Remote work has been normalised since the COVID-19 pandemic and offers benefits for both employers and employees. While there are many benefits to remote work, there are also challenges involved.
One of the primary challenges that every organisation needs to consider is data privacy. This post will explore data privacy within the realm of remote work and what steps businesses need to take.
Legal Considerations
First, it is important to consider the important data regulations here in the UK. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act (DPA) are strict regulations that control the way in which businesses handle data.
Compliance with these regulations becomes complex when the lines between personal and professional spaces are blurred, so it is helpful to work with a law firm specialising in data privacy law that can offer advice on remaining compliant when implementing remote work infrastructure.
Challenges
Remote work can also create new challenges regarding data loss compared to a traditional office. There is an increased risk of data breaches and compromises when employees are using their own devices and working from home or in a public space, which is why action needs to be taken to safeguard data.
Endpoint security is one of the biggest issues with remote work, as employees often use devices that are not properly protected, which can put data stored on these devices at risk. Issues can also relate to working in a public space, both in terms of using unsecured networks that can intercept data and employees leaving their devices open in a public space.
Remote work can also create communication issues, which could put data at risk if people are not kept in the loop about potential attacks and issues relating to cybercrime. Security teams will also find it harder to maintain control when staff are working remotely, which can put data at risk.
Necessary Implications
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to safeguard data in the remote work era. These include creating a comprehensive data security plan, providing security awareness training to your team, and making sure employees use complex passwords and MFA.
You must also ensure that staff are using a secured network and a VPN if they are ever working in a public space with unsecured Wi-Fi, such as a library or cafe.
Data privacy and protection are key issues when working remotely, therefore you must make sure that your team is doing everything it can to protect sensitive data and remain compliant with stringent data security regulations.
Hopefully, the advice in this post will help you take positive steps to develop strong data protection in the remote work era.
