Employees who access company data outside the office on a company or personal device create an increased cyber risk for businesses. Hackers are increasingly targeting small businesses, as those more likely to have weak online security, less likely use cloud services without encryption technology and lack full-time IT support. Symantec, an online security company, says that cyber attacks rose 200% for small businesses in 2012, and increased another 62% in 2013.
Small businesses are not thinking about these risks, according to Hiscox, as only 4% of the surveyed 1,023 small business owners are concerned about security breaches exposing data or impacting sales.
Outlined by HostReview, these four tips can help remote workers protect the data of their small businesses:
1. Password protect all business devices. This includes computers, tablets and smartphones. Prompt employees to change passwords frequently and not select easily hacked combinations like "1234″ or "password." This is the first step to data security, so change them often.
2. Take advantage of cloud services. Cloud services ensure that data won't completely vanish when a device is lost or stolen. Encrypting data ensures that your company is the only one with access to the files. LifeHacker details the best cloud storage services with encryption, which include SpiderOak, Wuala, Tresorit and Mega.co.nz.
3. Know the wireless connection. Give employees Wi-Fi guidelines. Private networks provide security, unlike open networks found in airports or restaurants. When accessing company data, employees should disable their personal smartphones to automatically conect to nearby Wi-Fi networks.
4. Set up tracking and remote wipe services. Keep a company inventory of all devices and ensure that each has enabled GPS tracking features turned on in case the device is lost or stolen. Install technology to remotely wipe data from a missing device.
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