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COVID-19 Technology Solutions

In this time of uncertainty, we at Stega Networks are available to assist by leveraging our technology platform and services. Please contact us to see how we can apply our technology to address the imminent need for your business continuity; whether it be a requirement for remote accessibility or remote monitoring of your organization.

Security Risks of Working Remotely

Putting in place a productive and secure remote working solution is the biggest challenge facing organisations in light of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada. However, the rush to implement a work from home policy has the potential to expose organisations to huge risks.

No business wants to experience a data breach due to putting in place an ill-prepared work from home policy, nor do they want a situation where their staff aren’t equipped to do their job properly.

Our 7 step contingency plan can help organisations to quickly mobilise a secure and well-functioning remote working solution.

1. Create a remote working roadmap for your business.

Firstly evaluate the attitude to remote working in your organisation, where are you currently at and what needs to be done to enable full flexible working conditions. Do you have the necessary infrastructure in place? Are your employees equipped with devices that can access the network remotely? Are these personal or company devices? Map out the full landscape as it currently is.

2. Implement identity and access management solutions.

Once you have a handle on the devices used to access your network and the capabilities to support remote working in place, it's time to implement an identity and access management solution. Verifying the identity of users with multi factor authentication and other measures ensures that the right individuals have access to the right resources at the right times for the right reasons.

3. Put in place restrictions that work remotely.

While inappropriate sites are usually blocked when operating on the company firewall, what happens when work devices are used beyond your company’s LAN perimeter? Put measures in place on the work devices themselves to prevent unwanted access to certain sites and ensure that no matter where devices are used, restrictions remain in place.

4. Test the environment to ensure employees can work properly.

If devices are locked down so severely that policies end up preventing employees from working easily, this will cause a number of implications. Frustrated users are likely to seek free cloud services to bypass the lockdowns. Accessing company data on unapproved and unsecure third-party sites, a practice known as shadow IT, is a huge security risk facing companies. Test the environment and survey employees to ensure they can carry out tasks easily on your approved network.

5. Clearly communicate home working policy to workers.

Regardless of the specifics of your policy, it is important that employees are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities before using a mobile device for work. Distrust, frustration and tension can arise if employees only first encounter issues at home when discovering the small print of a policy. Users are more likely to accept privacy compromises or other required measures that need to be implemented if they are clearly communicated beforehand. Hold information sessions, give updates on policy changes and send information emails to staff well in advance.

6. Monitor threats and systems on an ongoing basis to improve security and performance.

You can gain valuable insights into your remote working environment through real time monitoring and threat prevention programmes that come as standard with many IT infrastructures and software licences. Use these monitoring systems to remain vigilant against threats and learn more about how to improve remote performance.

7. Support users in adapting to the new environment.

It's crucial for employers to be on hand to support users and help them adapt to an entirely new working environment. It’s inevitable there will be some connectivity issues, so ensure your IT support team is well staffed and equipped to help resolve problems. Encourage remote users to take dedicated breaks as they would in the workplace, helping them adjust to the new work conditions and ultimately be more productive.

Remote access required due to COVID-19?

If you are impacted and you don't have remote access, we’re here to help!

Give us a call at 613-688-0390 or e-mail below. Our support team is available Monday through Friday from 8AM to 6PM EST.