How to address data-privacy risks created by remote and hybrid work

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How to address data-privacy risks created by remote and hybrid work – Guide

The transition to teleworking has changed the way millions of people do their jobs during the global pandemic. But the new ways – and places – in which people work have also brought new challenges, such as the potential exposure of sensitive and confidential company information.

A new study conducted by the Ponemon Institute sheds some light on this challenge. For example, he found that an average of 40 percent of organizations’ remote or hybrid workers spend time in cafeterias and shared workspaces, according to IT and IT security managers surveyed. These public spaces pose unique security and data privacy risks – from unsecured Wi-Fi networks to visual hackers who can see and capture sensitive information on employees’ screens.

IT respondents in the Ponemon survey were aware of these risks. For example, about two-thirds of them said they were very concerned that prying eyes would see sensitive information on remote or hybrid employee screens.

The challenge companies now face is how they can maintain control over the security and privacy of their information, especially as they seek to make permanent remote and hybrid work options after employees return to the workplace.

A new type of policy

Only 4 in 10 business managers surveyed by the Ponemon Institute said their organization has increased its privacy policies since transitioning to remote or hybrid work.

Part of the challenge is that most companies have never had remote or hybrid work policies. If they broached the topic of safeguarding confidential information outside their office walls, they likely did so in their travel policies.

Clearly, remote and hybrid working policies are needed, but what should they address?

First, policies must specify safeguards to mitigate data privacy and security threats.

The top five technologies that IT and IT security managers in the Ponemon study said they believe are the most effective in protecting privacy and security in a remote or hybrid work environment:

These technologies help protect network access and detect potential network threats. But they don’t protect against potential physical hazards such as visual hackers who only need their eyes or a smartphone to see and capture sensitive information on an exposed screen.

Second, training and awareness programs must address the risks of remote and hybrid work and educate employees on mitigation methods. These programs must ensure that employees know the importance of visual privacy, so that they are always aware of their surroundings and what privacy protections they should use.

And third, policies also need to recognize that, for many employees, working in a completely private space is simply not an option. For example, only about a third of business managers in the Ponemon study said they work in home makes it possible to prevent others from seeing your work.

For these risks, screen privacy filters for laptops or monitors provide a simple method to protect data privacy. Filters darken viewers’ angular view while providing an undisturbed viewing experience for the device user.

Any laptops have software that, when activated, creates a privacy-like effect. But there is a risk that workers forget or choose not to enable the feature. A better option is privacy filters physically set to laptops, monitors and mobile device screens. These filters can provide the desired level of privacy and other benefits such as glare reduction, blue light reduction and screen saver.

Dealing with risks in the office

Data privacy is not just a concern for remote and hybrid workers. It must also be a priority within the walls of an organization.

Research has shown that office workers can be susceptible to visual hackers. In an earlier Ponemon study, white hat hackers impersonating part-time or temporary workers were sent to the offices of eight participating companies. In 88% of the attempts, they were able to visually hack information such as employee login credentials, accounting information, and customer information.

As companies review their policies to address the challenges of remote and hybrid working, they should consider updating office worker policies at the same time.

For example, a “clean desk” policy should be implemented to require employees to turn off device screens and remove papers when leaving their work areas. Privacy filters should be installed on all computer screens and devices in a company’s offices or premises. And document shredders must be located wherever employees regularly handle confidential information.

Adapting to a new normal

Companies were quick to change the way work was done with the arrival of the COVID-19 and can do the same while adjusting to a future where remote and hybrid work is the new norm. With the right policy changes, companies can give all workers the flexibility they need while protecting their information.

Final note

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