Mobile Computer Services asks: Is your company ready to work from home?

Mobile Computer Services: Points to Consider While Migrating to Work from Home Model

More and more companies are migrating to the hybrid model of work in which employees can work from home for a certain number of days. It becomes essential for companies to lay out protocols and procedures while adapting to this change. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Raleigh, discusses the various aspects to be considered while answering the question, “Is your company ready to work from home?”.

 

1. Internet connectivity

Adequate internet connectivity and network infrastructure are essential for remote access to be successful, allowing employees to work remotely with reliable and fast internet and network systems.

2. Secure remote access solutions for company data and systems

Securing remote access to company data and systems is crucial to protect sensitive information and maintaining business continuity. Some solutions for secure remote access include:

• Virtual Private Network (VPN) - A VPN allows remote employees to securely access company network resources as if they were connected directly to the company network.
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) - RDP allows remote employees to access and control a company-provided computer or virtual machine as if they were physically sitting in front of it.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) - 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring employees to provide a second form of identification, such as a security token, fingerprint, or password.
• Cloud-based solutions - Cloud-based solutions, such as Microsoft Azure RemoteApp, AWS Workspaces, or Google Cloud, provide secure remote access to company data and systems hosted in the cloud.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) - SIEM solutions monitor and analyze network traffic for suspicious activity and alert IT teams to potential security breaches.
• Endpoint protection - Software such as antivirus and firewall installed on remote employee devices to protect against malware and other cyber threats.
• Encryption - Encrypting sensitive data both in transit and at rest to protect it from being hacked.

3. Communication and collaboration tools for remote teams

There are several communication and collaboration tools that remote teams can use to stay connected and productive. Some examples include:

• Video conferencing software such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype
• Instant messaging and chat apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Hangouts
• Project management and task-tracking tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com
• File sharing and collaboration platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive
• Time tracking and productivity apps like Toggl or RescueTime
• Virtual whiteboard and brainstorming tools like Miro, Stormboard or Conceptboard
• Email, calendar, and scheduling tools like Outlook, Gmail, or Google Calendar
• Social media and internal communication platforms like Microsoft Yammer, Facebook Workplace

4. Effective management and monitoring protocols for remote employees

Having clear guidelines and protocols in place for remote work can help ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and can work effectively from home. Some examples of procedures and protocols that can be put in place include:

• Establishing regular check-ins and meetings
• Establishing communication channels for different types of information
• Setting clear expectations for work timings and availability
• Providing or reimbursing employees for necessary equipment and technology, Establishing protocols for the storage and sharing of company data
• Developing policies that cover issues such as overtime, work-life balance, and employee privacy 
• Establishing protocols for virtual meetings and collaboration, including technical requirements, meeting agendas, and participation expectations
• Defining how remote employees will be monitored and evaluated and setting clear performance expectations
• Providing opportunities for remote workers to continue to develop their skills and advance in their careers

 

5. IT support for remote employees

IT support and consulting are crucial for remote employees to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources to work efficiently and effectively while remote. IT support can provide technical assistance, training, and troubleshooting.

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services is a Raleigh-Durham-based IT company serving small and medium businesses. Their dedicated team manages and monitors your IT 24/7, eliminating tech headaches and boosting efficiency, freeing you to focus on customers.

Contact your IT partnerMobile Computer Services Inc., to avail of the best-managed IT support services now at (919) 830-9448.

Cybersecurity Wakeup Call

 

Considerations while Moving into Work from Home Model

 

Mobile Computer Services Shares the Best Practices for Password Management

Mobile Computer Services: The Dos and Don'ts of Password Management

Best Practices For Password Management

Passwords are the most common protective mechanism used by individuals and companies to protect their data and information. Needless to say, a significant cause of data breaches in organizations is stolen passwords. Hence, passwords must be protected and managed in the right way. Indeed, educating employees about the need to have strong, secure passwords can help a lot in avoiding corporate negligence leading to data theft. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Raleigh, talks about the best practices to ensure password protection.

 

1. Length Overrides Complexity

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends the use of long passphrases of up to 64 characters to be used as passwords instead of limiting them to 8 or 12 characters. A passphrase is a set of unconnected or connected words that the user can remember as a picture. An example of a passphrase would be: “Yellow water jug, brown table runner & 1 potpourri v@se”. A passphrase should consist of a mix of characters from the different character sets - numbers, alphabets of capital and small cases, and special characters. A passphrase guarantees both length and complexity and is difficult to crack compared to a shorter password.

2. MFA

Many companies implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to grant access. MFA requires the user to enter a one-time code sent to their mobile devices in addition to the username-password to gain entry. Thus, even if the password is stolen, a hacker cannot get access to the company systems without the one-time password.

3. Password Managers

Password managers are software that generates and stores all the passwords a user needs to log in to various websites and applications. It can be considered a digital book where the user stores all his passwords locked using a master password. This way, users do not have to write and store their passwords anywhere. The software automatically shows the stored passwords for each site for the user to log in and also generates strong passwords while creating new accounts. The master password must be strong to protect the user’s password data in case of theft, such as the recent data breach in the popular “LastPass Password Manager” company.

4. Password Audits

It is a good idea to conduct routine password audits to ensure employee- compliance with the company’s password policies. The audit can also be used to educate employees about any changes in password policies and any recent data breaches across the world that they need to be aware of.

5. Use Biometrics

Biometrics can be used as a part of multi-factor authentication to grant access. Biometrics involves advanced security scanning mechanisms such as a thumbprint, facial, or voice recognition to identify users. This mechanism guarantees that the password is indeed unique and requires the person’s presence to gain access.

6. Protect Privileged Accounts

Password access management software should be deployed for granting access to highly sensitive data. Passwords to such data should be injected into the system and not entered by typing to gain entry. Ideally, these passwords should be changed after every use.

7. Other Simple, Yet Effective Practices

• Each account should have a different password.
• Passwords should not be written and stored electronically or on paper where they can be easily accessed.
• Avoid using a dictionary/real words as single-word passwords.
• Avoid using direct answers for password security questions.
• Password strength can be tested using an online testing tool.
• Mobile phones should be secured with biometrics or a strong password.
• Companies should change the passwords / remove access from employees who leave.
• IT support can implement password encryption.
• Malware solutions should be updated.

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services Inc. at Raleigh provides proactive data and network security for modern-day businesses. The experts at MCS will safeguard your company and its assets from the vulnerabilities of the internet, thereby leaving you with enough time and resources to focus on your business.

Get in touch with your security partner Mobile Computer Services Inc., to avail of the best IT support and IT consulting services today at (919) 830-9448.