adequate security measures are in place to protect your information.
Securing networks: Install proper security measures on your networks to protect them from outside threats.
Complying with laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the data security laws and regulations that apply to your business. Make sure you are taking steps to protect your customers’ data.
Improving resiliency: This means having a plan in place in case of a data breach or other incident, such as a power outage. You should have a backup plan for how you will keep your business running.
Working with trusted third parties: When you work with other businesses, make sure they have adequate security measures in place to protect your data.
Raising privacy awareness: This includes things like training employees on data privacy and implementing security controls.

There are different controls that businesses can put in place to mitigate digital risks. These can include technical controls, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and organizational controls, such as policies and procedures.

What Role Do Risk Assessments Play in Digital Risk Management?

Risk assessments are an important part of managing digital risks. They help businesses identify their risks and implement appropriate controls to mitigate them. The most effective risk management strategies will usually involve a combination of both technical and organizational controls. There are several approaches to risk assessments, but all share some common elements.

Firstly, businesses need to identify the assets they need to protect. These include customer data, financial information, intellectual property, and company secrets. Once these assets have been identified, businesses need to identify their threats. These can come from external sources, such as hackers, or internal sources, such as employees who may accidentally or deliberately leak information.

Once the threats have been identified, businesses need to assess the likelihood of them happening and the potential impact they could have. This will help businesses prioritize the risks and put in place controls to mitigate them. Digital risks are constantly evolving, so businesses must regularly review their risk assessments and update their controls accordingly. This will help ensure that they are prepared for the latest threats and can continue to protect their assets effectively.

Wrapping Up

Digital risks are an inevitable part of doing business in the digital age. However, many businesses are still unaware of the potential risks they face. From data breaches and cyberattacks to reputational damage and loss of customer trust, digital risks to businesses are real and should not be ignored. Businesses must understand their digital risks and take appropriate measures to protect themselves. This includes ensuring that their data is secure, their online reputation is managed effectively, and their customers’ trust is not compromised.

While there are steps you can take to mitigate these risks, it’s important to remember that there is no single silver bullet. The best approach is to take a comprehensive and proactive approach, implementing multiple layers of security and constantly monitoring your systems for vulnerabilities. Now is the time to start if you’re not already taking steps to protect your business from digital risks. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, and the consequences of a breach can be devastating. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to protect your business.

September 16, 2022September 26, 2022

Introducing the Microsoft Teams Schedule Send Feature

Introducing the Microsoft Teams Schedule Send Feature

Key Points

Microsoft Teams will introduce a new feature in the coming weeks that will enable users to schedule messages to be sent later.
Schedule Send will allow users to choose a specific time and date for their message, giving them greater control over when it is delivered.
This new feature will be valuable for organizations looking to improve productivity and communication.

In today’s business world, we are increasingly relying on chat apps like Microsoft Teams to communicate with our coworkers. While this is a great way to stay in touch, maintaining a sensible workflow can also be difficult if you and your team constantly send messages back and forth. Fortunately, Microsoft is introducing a new feature to Teams that will help address this issue.

According to Microsoft’s product roadmap, Microsoft Teams users will soon benefit from a delayed send feature. This will allow users to schedule when their messages will be sent, giving them more control over their communication.

What Is Schedule Send?

Schedule Send is a new feature in Microsoft Teams that will allow users to delay the delivery of messages. This can be useful if you need to coordinate with team members in different time zones or if you want to make sure that your messages are received during normal business hours.

How to Use Schedule Send

To use the Schedule Send feature, simply compose your message as usual and then long press the send button to schedule the message. A window will appear where you can select the date and time you want your message delivered. Once you have selected a date and time, click on the “Send at scheduled time” button, and your message will be sent at the specified time.

Schedule Send is a great way to stay organized and smoothly flow your chat conversations. By taking advantage of this feature, you can ensure that your messages are always received by your team members at a convenient time.

The Benefits of Delaying a Message in Microsoft Teams

Sometimes it is beneficial to not have a message sent immediately. This could be for several reasons, such as:

You are in a different time zone, and the person you are messaging is likely to be asleep
It is out of normal work hours for the person you are messaging
You don’t want to interrupt the person you are messaging if they are busy
You want to make sure the person you are messaging sees the message as soon as they wake up/start work

How Will This New Feature Impact Your Organization?

Every user within your organization will have the ability to schedule messages to be sent at a later time. Users can schedule messages as long as the scheduled date is no longer than 7 days in the future. Scheduled messages can also not be flagged as important or urgent, and any attached files and inline images will only be accessible once the message has been marked as delivered.

While Microsoft may state that this feature was designed for organizations that employ people in different time zones, this feature can have several applications within your organization.

Here are 5 ways that your organization can make use of the Schedule Send feature in Microsoft Teams:

Time Zone Coordination

If you have team members in different time zones, scheduling messages can help ensure everyone is on the same page. You can avoid any confusion or miscommunication by sending messages at a convenient time for all team members.

Keeping the Conversation Flowing

If you and your team are constantly sending messages back and forth, the Schedule Send feature can help keep the conversation flowing smoothly. By scheduling messages in advance, you can avoid any disruptions or delays in the conversation.

