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Key Points:
- The global shift towards remote work requires proactive policies centered around IT and data security.
- Success in remote working settings highly depends on proactive IT management, clear communication, and robust security measures.
The surge in remote work and hybrid work setups has posed challenges in terms of balancing career and lifestyle, promoting team collaboration, and above all, strengthening data security protocols. Remote workers carry the same responsibilities as traditional office-based employees, even when it comes to IT and data security.
According to Alexandra D’Archambeau, IT Advisory Director at RSM Belgium, the shift to a work-from-anywhere setup brings about new risks, including phishing, social engineering, cyber-crime, and data security issues. Effective handling of these risks requires awareness and the adoption of practical solutions, operational modalities, and security protocols.
For individuals involved in remote and hybrid work, security measures should be clearly outlined. This includes understanding the risks of phishing, ensuring their desktops are always locked, avoiding the use of free Wi-Fi as it is not a safe platform, and taking precautions while working in public areas to avoid breaches of confidentiality. Using Virtual Private Networks is recommended and file sharing should be closely monitored, focusing mainly on encryption.
From an IT perspective, remote workers also create challenges related to time, geography, and hardware. Scenarios such as technical hardware issues, ensuring secure wifi, and password resetting require efficient solutions. Employers and remote workers need to establish solid agreements, clear policies, and procedures, ensuring smooth operations and maximum productivity.
With remote workers expected to become a permanent part of the global employment landscape, it is crucial to be proactive in managing the IT and security issues that arise. The introduction of a realistic framework that outlines responsibilities, protocols, and processes is required. The article reiterates that with the right measures in place, the shift to a work-from-anywhere culture can be successful, offering both benefits and minimized risks.
