Tag Archives: cyber security

How To Maintain Security in the Age of Remote Work

29 Jun

The New Reality

Remote work is quickly becoming the new normal for modern companies. In a world where many offices were forced to shut down during the 2020 pandemic, team leaders discovered something. Remote and hybrid working seems to be effective at improving productivity.

Countless studies show that remote workers are more invested in their work than their counterparts, often working up to 1.4 days more per month. Remote staff members also demand fewer overheads and don’t require massive real estate investments.

Unfortunately, there’s a downside to the remote working trend.

86% of business executives agree that remote workers could increase a company’s chances of a security breach. So, how do you ensure that your remote workers are secure in this new landscape?

Follow this process…

Step 1: Create a Cybersecurity Policy

The first step in defending company data is ensuring that all your employees are following the right guidelinesfor data protection. Employees are often the main cause of security issues, as they often take shortcuts when it comes to setting passwords and protecting data.

Employees may assume they’re logging into a system from a secure environment when they’re opening the door to criminals.

A strong cybersecurity policy will outline everything your team members need to do to stay secure. This includes making sure that they’re using strong passwords for their accounts and that they never log into services from a public connection.

Your cybersecurity policy could also determine which applications and tools are safe for your remote employees to use when dealing with business data.

Step 2: Secure Network Connections

Access to an unsecured Wi-Fi network is one of the most common ways for companies to stumble into a security breach.

Unfortunately, a lot of remote workers have shifted to using their standard Wi-Fi connections and home routers to connect to the office. These services aren’t always as protected as they should be.

The easiest option for companies in search of better network protection may be to implement VPNs. Asking your employees to use VPNs ensures that they have a direct and secure way to connect to the business network and access important information.

Make sure that any VPN you choose covers every level of encryption that’s important for your team.

Step 3: Consider Password Managers

Password safety is another critical part of running a secure business in the age of remote work. Unfortunately, now that today’s team members are using a wide range of software solutions and accounts each day, the number of passwords they must remember is increasing.

The result is often more employees using repetitive and simple passwords to access tools.

53% of people admit to reusing the same password for multiple accounts. While you can support your team with information on how to choose more secure passwords, a password management solution may be a better option.

Password managers allow team members to access a range of tools with just one set of credentials. That means they only have a single code to remember.

Step 4: Explore Two-Factor Authentication

A password manager can help to make your accounts more secure – but passwords still only offer a single layer of protection. Two factor authentication could be an excellent choicefor companies who want to strengthen the security of remote teams.

That’s because even if someone was to figure out your employee’s password, that wouldn’t be enough to get them into an account.

Multi-factor authentication requires an additional input of a limited-time code or something similar to unlock access to an account or service.

Multi-factor authentication is increasingly becoming more advanced. Today, it’s possible to build strategies that use a password and biometric data to secure services. Your employees could protect their data with a fingerprint or retina scan.

Step 5: Remember the Basics

Technology like biometric securityis opening the door to a new level of protection for today’s businesses. While these advanced offerings could be an exciting step forward for a lot of companies, it’s worth remembering that the fundamentals are still important.

Using encryption software with your video conferencing and messaging software is a must-have in the remote world.

It’s also worth ensuring that your employees have up-to-date systems for security on any devices they use, such as antivirus software, anti-malware, and phishing protection. Firewalls are even available to cover everything from tablets and computers to smartphones and other mobile devices.

Remember, mobile device management tools can also help your team leaders to ensure that apps and security services remain up to date on your team’s devices.

These services allow you to implement patches remotely, remove dangerous data from an employee’s hard drive, and even blacklist certain apps.

Avoid Jeopardizing Security

Remote work doesn’t have to jeopardize data security. Once remote workers are fully educated in the demands of secure working, and you have the right tools in place, you can enjoy all the benefits of flexible working without the security threats.

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Cyber Security and Debt Collection

20 Nov

Did you know that employees account for 43 percent of data loss, whether intentional or accidental? The remaining data breaches occur because of criminal infiltration. Regardless of the threat, our research shows that data loss and security breaches cost companies an average of $4 million in 2016, during which more than four billion pieces of confidential data were exposed.

Unfortunately, failing to create an effective cyber security system for your data collection efforts could put your customers and your company at risk.

Risks Associated With Cyber Security and Debt Collection

Data is easier to steal than you think.

Debt collection records are particularly sensitive because they contain significant financial information. The sensitivity elevates if you’re in the healthcare industry because your data might include personal health information (PHI).

Since you must report data breaches, your company’s reputation can take a serious hit if your customers’ data becomes compromised. Additionally, you could face serious consequences with regard to your cash flow, accounts receivable management, and stakeholders.

A data breach involving debt collection records could result in a serious fine from a regulatory body. Back in 2012, for instance, an auto dealership and a debt collector had to reach a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over data breaches that took place because of peer-to-peer file sharing.

Unfortunately, data breaches are on the rise. Our research reveals that 2016 saw nearly 40 percent more data breaches than 2015, and 94 of those breaches exposed at least a million confidential records each. Consumers value their privacy. In 2016, more than 15 million American consumers suffered from some sort of identity theft.

Cyber Security Solutions for Debt Collection

Getting best-in-class security for your data can help prevent breaches and other cyber security issues.

Many businesses don’t have the infrastructure necessary to meet HIPAA, NIST, FISMA, and PCI-DSS guidelines. That’s why working with a well-equipped collection agency can become a major asset.

Established collection agencies that secure their data against breaches can help protect your company from lawsuits, fines, reputation hits, and other consequences of a data breach. When you’re looking for a collection agency to handle your accounts receivable, make sure the candidate you choose follows these guidelines:

  • Data protection for data while it’s at rest, in processing, and in transit
  • Secure data center with 100 percent uptime
  • Redundancies in place to preserve data
  • Employees who are experts in specific data security areas, such as HIPAA, depending on your industry

Furthermore, you want to work with a debt collection agency that views security as a priority. As hackers and other criminals find new ways to skim data from victims, debt collectors must keep up with those attempts and find new ways to prevent intrusion.

You also want to make sure that your data is physically safe. Data centers should be equipped to prevent physical intrusion, fire and flood damage, and other catastrophes.

At TSI, our service portfolio is compliant with NIST, FISMA, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA. We employ security specialists with years of experience and expertise in protecting data against loss and corruption. If you’re looking for a debt collection agency to not only promote healthy cash flow and collect outstanding payments but also to preserve your data, we’re here for you. Contact me now to start optimizing your revenue.

Source:TSI

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