Planning Ahead

The Schedule Send feature can also be used to plan ahead. If you know you will be unavailable at a certain time, you can schedule messages to be sent while you are away. This way, you can still participate in the conversation even when you cannot be online.

Avoiding Distractions

If you are working on a project and do not want to be interrupted, you can use the schedule send feature to delay the delivery of messages until you are finished. This way, you can focus on your work without being distracted by incoming messages.

Following Up

The Schedule Send feature can also be used as a follow-up tool. If you need to follow up with a team member about a task or project, you can schedule a message to be sent after the task is completed.

What Impact Does the Digital Age Have on the Schedule Send Feature?

In the digital age, we are always connected. With the click of a button, we can send a message to anyone, anywhere in the world. With instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage, we can converse with someone on the other side of the globe in real-time.

While this instant gratification can be great, it can also be overwhelming. We are constantly bombarded with messages and notifications from friends, family, and co-workers. As a result, we often feel like we should always be available and on-call. The Schedule Send feature can help alleviate some of this pressure.

By allowing you to schedule messages in advance, you can control when and how you want to communicate with your team. This can be a great way to establish boundaries. The Schedule Send feature can be a great tool for managing your time and communication in the digital age. In a world where everyone is connected 24/7, the Schedule Send feature can help you take a step back and think about the best time to send a message.

September 12, 2022October 3, 2022

How Do Phishing Scams Work?

You may have heard of the term “phishing,” but you may not be completely aware. If you operate a business or even conduct any kind of transactions online – which represents the majority of people – you may be susceptible to a phishing attack. When executed correctly, a phishing attack can leave you or your business in major personal or financial trouble.

In this post, we’ll dive deeply into defining a phishing scam, understanding the common traits, and identifying the various types of scams. Finally, we’ll look at what you can do to prevent a phishing attempt from disrupting you or your organization.

What is a Phishing Scam?

A phishing scam starts with a hacker or malicious actor reaching out to you. These individuals are looking to access information that you hold. To gain access to this, they’ll attempt to contact you (usually by email, but it can also be via phone or text) with a message prompting you to click on a link.

These scams use social engineering tactics compelling you to comply (more on those below). Once you or someone within your organization clicks the link, it may then upload destructive malware or viruses to your device, system, or network. This malware then provides them access to your personally identifiable information (PII), financial information like credit card numbers, or other information you don’t want falling into the wrong hands.

How a Phishing Scam Works

As noted above, phishing scams use social engineering tactics to trick recipients into complying with a requested action. Hackers will pose as an institution the individual knows or trusts to gain their trust.

For example, let’s say you receive an email from your bank asking you to log in to your account due to a problem. At first glance, the email may appear legitimate as it contains your bank logo and a similar font. But have your bank ever contacted you in this way before? The answer is likely no, as banks don’t ask you for information like this over email.

Everything from the email address the hacker uses to the language they use in the email might appear legitimate. That’s why it’s important to examine them carefully and err on the side of caution.

The Common Traits of a Phishing Scam

Every phishing attempt looks different, but they tend to have some traits in common across attacks. For one, email phishing attacks prompt you to click a link within your email.

Additionally, many attacks attempt to create a false sense of urgency. They’ll say there’s an issue with your account or suspicious activity that you’ll need to log in to resolve. This is, of course, a ruse meant to create a feeling of panic in the recipient. The hackers are banking on you, reacting without thinking.

Other phishing scams mimic or recreate an email address for a friend or family member. Have you ever gotten an email from a family member that contained a link but didn’t look right? It was almost certainly a phishing attempt.

You may also get an email from what you believe to be a trusted source, like your employer or healthcare provider. If the email looks suspicious, it likely is. Your default stance should always be to follow up with the sender to confirm the email’s legitimacy.

It bears repeating: if anyone asks you for any type of sensitive information over an email, text, or phone, you’re probably on the receiving end of a phishing attempt.

The Different Types of Phishing Scams

While phishing attempts happen over email, similar attacks happen over phone or text. Email phishing scams involve you clicking on a bad link. The other types of scams have different tactics with the same desired outcome for the hacker.

In the case of phone attacks (also known as vishing), you’ll receive a call from someone asking you to relay personal information over the phone. You may even be prompted to dial a specific number. These attackers often spoof numbers from trusted institutions like your bank. They might tell you that a friend or family member needs assistance to increase your feeling of urgency. They can also ask you to verify personal information to authenticate your identity to them – when, in fact, they’re stealing the information themselves.

Another common phishing scam is attacks conducted over SMS text messages (also known as smishing). These operate similarly to email attacks. You’ll receive a text from someone or some institution you trust asking you to click on a link.

How to Respond to a Phishing Scam

The first step is to be aware that phishing scams exist. Knowing what they might look like helps you know what to watch out for. If you are part of an organization, create this culture of awareness with your team. By educating your staff on what to expect, you’ll be able to prevent them from impacting your business in the future.

