The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the modern workplace. Where thousands of businesses closed their doors forever, many thousands benefitting from the new work-from-home or hybrid work models. In fact, some companies have done so well that they’re planning a permanent work-from-home model, and we can’t underestimate the benefits. Some companies found they saved as much as $11,000 per employee on overhead costs.

As we near the (hopeful) end of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re trying to return to a sense of normalcy, but the virus has brought about irreversible changes and things we’ll need to be better prepared for this year. The pandemic created a huge market for cybercrime, with some sources suggesting that cybercrime rose almost 400% at the height of lockdown last March/April. That means businesses choosing a remote model for the future need to think about their virtual security seriously. Let’s take a look at some ways you can protect your virtual workplace this year.

Use A Password Manager

Password managers can’t be underestimated when it comes to improving your virtual security. In fact, it’s arguable that a good password manager is one of your best tools for securing the digital workspace. Why? Because passwords are the number one defense against data breaches and the most hacked cyber asset. It’s estimated that about 80% of all data breaches are linked to compromised passwords.

Enterprise password management is simple with password services like Keeper. An enterprise password vault can help you generate more secure passwords for your company, store them on an encrypted cloud for easy access and greater security, and even includes storage for important documents.

At the enterprise level, there’s simply no reason not to use a password manager. For just a few dollars per user, you can get maximum password protection, increasing your company’s overall cybersecurity even while working remotely. The virtual workplaces of today and the future need password managers!

Secure Your Conference Calls and Meetings

Virtual workplaces will host plenty of conferences and calls this year, but few of us ever think of those calls’ privacy and security. Do you know who’s actually attending your calls? Who’s listening? It’s important to remember that anything on the internet can be hacked, which means your remote conference calls and meetings are vulnerable.

The first step to securing your conference calls is using a legitimate conference calling service. Yes, Zoom is a “legitimate” service, but it’s also one of the most popular video/audio conferencing services out there. With billions of people using it, there are bound to be security issues.

Always use a guest list or RSVP for your calls, and if you can, ensure everyone has their camera on so you can verify it’s actually them in the call. Record your calls, and use a cloud conferencing service to get the best value for your money.

Secure Remote Desktops

When the pandemic forced us all to stay at home, millions of remote desktops suddenly entered the workforce, and many of them weren’t properly secured. This is an excellent entry point for a hacker, so securing remote desktops should be a top priority for your company. The University of Berkely suggests a few tips for ensuring maximum security on remote desktops:

• Use strong passwords
• Use 2FA whenever possible
• Update software
• Use firewalls to restrict access
• Enable network-level authentication
• Limit users who can log in
• Set an account lockout policy
• Use RPD gateways

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure all of the remote desktops in your company are secure and that every employee understands the importance of security best practices.

Make The Investment

Protecting your virtual business in 2021 is going to mean putting down some cash. Investing in your company’s future will pay dividends when you’re protected against something like a data breach, which can easily bankrupt a small or enterprise-level company. Investing now is a small price to pay in comparison to the what-ifs of not protecting the company.

Educate Employees

Even with the best tools at your disposal, you can’t neglect your employees. Most people who have been forced to work remotely don’t know the first thing about cybersecurity best practices. It’s important to educate your employees on password habits and secure home networks, log in and out of the remote desktop properly, and share files safely and securely. It’s not enough to buy the right tools—you need the right people to wield them.

The Future Of The Workplace

As we near the end of the COVID-19 crisis and vaccines begin to roll out across the globe, we’re looking at a bright future for remote work. Many businesses are deciding to remain permanently remote, and it’s been found that remote workers are actually far more productive and happier. However, it’s never a good idea to neglect your company’s cybersecurity. Follow these tips for a safer, more secure virtual workplace now and well into your company’s future.