While it is vital that we are keeping data secure throughout the pandemic, it is an ongoing necessity. Ensuring that remote working is as safe as can be for both employees and companies is essential to implementing successful remote working strategies both now and in the future.

For those who have already adopted remote working, robust data security policies may already be in place. However, many companies have not worked this way before, at least not on this scale, or may have only just begun to dip their toes into the remote working pool, meaning that their security best practices may still be in the initial phases of development.

The main thing to consider when taking operations remotely, in any scenario, is training. The key to keeping data secure is ensuring all employees are comfortable with the systems they are using, they understand the importance of security measures and best practices, are able to spot anything that may be suspicious or out of the ordinary, and know how to report or solve any problems that arise.

When employees are out of the office it is vital that they feel comfortable with these processes without the immediate, on-site assistance of their IT teams or line managers. Make sure that all staff have received up-to-date training and are happy with their new remote set up.

Ensure that all devices being used to access company data have up-to-date antivirus software installed on them and automate any updates if you can. Making sure that updates are done as quickly as possible help to patch any holes or weak spots in previous versions and can be essential for preventing a data breach.

A great option for keeping your data secure while preserving remote access is by using a data centre. Data centres are a terrific option and can come with a range of additional security benefits, such as specialist physical 24/7 security. As well as being able to access data remotely, data centres allow for the deployment of firewalls and antivirus software across your entire network. You can read more about data centres here.

Another thing to consider when working remotely is using a secure connection. While it is easier in these current times to avoid public spaces and unsafe public WiFi connections, the security of your connection is still important. Ensure your WiFi is password protected and you can control who has access to the network.

We would highly recommend using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN is essentially a secure passage for you to access the world wide web. Cybercriminals will look to exploit a range of areas, so it is important that your browsing and online activity is protected.

Keeping data secure needn’t be a worry for your business, our team are still working remotely and are available to help you with any issues that may arise when working from home. Whether you’re struggling to keep the connection or need some advice on how to implement these strategies on a longer-term basis then please get in touch with a member of our team.

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1. Improve Your Connection

Connectivity is vital for remote working, but we have seen some issues arise from the sheer volume of users now connecting remotely. However, there are some quick fixes that can help you maximise your home WiFi. Simply being closer to the router can provide a better connection. Set your WiFi router up as close to your workspace as you can. If that doesn’t work, we recommend you source a Wi-Fi range extender, these can be found online. Alternatively, talk to your providers to see if you can increase your package.

2. Stay Secure

With more and more employees accessing documents, systems and other files and applications outside the safety of the office, security is paramount. Cloud solutions are the perfect option as they can be accessed remotely, provided you have the correct login credentials. A way to secure this further would be to adopt MFA (multi-factor authentication), including features such as additional security questions, pin numbers or even biometrics. We also highly recommend using a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your connection and protect network traffic.

3. Adopt New Tools

When it comes to our top remote working tips, it must include ways on staying connected with other people in your team as well as your customers. Whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime or good-old Skype, there are so many different videoconferencing and video-calling options to help you connect with your team. Try them out and see which works best for you. Many of these platforms have additional features to help support remote working, such as collaboration tools and the ability to integrate with other systems, so get exploring!

4. Stay Up to Date

While this is a rule that should be followed in the office as well, it can be extremely important for remote working. In the office, application and software updates may be automated or the IT department may usually sort out these things for you. Be aware that this is something you will need to keep on top of on your at-home devices. Ensuring that all updates are done as soon as possible means that your device will stay protected against hackers and cybercriminals who are looking for weak spots to take advantage of.

5. Train, Train, Train

Something people may not expect for remote working tips, but as with anything, training is key to success. Make sure your team is getting access to up to date training including working from home best practices as well as your company’s security protocols. While many people will be up to date with in-office procedures, working from home comes with a whole new set of rules. A larger portion of employees will not have worked from home before or had to access systems remotely. Things that seem common sense to the more seasoned remote workers may not be as obvious to those who are new to these working arrangements.

