Convenience and Concerns of Bringing The Workplace Home
Want to buy a new outfit? Order it online. Feeling hungry and don’t have time to cook? Order it online. Nowadays, we can get pretty much everything done while sitting in the comfort of our homes. So if working from home is a possibility, and will save me a trip to the office, why can’t I just sit here and work?
Working from home is an increasing trend, but there are still major concerns held by companies and employees; such as productivity, mistrust by management, IT infrastructure changes, and most of all, security. Since employees are unsupervised at home, the company risks the safety of their valuable data. Technology allows us many conveniences, but we must remember there are always risks involved, especially since data is increasingly more valuable.
As the IT industry has advanced, the value of information has increased and strategies to protect it need to stay ahead of the game. End users can’t be trusted to always follow best practices for working securely (at home or at the office). These facts have inspired leaders in the IT world have taken matters into their own hands.
Fujitsu and Microsoft Team Up
Japanese multinational Fujitsu has teamed up with Microsoft to upgrade their latest devices. Microsoft has developed facial and fingerprint recognition called Windows Hello, and Fujitsu has introduced palm vein authentication that uses Palm Secure technology. Equipping their new devices with various bio-metric options allows secure access for employees and prevents attacks.
Credentials Comprised? Don't fret!
Biometric authentication such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning and palm-vein technology protect company data from being obtained when user credentials are compromised. The majority of security breaches happen when credentials are compromised; and it is almost entirely from end-users falling for a malicious email or phishing attack. Where end-user security decisions fail, a safety net needs to be secured. Whether your employees are working from home or at the office, providing them with security training, private connections, strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication are the best ways to ensure the security of your company and its data.
MultiFactor Authentication - Protection when you Can't Protect Yourself
If biometric authentication like fingerprint scanning or palm-vein authentication is not an option for you, dual authentication is. Many widely used applications allow for the integration of dual authentication; even Facebook, Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Twitter have added this option. Dual authentication, much like its name suggests, uses two steps for gaining access to something. First, your credentials, and second, a randomized number only provided to you via a private device.
Like with palm-vein authentication or fingerprint scanning, you’re allowed access when you provide specific proof that the account belongs to you. This means if someone were to gain access to your credentials, they couldn’t access your data unless they had the same blue veins in your hand, fingerprint, or randomized number. Adding an extra step to a rather simple task can be daunting, but when you take into consideration the added protection you’re giving yourself and your company, it should be a no brainer.
Conveniences of the Modern Workplace
When proper security measures are followed and the option to work from home is given, the efficiency and diversity of employees increases as well as reduced costs. The pool of candidates for employers will become global because the cost of transportation won’t need to be considered when deciding on the compensation packages.
With advancements in technology, we are being given the luxury of having more time on our hands. Yet, we find ourselves running out of it. Simultaneously improving security and networking capabilities of mobile devices will enable employees to work more efficiently and also allow companies to breathe a sigh of relief.
If security options are utilized properly, the modern workplace can help us maintain a great work-life balance and enjoy the perks of both. Our all inclusive managed IT services offering includes network security services that provides businesses the piece of mind that thier network is not only protected from cyber threats but also, if necessary, ensure that you are following industry specific security regulations and guidelines.
