Telecommuting gives your employees the opportunity to work from home. This growing trend can improve employee efficiency, reduce expenses and attract quality employees. While your cybersecurity insurance can reduce your liability, also implement several security measures in your telecommuting policy as you protect your company.
For further coverage options related to assessing and improving your remote-work security, see Security Audit Insurance.
Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks
Sure, your employees could connect to their neighbor’s wireless network or use public Wi‑Fi at a coffee shop. These unsecured networks can open the door for cybersecurity breaches, though. Instruct employees to only connect to secure Wi‑Fi networks or provide a safe and secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) for use as they work.
Maintain Security Settings
To protect work-issued devices and confidential data, you may set security settings on the devices you give telecommuters. Remind employees that they should not use a proxy or other method to get around those security settings. Doing so will compromise their device and the company’s data.
Encrypt Everything
From apps to data, everything employees access from their work-issued device should be protected by encryption. This security measure makes it harder for thieves and hackers to steal or access information.
Limit Access
Employees should only have access to essential data and files, not the company's entire virtual filing cabinet. This limited access protects information and improves security.
Strengthen Passwords
To get into the device and access various files, employees should use secure passwords. The ideal password contains letters, numbers and symbols, is not easy to guess and is unique to each site. Change passwords regularly. For additional safety, utilize a two-step authentication process, PIN or token system when logging in.
Prohibit Device Lending
It’s common for telecommuters to let a co‑worker or family member use their laptop or phone for a few minutes to check email, play a game or make a call. Discourage this practice since the other person could download questionable content, drop or damage the device, access confidential files, or otherwise compromise the device or security.
Protect Devices from Theft
Leaving a laptop, tablet or phone unattended gives thieves an invitation to steal the device. Remind employees to keep their devices with them at all times and not leave their work devices unattended or in an unlocked vehicle. Likewise, they should take care to secure USB drives and other accessories from theft. You can add tracking capabilities to devices for additional security.
Employers who use on-site security may also consider Security Guard, Patrol Detective or Investigative Insurance to support physical protection of assets.
Log Out
After every work session, employees should log out of the websites they accessed, their Wi‑Fi network and their device. This log out procedure helps protect company data.
Telecommuting is a privilege that benefits your employees and company. Use these security measures to protect everyone. If you want help reviewing coverage, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my company enforce secure Wi‑Fi use for remote workers?
Set clear policy requirements that prohibit unsecured networks, require VPN use, and include periodic training and audits to verify compliance.
Should we encrypt personal devices used for work?
It's best to require encryption on any device that accesses company data, but consider providing company‑owned devices to ensure consistent protections.
How often should remote employees change passwords?
Regularly updating passwords and using multi‑factor authentication reduces risk; many organizations require changes every 30–90 days depending on sensitivity.