ONE of the UK’s fastest growing cyber security platforms is warning that not taking the right precautions for home working could lead to business disaster.
Technology experts, Hicomply, has created a SaaS (software as a service) platform used across a range of industries to manage information security.
And while companies may feel they have all the necessary protections in place in their offices, with a new hybrid way of working which involves staff working partially or completely from home, client security could easily be compromised.
A report in the USA highlighted that during the pandemic, remote workers had caused a security breach in as many as 20 per cent of businesses.
And according to David Warren, Chief Operating Office at Hicomply, it’s not just the actual cost to a business but also the reputational damage that can be just as difficult to repair.
“If not done right, working from home introduces significant additional risks to business systems and critical information, with potentially disastrous consequences,” said David.
Some of the potential problems are around employees accessing sensitive or confidential information over poorly secured WiFi or VPN connections or using personal devices which may not have up-to-date software or anti virus protection.
There is also the risk that visitors to the employee’s home may get sight of private information and possible security risks which could see devices being stolen.
The Hicomply platform helps companies work towards ISO/IEC 27001 certification which can not only better place to them meet the criteria necessary to win lucrative contracts but can also help protect their valuable information.
“An ISO 27001 implementation can help manage risks associated with home working,” said David.
This includes identifying business needs which in turn helps companies understand and justify the working at home risks, along with setting out the rules, roles and responsibilities for secure remote working.
“Implementing technical measures such as secure log-on procedures, encryption and information back-up all help to protect information from unwanted access, theft and accidental loss,” he said,
“Working from home can bring significant benefits to an organisation and its employees but in order to reap those benefits, companies need to take the very real information security risks seriously.”
He added: “Implementing an ISO 27001 Information Security Management System will help identify the main risks and priorities corrective action, it will empower employees with knowledge and the sense of responsibility they need to manage the company’s information security.”
For further information about Hicomply visit www.hicomply.com
