August 19, 2024 Guard Remote Teams: Secure WiFi Access & Sensitive Data

Here are nine strategies that every remote and hybrid enterprise should implement to safeguard data security and business continuity.

Securing mobile enterprise networks is a critical priority for all remote and hybrid enterprises. With a growing number of employees trending towards working remotely – whether that be from home, in shared workspaces, or in various locations while traveling – protecting business continuity depends on safeguarding the integrity of remote employees’ WiFi access and data.

Here are nine strategies to implement now to maintain productivity and safeguard sensitive data.

Strategies to Safeguard WiFi Access and Data

1. Develop a Security Policy
   Every enterprise must have a security policy that clearly outlines all security best practices. This includes all expectations, responsibilities, and requirements for employees, whether they are remote, hybrid, or in-person. Creating and sharing this policy – and referring employees to it regularly – ensures that everyone is on the same page and there are no miscommunications that could result in either a security breach, or an employee unable to access a company’s WiFi network or data.
2. Implement Zero Trust Architecture
   Zero Trust security models require every user to be authenticated and verified before access is granted to company resources. The policy to “trust no one” can help to prevent data breaches, and is especially useful for companies with a mobile workforce who can be connecting to the enterprise network from anywhere.
3. Monitor Network Traffic
   The network should be continuously monitored without interruption. This includes monitoring connected devices such as laptops and IoT devices, and infrastructure such as Access Points (APs). Any change in behavior or performance should be analyzed and the root cause identified as quickly as possible to keep mobile enterprise networks and data secure.
4. Give IT Remote Access
   If security practices are going to cater to the needs of remote and hybrid enterprises, they must provide remote access and troubleshooting for IT professionals. With this access, it doesn’t matter if IT and other employees are not physically at the same site. IT can still identify and resolve problems with user devices, keeping the mobile workforce connected to necessary business networks and resources.
   
   Most often, this access is provided through telemetry solutions. These solutions automatically collect and transmit data from remote or otherwise inaccessible sources to systems in other locations for analysis. Data can be collected from client devices, apps, servers, networks, etc. Some telemetry solutions will combine the data analysis with automatic alerts, informing IT in real time if there are any problems, or if any device performance falls outside of established parameters. With this support, IT can resolve problems proactively, often before users’ digital experience is impacted.
5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
   VPNs are commonly used among all enterprises. These networks encrypt user data and internet traffic so that they cannot be read unless one has the encryption key. This key is known only by the user’s computer and the VPN server.
   
   With VPNs, remote employees can securely connect to corporate networks, trusting that their data remains private, even if they must use public or unsecured WiFi networks to connect.
6. Enable Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
   MFA requires two (or more) forms of authentication be entered before someone can access the app, network, or device in question. The first form of verification is often an entered password, and additional forms include codes sent via text message or email, or app-based authentications.
   
   These additional layers of security make it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to confidential networks and data.
7. Use Password Managers
   Password managers both generate and store passwords. All passwords are encrypted and can only be accessed by someone who has the account’s master password, or who has been approved for shared access.
   
   With these management tools, enterprises know that all created passwords are sufficiently complex and protected from malicious persons.
8. Deploy Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
   Antivirus and anti-malware software serve as endpoint security solutions for employee devices. With these solutions in place, devices are more protected from threats, keeping employees connected and capable of performing all duties and responsibilities.
9. Backup Data Regularly
   Finally, all remote and hybrid enterprises should require employees to regularly backup data. If this practice is followed, there’s a much better chance that nothing critical will be lost in the case of a security breach or a failure in network infrastructure or hardware.

Securing mobile enterprise networks requires networks and all they consist of be given constant attention and oversight. Hybrid and remote enterprises that implement these nine strategies have taken the actions needed to provide that attention, thereby minimizing the risk of data breaches, cybersecurity threats, and loss of access for remote employees.

Roger Sands is the co-founder and CEO of Wyebot, Inc. He has 20+ years of executive management experience under his belt, gained from working with both successful networking startups and Fortune 500 companies, such as the following: Hewlett-Packard’s WW WLAN business, Colubris Networks, Accton Technology, 3com, USRobotics, and Bytex Corporation.

Subscribe to Industry Today