A secure and compliant work environment is what data protection regulations worldwide mandate your business to implement and maintain.
Every business, no matter where it operates, is required to create and maintain a secure and compliant work environment as per data protection regulations. This environment must be designed to mitigate as many risks as possible and comply with every rule/guideline mentioned in the regulations.
These regulations now require you to take into account your remote work environment. Regardless of how centralized or decentralized your IT setup is, you must demonstrate that you've implemented the necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of any sensitive data. Keep your data and your organization safe by following these guidelines.
Continue reading to find out how you can effectively ensure business compliance in all areas including your remote workforce.
Humans, Machines, and Business Compliance for Remote Workforce
Business compliance can feel like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. It can be incomplete without two essential pieces – the machines and the humans. If the machines and the humans follow the right steps to meet the security compliance requirements, your business will remain safe in the face of any major setback.
Although your organization may not be 100 percent immune to cyber threats, it would still be resilient enough to avoid most of them and also recover from an unfortunate breach quicker than one would imagine while avoiding regulatory action for not following the security compliance requirements.
The Role of the Machines in Business Compliance
The machines and technological tools are part of your work environment. You must ensure the right devices are used and the right technology is used to secure these devices. For example, if your business is required to comply with HIPAA regulations, you cannot use a phone system that does not comply with HIPAA regulations.
Also, to ensure that only authenticated users gain access to your business network via their devices, acquiring an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution is crucial. This critical security principle applies to not only in-office devices but also those accessed remotely.
For instance, even personal devices and other gadgets allowed under your firm's Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy must comply with these guidelines.
The Human Element in Security Compliance
The human element is just as important as the technological element. You can invest thousands on the right tools and technology but if your workforce isn’t diligent in following the best security and compliance practices, your organization will always be at risk.
Human error can put your business at risk and cause your business to not meet the defined security compliance requirements. Phishing defense solutions can help educate employees about suspicious emails and what to avoid.
Verizon found that 30 percent of data breaches involved internal actors.
Protecting your business against breaches starts with your employees. Ensure they are properly trained to adhere to security compliance policies and take responsibility for their actions; especially if they are part of your remote workforce.
4 Steps to Ensure Business Compliance
Here’s a five-step process you can follow to get off on the right foot:
Step 1: Analysis:
To ensure your organization complies with mandated regulations, performing a thorough analysis of your current work environment is essential. This assessment should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of security compliance.
Don't forget to document every step of the process for future reference. Taking these measures will help ensure your work environment is both secure and compliant.
Step 2: Protection
Protect your network from potential vulnerabilities by implementing strong and appropriate technical safeguards. A meticulous strategy is crucial in ensuring no device on your network serves as a security threat, especially remote devices.
Step 3:Training
Protect your business from cyber threats, no matter the position of your employees. Develop a comprehensive training program that ensures everyone understands the cybersecurity risks your business faces - especially those related to remote work.
Step 4: Systematization
Create policies and procedures that guarantee adherence to your business compliance policies and regulations to reduce the risk of non-compliance by both machines and humans.
Achieve Business Compliance With BTI
Creating a safe and compliant work environment can be a daunting task, especially in the current climate. However, you don't have to navigate this complexity alone. We have extensive experience in helping businesses prioritize compliance and achieve success in this field.
Don't spend your valuable time struggling to figure everything out on your own. Contact us, and we'll work with you to put together all the necessary pieces of this complex puzzle. Let's start building a safer, more compliant workplace together.