More and more people are working on the go—and 63% of businesses have had a data breach because of that. Remote work and the blurred lines between where work should and shouldn't be done make organizations vulnerable to cybersecurity issues. Poorly secured internet, phishing emails that work better because employees are distracted, and even direct access to documents and open digital files all present real risks to businesses of any size or industry. Whether your business has already been hit by a data breach or you want to shore up your defenses before it happens, it is ideal to start reviewing the risks of where you and your employees do work. Then, start taking active steps to minimize these risks.
The Risks of Working in Unsecured Locations
Nowhere is 100% completely safe, but venues where your employees choose to work may have gaping holes in their security provisions. Some of these weaknesses are as follows:
Home Offices
Home offices are one of the more secure options, though they still can be impacted. In terms of digital connections, most homes do not have the rigorous defenses of commercial spaces given employees' individual internet connections and cybersecurity habits. There will absolutely be multiple Internet providers, different anti-malware services, and so on. There is no guarantee they meet the recommended minimum standards for your industry.
The physical security in home offices is also dubious. If your employees have roommates, invite guests over, or do work in their living room or kitchen, then dozens of eyes can see confidential details—of your business and your clients.
Coffee Shops
Coffee shops present some of the greatest cybersecurity risks. Most of your employees will be using the public wi-fi provided in the coffee shop. The only alternative is to provide your employees with hotspot devices and data plans (and even then, there is no guarantee). Coffee shops also present physical risks:
- People are walking around and can see information up on screens.
- Malicious actors can steal laptops or files.
- Other customers in the coffee shop will overhear conversations.
While Handling Personal Errands
Just like with coffee shops, any work done while employees are doing errands or handling their personal affairs has the risks of unsecured Internet and physical security hazards. Employees checking their inbox in a spare moment or opening an in-progress task are distracted. They're much more likely to make a mistake, click an unsecured link, or fall for a phishing scam.
4 Strategies for Protecting Business Information While You Work
The more security strategies you have layered on top of each other, the more secure your business information is. Start by working these four strategies into your business operations to protect business information.
1. Have Dedicated Office Spaces
Eliminate the hazards of unsecured physical spaces by giving your employees access to dedicated offices with closed doors and solid walls. These environments guarantee protection against casual theft or data breaches. When your employees are handling sensitive information behind closed doors, they're also less likely to become targets.
2. Keep an Office Wall to Your Back
Even if you don't give every employee a dedicated office space, you can give them secure spaces. Coworking spaces are semi-public areas that are dedicated to professional work and productivity, and they have a wide range of different work environments and rooms of different sizes. Your employees can work with their backs to a wall and know that no one is looking over their shoulder.
3. Have a VPN and Use Secured Internet
Whether you have remote workers, hybrid work schedules, or multiple office locations, standardize how your employees access the cloud or Internet. Provide VPNs, secure sign-on devices, and intranets with all the virtual security you need to adequately protect your company and clients.
4. Hold Meetings in Secure Locations
A lot of information is shared during internal meetings and client-facing meetings. Rather than letting all those details be released to whoever is nearby, hold your meetings in official, secure locations. Even if you don't have dedicated office space, you can temporarily rent a conference room or large office in a coworking space. These spaces have security and amenities for phone calls, video conferences, and in-person meetings.
Start Creating Better Information Security in Coworking Spaces
Physical data security and virtual data security fit together in most business contexts. Start by giving your employees convenient, secure, and flexible workspaces. At Quest Workspaces, we provide numerous office space options in Miami and New York City locations.
Reach out today to learn more about how our hospitality-driven flexible workspaces can fit into your 2024 data security plans.