But what happens when you do receive a phishing attempt? The most important action you can take is this: nothing at all. Don’t interact or engage with a phishing attempt. If it’s a text or email, don’t click the link. If you’re on the phone with someone attempting to scam you, don’t engage – simply hang up as soon as possible.

Phishing Scams are Growing Increasingly More Common

In summary, phishing scams tap into sophisticated social engineering techniques, using people’s fears to gain access to sensitive information. This information can then be used to defraud the person or organization financially or steal their identity. They can be carried out over email, phone, or text message. When you get a phishing attempt, the best action is no action. Don’t engage – just block and delete.

The sad reality of phishing scams is that they aren’t going away anytime soon. You can’t prevent them from happening. All you can do is maintain awareness and constant vigilance of an attack possibly occurring. Be wary of emails that look suspicious and even those that don’t – as phishing strategies become more complex, you’ll be more likely to fall prey to one. Exercise utmost caution when communicating with anyone over email, phone, or text.

Contact us today for more on how we can help your organization navigate phishing attempts or provide other managed IT services.

September 8, 2022October 7, 2022

10 Best Practices for Working Remotely

Key Points:

Working remotely is not going anywhere and will become increasingly popular as time goes on.
It is important to know the potential security risks when working remotely and take steps to mitigate those risks.
Maintaining a secure remote working environment begins with the right tools and processes.

The way we work has changed dramatically in the last decade. With the advent of technology, there is no longer a need to be tethered to a physical office space to be productive. Instead, more and more people are finding that they can work remotely, either from home or in various locations. Working remotely has many advantages, including increased flexibility and freedom, but some challenges come with it.

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and remote workers can be an easy target. Maintaining a secure remote work environment is vital to protecting your company’s data and keeping your confidential information safe. Before maintaining a secure remote working environment, it is important to understand the potential risks.

Here are 5 of the most common security risks for remote workers:

1. Unsecured Networks

One of the most common risks for remote workers is using unsecured networks. When you connect to an unsecured network, you are giving hackers an easy way to access your data. To mitigate this risk, only connect to networks you trust and ensure your device is up-to-date with the latest security patches.

2. Malware and Phishing Attacks

Another common risk for remote workers is malware or phishing attacks. These attacks can happen when you click on a malicious link or attachment or visit an infected website.

To protect yourself from these attacks, be careful about the links and attachments you click on and only visit websites you trust. If you think you may have been infected, run a virus scan on your device as soon as possible.

3. Unencrypted Devices and Data

If your device is lost or stolen, it’s important to ensure your data is encrypted. Otherwise, anyone who gets their hands on your device can access your data.

4. Weak Passwords

One of the most common security risks is weak passwords. Hackers can easily guess weak passwords, so choosing strong, unique passwords for all your accounts is important.

To create strong passwords, use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name or birthdate. Never reuse passwords across different accounts.

5. Lack of Security Awareness

Even if you have all of the right security measures in place, they won’t do you good if you don’t know how to use them. That’s why it’s important to have security awareness training for all remote workers.

10 Best Practices for Working Remotely

Now that you know about some of the most common security risks for remote workers let’s look at 10 best practices for maintaining a secure environment.

1. Keep Your Software Up to Date

It’s important to keep all of the software on your device up-to-date, including your operating system, web browser, and any applications you use. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from newly discovered threats.

2. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to confirm your identity with two different factors: your password and a code sent to your mobile phone.

3. Implement BYOD Policies

If your company allows employees to bring their own devices (BYOD), it’s important to have policies to secure them. Make sure employees understand the security risks and know how to protect their data.

4. Use a VPN

One of the best ways to protect your data when working remotely is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through a secure tunnel, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept.

5. Educate Your Employees

As we mentioned before, security awareness training is critical for all employees, especially those who work remotely. Employees should know how to identify security risks and what to do if they suspect their device has been compromised.

6. Migrate to the Cloud

There are many benefits to migrating to the cloud, including increased security. When you store data in the cloud, it’s stored on secure, regularly backed-up servers. You can still access your data from another device if your device is lost or stolen.

7. Use Security Tools

There are a variety of security tools available that can help you protect your data. Some common tools include firewalls, anti-virus software, and intrusion detection systems.

8. Monitor Your Network

If you have a remote network, it’s important to monitor it for suspicious activity. There are a variety of tools available that can help you do this, including network intrusion detection systems and log monitoring tools.

9. Restrict Access to Data

You should only give employees the access they need to do their jobs. For example, if employees don’t need access to certain sensitive data, they shouldn’t have it. This will help reduce the risk of data breaches.

10. Regularly Back Up Your Data

It’s important to regularly back up your data in case of a security breach. You can do this in various ways, including storing data in the cloud or on an external hard drive.

Wrapping Up

Digital transformation has changed how we work, and remote work is here to stay. Given the rise in remote work, it’s important to be aware of the security risks and take steps to protect your data. Remember, security risks can come from anywhere, not just external hackers. Disgruntled employees, for example, could wreak havoc on your company’s systems if they decided to take advantage of their access privileges. So it’s important to have policies and procedures to mitigate employee risks working remotely.