There’s no denying that technology has disrupted traditional communication practices. Companies are increasingly adopting technology and digital modes of basically everything. However, the increasing reliance on tech tools has put companies at a greater risk of cyberattacks from computer criminals. So, company secrets are very important in our modern days.
Moreover, the shift from offices to homes is seen as a potential threat to businesses since they can no longer monitor employee activity directly. These less secure environments can cause damage to companies if left unchecked. That said, here are five ways you can shield your company secrets from employees:
1. Enforce Confidentiality Policies
Most companies have drawn confidentiality agreements between themselves and their employees. However, that doesn’t mean they may keep a constant check on the employees. The best way to enforce confidentiality policies is to send a routine reminder to employees about their importance. Employees must know that they are the safe keepers of company secrets. The widespread availability of broadband companies like Cox cable has made things convenient for individuals and businesses alike.
Moreover, make a habit of sending email reminders from time to time. Enforcing confidentiality policies is crucial to the smooth running of a business. It also serves as a way to ensure that employees shouldn’t take company policies for granted. Though the current work-from-home culture has made things a little inconvenient for companies, employees are still bound to follow company rules and regulations.
2. Adopt Best Practices for Remote Work
The pandemic forced most companies to shift to remote work. It may not be easy to address the challenges associated with remote work. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure best practices for employees working from home. To this effect, the organization concerned should take employees into confidence over the environment shift.
Companies should clarify what behavior and conduct they expect from employees during working hours. Also, keeping company assets safe and secure should be treated as a priority and not as an excuse. Make sure to regularly convey these instructions via Zoom calls. Tell employees they should treat company assets with utmost care and diligence.
3. Take Steps to Ensure Additional Security
The importance of protecting data cannot be overstated in this digital age. Businesses that have access to consumer information should take extra measures to protect it. Companies that do not prioritize data protection risk losing revenue streams and customers. Organizations should remind employees that they must not log in to company networks from their personal computers.
Another step you can incorporate to protect company secrets is multi-factor authentication. This method is super effective. This electronic authentication method requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence to get access to a system or network. Employees should be told they cannot work outside a corporate network. Also, they should ask to use VPNs when accessing the company network.
4. Train Employees to Tackle Scamming
New scams emerge every day. Computer criminals employ scamming tactics to target businesses and enterprises. Scamming incidents have been on the rise ever since companies adopted the work from the home process. It is advisable to train your employees on ways to protect themselves from scammers and computer criminals.
Scammers often disguise themselves as government representatives or business persons. A scammer may pretend to be an official from a taxation agency or any other federal authority. Some might ask you to provide information about where you work. Make sure that your employees know that they should never disclose company secrets to third parties.
5. Limit Access to Company Assets
This is perhaps the most important point to consider. Employees working from home need remote access to use company systems and networks. Make sure that only designated employees have remote access to your systems and computers. Also, use tech tools to monitor when your employees have logged into and out of company systems.
Also, save all company files and other crucial information in cloud storage. Do not let anyone other than a few employees access crucial information. Moreover, you should tell employees about the penalties and implications of leaking company secrets to third parties. Roll out different reminders from to time so that your employees know you are keeping a close watch on them.
Conclusion
These were some of the methods to protect your company secrets from third parties and rogue employees. Remember, communication is key to establishing transparency and maintaining confidentiality. Try these methods and you’ll be amazed by the results you see.