For many people, working from home has become the new normal, with the pandemic creating a new remote form of working that many businesses were apprehensive about trying or even adamant that they could not implement effectively. Businesses have had to adapt and have proved that they can do so with great success. Now that these new ways of remote working have been proven to work, it may change the future of working forever. It could lead to a more acceptable, flexible way of working in the future, which is why it is vital to ensure the longevity and security of remote systems for the long term not just until this crisis is over.

These are unprecedented times for everyone, but there is no reason your IT can’t step up to the challenge! If you’re in need of a helping hand or some advice to help maximise your home office, get in touch with a member of our team.

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Here are our top ten remote working sign offs you need to try:

1. Quarantined regards

For a time when even your regards are required to stay indoors.

2. Yours from afar

We praise this email sign off for keeping its Government approved distance, reflect your compliance in your email.

3. Cautious cheers

A ‘wary thanks’ or a ‘careful wishes’ would also do the trick!

4. Best (but could be better)

Many can most likely relate to this email sign off in the current situation. Look on the bright side, there’s no commute (or at least a quieter one) and more time can be spent with our pets.

5. Socially Distant

Social distancing takes on the digital world with this reminder that we should all be doing our bit to stay away from others to protect the NHS.

6. Until three weeks

This hopeful sign off can be tweaked depending on the length of lockdown. The current restrictions are set to be reviewed after three weeks so can be updated if necessary. Add a countdown if you’re feeling fancy!

7. Sent from my living room

Or dining room or kitchen table. Wherever your new ‘office’ is let people know.

8. Yours from captivity

While some are enjoying isolation, others are feelings trapped and confined, opt for this comical email sign off if you feel the same.

9. Remote regards

While this sign off may conjure up images of someone huddled shivering over a laptop in the most remote corners of the world, it’s not necessarily that dramatic!

10. See you on the other side

While it may not seem like it right now, we will be able to get back to normal and see our colleagues, friends and family again. This is one for the optimists.

We hope you’ve been inspired by these quarantine-themed email sign offs perfect for remote working. If you’ve come across a sign off that is too good to keep to yourself, let us know over on Twitter.

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The situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) is constantly evolving and, with many now being advised to implement remote working where possible, we have put together our advice on how to implement this during the outbreak. It may be a difficult transition period while the world adapts to this new virus, but there are steps businesses can take to ensure the smoothest move possible and employees can continue with business as usual while working from home.

VoIP systems

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems are brilliant when it comes to flexible and remote working. If you don’t already have a VoIP system in place, we highly recommend you invest in one. Being powered by the internet allows the devices to be moved and relocated, simply plug in, connect to the internet and you’re good to go.

Not only is a VoIP system flexible, it is generally the more affordable option when compared to traditional phone systems as they need very little set up and there is no need to purchase expensive equipment and hardware. They require very little maintenance and when they do, most can be carried out remotely.

Cloud storage

Good access is vital when working from home. All members of staff need to be able to access servers and files with ease. When it comes to storage of data there are two main options, on premises or the cloud.

Cloud solutions are ideal for home and remote working as they can be accessed from anywhere with the correct log-in credentials. This means the security of a cloud server may be called into question; however, additional factors such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and stricter password measures will ensure your team can access files and data securely when working remotely.

Unified communications

Over the last decade, online communication has been adapted and integrated to form the new model of unified communications that companies are increasingly benefiting from when staff need to work remotely. Now employees can host conference calls and access documents and emails from any location on a number of devices, allowing work to continue from any location. Integrating a unified communications structure will allow all communications between both clients and colleagues to continue smoothly and efficiently.

While the situation with COVID-19 is continuously changing and uncertainty is rife, businesses need to be able to rely on IT more than ever. For more information on any of our services and how they assist remote working, please get in touch with our team here.

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