Better Business Management for Remote Workforce
When COVID-19 struck the world, new innovations came out, especially on the business side... this includes the enhanced remote workforce. Some companies have been utilizing a remote workforce prior to the pandemic. However, when the pandemic hit, the need for a remote workforce became in demand by the majority of businesses therefore causing cyberattack numbers to start skyrocketing. Overseeing a remote workforce can be challenging for multiple reasons – ensuring the availability of all necessary tools, managing remote endpoints, and having a fail-safe contingency plan.
Technology, when used correctly, can ensure that a transition is smooth and your business continues to operate efficiently without interruption. Below is a guide to help you use technology to help safeguard your business from potential risks:
- Install secure VPN connections: It goes without saying that while working remotely, your employees will access your business applications from different home networks. To avoid an unsavory security incident you need to install a business VPN that will secure the connections with encryption.
- Prepare to use video conferencing intensively: Although nothing can replace in-person meetings, video conferencing is certainly the best alternative, especially now. It not only helps your employees stay connected with each other, but also helps you conduct business with your clients. This is a good time to sign up for a reliable conferencing platform and to ensure your team has all the necessary gadgets (headsets/cameras) or any other tools they would need.
- Ensure cloud application connections are in place: First and foremost, modify the necessary settings, if needed, to ensure your cloud applications are ready for remote logins. Subsequently, ensure your team has the right devices to handle the memory and performance needs of all your business’ cloud applications.
- Create a remote communications plan: Make use of tools, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Slack for team communications, “away” messages, project-specific chat channels and even team collaboration tools to ensure every employee is on the same page.
- Explore remote IT support options: With your IT infrastructure spread out like never before, remote IT support could save you from the hassle of managing endpoints while also ensuring no healthcare and government guidelines are flouted. Using an encrypted remote connection and appropriate authentication, a technician can access a device and resolve issues while you keep a close eye on it.
Handling a remote workforce can be complicated. With the correct tools, systems, and programs in place your team can be monitored and held accountable. Most importantly your business can continue to grow and continue to be successful. Paul Jackson, CEO/Cybersecurity Specialist along with his team at Jackson Technologies has been providing remote IT services to businesses of any size. We have enhanced our programs to adapt to recent innovations and work organizations.