Since the outbreak of COVID-19, most of the businesses have collapsed. Many businesses have been affected badly. Meantime, due to the risk of transmission of the virus. Most of the companies have started remote working. Also, existing and new companies have started hiring employees remotely.
It’s an opportunity for the tier-three countries to work in the tier-one country’s companies. Remote working, online meetings, webinars have been a trend in today’s scenario.
But working remotely has made the company’s security more vulnerable. The staff are targeted from their home network and are open to different cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Since the home networks are weak and unsafe, the employees are the loopholes for hackers to get into the companies network.
IT and technology-based jobs are on the safer side as the employees have prior knowledge about the security issues and how to prevent those issues. But for the normal employees without any background of IT knowledge, are always in the red zone.
So, if you practicing remote work along with your employees and planning to start the work physically. Here we will help you acquire Information Technology (IT) tips for safe return to the office during the COVID-19 situation.
In this article, we will discuss the core IT factors that need to be considered for the safe return of the office. Also, we will address the pros and cons of running a business physically versus remotely.
These are the five IT considerations that need to be followed for a safe return to the office from a remote job.
- Use advanced contact tracing
- Keeping the Device secured.
- Don’t install pirated software
- Don’t exchange devices
- Update your cybersecurity preferences
Use advanced contact tracing
There are numerous apps that provide contact tracing for the COVID-19 virus. The apps may differ from each region.
In short use an application that reminds you of people who are tested positive for COVID-19. It helps in tracking the people who came in contact/touch in the past days. It directly helps the company from spreading the virus. After the employees are alerted they can isolate themselves and keep the company safe. Not using such practice can rapidly increase the virus within the company and create more risk.
Keeping the Device secured
Before using the Office Network and resources, ensure that your devices are safe and sound. Use premium antivirus and cleaner to remove all the malicious files from the device. Insecure devices can harm the computer system and network in the organization.
Usually, the hackers try social engineering to the employees by adding malicious files. It’s one of the quickest ways to get into an organization’s network and system.
The operating system and device status should be updated. If not updated the bugs can be a loophole to harm the company.
Quick Read: Ultimate Guide to choosing the right computer for your Business
Don’t install pirated software
Pirated or third party software is way more dangerous than you think. We always recommend our readers to use premium and paid software rather than the patched and pirated one. The malicious files can easily access your computer system and hamper the whole company’s network chain.
Pirated software can access your computer network and device’s core files. To keep the computer safe and sound, try using free software or paid one. For meetings and conferences, you can use free applications like google meet.
Don’t exchange devices
Since the Virus can spread through physical contact. Don’t share or exchange the devices with the employees. The virus can easily spread throughout the office if the devices are exchanged.
Try to have your own device or resource in the office. If you are sharing a single device with many office employees during different office hours. Then, we recommend you use gloves while using the device. It prevents the direct transmission of the virus.
Related Article: Why businesses should use VPN services while working remotely?
Update your cybersecurity preferences
Cybersecurity has been a major concern in today’s scenario. Privacy and security is the main consideration in the present time. So to be safe practice all the precautionary measures to be safe. Always use 2FA authentication on all the websites and devices.
And use good internet connectivity that has both speed and security. We recommend you hire an IT professional and manage all the networks in your organization. So that the files can be shared easily from LAN network topology, and prevent contact between the employees.
If you are looking for a Managed IT service Provider who can provide IT support and security services, Contact Us for a free IT consultation.
Pros and cons of working remotely
There’s a major confusion between people regarding the work from home and working physically in the office. We have seen people in forums discussing it. So we have made it more clear by mentioning the actual pros and cons of working remotely.
Pros
In the present scenario, remote work has been a trend in most companies. Even Google had started remote working in its early days. If practiced wisely it’s beneficial for both workers and business owners. We have listed five benefits of working remotely.
- Better balance between work and life
- Higher productivity
- Healthier lifestyle
- Saving extra expenses like travel cost, parking, and many more
- Gives time for your household activities
It can vary for each employee. The conditions mentioned above are on the common basis of an employee.
Cons
Though in the present scenario, it’s beneficial to work from home there are some negative aspects of working remotely.
We have listed some of the negative aspects of working from home (remotely). The cons listed below also may vary from each employee.
- Communication gaps between employee to employee and employee to managers
- It’s quite difficult to stay motivated
- Lacks social interaction between each other
- Difficult in file-sharing in larger companies
- Home-packaged internet services are weak which can cause interruptive workflow.
Related Article: What’s included in managed services for small businesses?
Remote work Vs physical work? Our recommendation
Since the whole world is under a recession. It’s difficult to manage life in all aspects. To survive a job needs to be done. So our recommendation, for now, is to work remotely from your home. To ensure that you are safe, use proper connectivity and use high-security measures.
But, if the remote job is really hampering the company’s workflow. Then switch to the physical work office. Ensure and practice all the security measures to stay away from the virus.
