Why is information security important for an organization? Read this article to find out.
Information Security Is Important for an Organization: Why?
COVID-19 has forced organizations to rapidly adapt to new working models. At the heart of this is a complex and fast-changing web of digitalization.
Now, the offices are empty. Businesses are under pressure. Employees also had to move their workplaces at home.
Most of the organizations also had to speed up operations. But, it deprioritized cyber and information security departments. That’s why many organizations are at risk for information security threats.
Really, IT teams scramble just to implement these changes within weeks, when it should have taken years.
Today, how can organizations ensure that they still prioritize information security in these turbulent times?
Let’s find out.
Scaling Information Security for Remote Working in Organizations
In this article, we will cover some tips for organizations. So, they can keep their information secure.
Shine a light on shadow IT support
Employees need support now more than ever. The pandemic brought drastic changes, and all of us are affected.
In workforces, team leaders and employees need new ways to communicate. Now that we can’t meet in person, many ask for digital solutions.
Executives should then embrace those solutions. For example, teams can work together using collaboration tools. They can also meet using videoconferencing software.
But, it’s critical to shine a light on IT support. So, help roll out those solutions. Then, make sure security advice is in place for everyone.
Access controls are more critical than ever
For remote access of organizations now, multi-factor authentication or even strong password controls are more essential than ever. They should also consider conditional access solutions.
So, they can limit access to systems from employees who use their own devices. Strong passwords or passcodes are also important for end-user devices.
Still, it is advisable for companies to provide a corporate device for their employees. But if not, they should staff to separate their personal and work activities using different devices.
Keep up information loss prevention security controls
Data loss prevention controls help preserve the IP of companies. It also allows them to follow legal data privacy requirements.
Otherwise, it can lead to data loss. And if the lost information is private, they’re going to pay fines because of the law.
So, organizations should ensure that their solutions are suitable even for remote work. They can also explore other options to manage personal devices if employees use them for work.
Other devices also include disabling access to insecure home printers, monitors, and removable media devices.
Keep employees informed about information security threats
They say knowledge is power. And that prevention is the key. But, employees can only prevent something if they know about it.
Now, cybercriminals are loving the crisis. In fact, one common attack is COVID-19-themed phishing emails. And most of them target employees or businesses.
So, keeping them informed about the latest threats can help them prepare and prevent them. IT teams should also help other employees to recognize scams. Sharing is caring, even with the security community.
