Although the pandemic made remote work a necessity, it doesn’t seem like the work-from-home option will disappear anytime soon.

As of July 2021, 40% of employees have stated they may quit if they lose this flexible option. The only issue with companies making this switch is the process of securing sensitive data, but you can easily do this using the following 7 methods.

How to Easily Secure Sensitive Work Documents and Data

1. Migrating Your File Server to the Cloud

Plenty of cloud-based services allow you and your workers secure remote access to sensitive data without the use of a VPN. For example, Centre Stack’s remote file servers offer this service while also providing protected web, hybrid, and mobile access on any Wi-Fi or LTE connection. With external firewalls and an active directory, your data will be virtually impossible to steal.

2. Create a Cybersecurity Policy

All the security in the world won’t protect your data legally without a cybersecurity policy that must be signed if an employee chooses to work remotely. Some of your workers may decide to operate out of a public area or have other household members that may interact with a shared office computer. Since data breaches can happen at any time, be prepared for the inevitable.

Although most employees are technologically savvy, they may think they’re being secure when they aren’t or aren’t working with customer data when they are. The easiest way to avoid confusion is to lay out data protection necessities plainly. Explain how to log on, security protocols, how you’ll support their security efforts, and what happens if these rules are broken.

3. Use Firewalls, Antivirus, Anti-Malware, Encryption Software

The term “better to be safe than sorry” should always be applied with customer data because once your servers are breached, there’s little you can do to earn back consumer trust. Purchase an all-in-one security package that features a firewall, antivirus, anti-malware, and encryption software and give your employees instructions on how to properly install it on their computer.

4. Consider Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is a secure and private network connection that encrypts and hides your IP address through the public internet. VPNs can help you protect your personal data, but they’re most famously known for getting past content blocks, censorship, and website restrictions. Unless your software includes a VPN, install a separate one to protect your employees on public Wi-Fi.

5. Ensure All Internet Connections are Secure

A secure Internet connection is almost always used on home Wi-Fi. Not only are they protected with a password, but home modems have an extra layer of encryption that’s easy to set up. Public Wi-Fi won’t have the same protections in place, so it’s important to inform your staff. If they choose to use public Wi-Fi, they can as long as they use a VPN or secure file server.

6. Use a Password Manager and Strong Passwords

Although we’re taught to use strong passwords, 83% of Americans use passcodes that use information that’s readily available on social media. Even if your passphrase is longer than 10 characters long and uses numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters, many will reuse their passwords for every website.

If you’re having trouble remembering all of your unique passwords or coming up with strong phrases, use a password manager application.

7. Always Use Two-Factor Authentication

A strong password isn’t enough to keep you safe because another person in the company could still hack your system. Instead, use two-factor authentication that includes a username and password before asking for another piece of information, like an answer or a PIN. The chances of someone else having the second piece of info is slim, making your data more secure.