In just a few short weeks, the COVID-19 outbreak has changed the way businesses operate. Daily life has had to adapt to stop the spread of the virus, and unfortunately, many businesses are struggling through the changes. But many businesses that have been able to transition through these changes quickly and remain operational have done so by moving their teams to remote work arrangements.
Before this crisis, 95% of remote workers said that they would recommend it to others, and remote working can help cut overhead costs and, in some cases, even improve productivity. With the right tools and resources, your business could thrive during this crisis and also come out of it with a powerful tool for your employees and business to use in the future.
Here are three IT tools your remote workforce needs to operate smoothly.
1. Cloud Solutions
Cloud-based solutions have completely revolutionized remote working in recent years. Cloud computing gives your workforce flexibility by enabling employees to work remotely without any loss of data or control. Cloud storage and computing gives workers remote access to a virtual workplace environment with all of the same tools, data, and information as they would have in the office. Team members can even collaborate and communicate in real time while at a safe distance.
Cloud solutions also offer advanced backup and data recovery. Your company will be protected from data loss even when your employees are working remotely, as long as they are storing data in your business’s cloud environment.
2. VPN
A VPN, or virtual private network, allows users to establish a secure connection with a remote computer network. These individual users can then access that private network through secure, encrypted communications. Basically, a VPN allows your home working employees remote access to your company’s internal network. They can work from home without any loss of accessibility.
If your business uses in-house servers, setting up a VPN to give your staff access to files remotely can help your business thrive, as your staff members access secure data without having to open your business network up to external traffic and potential harmful actors.
When you use a VPN, cyber criminals won’t be able to see your company’s remote server online, nor will they be able to intercept communications between employees. Using a VPN increases security and gives your workforce the chance to work efficiently and freely, wherever they are.
3. Cybersecurity Tools
Moving to a remote network involves many factors, and unfortunately, many businesses fail to protect their remote IT systems adequately with sufficient cybersecurity tools. Almost a third of small businesses have no cybersecurity strategy in place, and more than 60% of small businesses that are victim to cyber attacks go out of business within six months.
Comprehensive cybersecurity protects your business, and having a proactive strategy to prevent breaches becomes more critical than ever when your workforce is working remotely. But, your company’s strategy must be multi-layered if it is to reduce the threat of cybercrime significantly.
Firewall management, intrusion detection, antivirus, and anti-malware services are necessary to respond to cyberattacks effectively, and employee training will give your team the knowledge they need to avoid phishing scams and malicious links and downloads.
Working with a Managed Service Provider
Working with a Managed Service Provider is the best way to ensure your business has access to all of the resources and support that it needs to thrive during the COVID-19 outbreak. You don’t need to spend valuable time figuring out how to set up your remote technology and security when you work with professionals who are experienced in solving all your technical problems for you. Partnering with a Managed Service Provider allows you to fully concentrate on maintaining your business and serving your customers.
A skilled Managed Service Provider will help you to implement cloud solutions, set up a VPN, and prepare a complete cybersecurity strategy. Additionally, a Managed Service Provider can also offer your business round-the-clock support and 24/7 monitoring to proactively prevent issues and substantially reduce downtime, allowing you to focus on providing your core services.
Tolar Systems is the best IT service provider to help your business succeed both now and in the future. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
