From the time the internet was born in 1983 until 1987, the US telecommuting population grew to 1.5 million. In mid-2019, the US telecommuter population reached 4.7 million people. Innovation in transport, business platforms and security have largely kept pace with homeworker deployment, but that rate has grown exponentially in just a few months. A new era of converting masses of office workers to remote workers has begun. As of February 2020, 46% of American businesses have implemented a remote worker program in compliance with their own pandemic policies and/or CDC recommendations.
Capital costs, security, exposure to malware and exploits, and business and personal data mixing are just a few of the factors that are pertinent when considering Corporately-Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE) devices or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) for remote workers. While it is assumed COPE provides higher levels of control, security and compliance, there are systems and procedures that can make BYOD a secure choice for your homeworker deployment.
Most established businesses will have already implemented hardware-based or software VPN for their remote LAN access. With the rapid increase in the numbers of newly deployed homeworkers, additional consideration should be given to VPN performance, capacity and cost factors.
There is a practical list of security requirements relevant to the increased number of homeworkers. A few examples: a firewall, malware, and threat mitigation policy consistent for all users, assure latest updates and patching, practice endpoint monitoring. It is important also to recognize that a huge increase in network entry points has been created by new remote workers; waves of malware, exploits, and even social engineering await those newly minted network entry points. Here are a couple of other considerations for improving remote access security.
Experiencing this level of remote worker growth is a daunting challenge. Combining that challenge with new security concerns, workforce readiness assessment, Cloud vs Prem considerations, and revised business continuity and disaster recovery plans makes partnering to achieve your goals a viable option. If you’re looking for the expertise and services to help you assess, prepare and adapt to increases in remote workforce deployment, accessibility, continuity or security solutions, Otava can help. Consider our secure, compliant cloud solutions managed by a team of experts trained in the latest security best practices. Call 877-740-5028 or contact us to learn more.
What is Zero Trust Security?
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity in the Remote Workforce Environment
Network Security in the Time of Novel Coronavirus
Otava provides the secure, compliant hybrid cloud solutions demanded by service providers, channel partners and enterprise clients in compliance-sensitive industries. By actively aggregating best-of-breed cloud companies and investing in people, tools, and processes, Otava’s global footprint continues to expand. The company provides its customers in highly regulated disciplines with a clear path to transformation through its effective solutions and broad portfolio of hybrid cloud, data protection, disaster recovery, security and colocation services, all championed by an exceptional support team. Learn more at www.otava.com.