Remote Access Work and Cybersecurity Policy

Background of Information

Employees with remote work access experience several benefits due to the flexibility and efficiency of completing their tasks at home or on the move. However, working from home risks the safety of organizational information. It exposes its servers and networks to risks due to inappropriate cyber security practices and attacks by malicious parties that may access the data through public networks and insecure channels. Subsequently, these threats bear severe implications for all shareholders in the organization. Therefore, it is better to ensure positive outcomes by guiding staff members on what to avoid when working remotely. In addition, it is necessary to offer support and assistance to ensure that all devices used to work remotely are updated with the latest antivirus security and protected from unauthorized access by third parties.

Purpose and Scope of the Policy Brief

Over the past years, instances of unauthorized access to critical organizational information and security breaches have increased due to external attacks targeted at the New York criminal investigations department. However, an evaluation shows that most cyber-criminals and offenders take advantage of gaps in systems adopted for remote working initiatives as the department observes high levels of information security within its setting (Curran, 2020). Therefore, the following brief intends to align the cyber-security practices of staff members working remotely in a crimes investigation department in New York. The policy brief will cover areas of access restriction using passwords, connecting to secure or private networks, and using updated antivirus applications to limit third parties from accessing the institution’s information.

Causes and Implications of Inappropriate Remote Work Access Practices

Working remotely allows employees to manage their schedules and deliver on their obligations regardless of location and time. Additionally, it enables organizations to improve their prospects by enhancing their efficiency (Georgiadou et al., 2022). However, distant working limits the amount of control organizations have over their employees and obligates them to depend on the staff’s dedication to organizational standards (Wang & Alexander, 2021). As a result, negligence often results in mishandling organizational data, carelessly storing passwords, and practices such as logging into user account using insecure networks and devices with obsolete antivirus software applications. Additionally, lacking awareness of the essence of data security limits employees from taking strict measures to protect organizational information (Ramadan et al., 2021). Therefore, institutional standards should establish guidelines to prevent inappropriate work-from-home practices that may result in data breaches and unauthorized access.

Let’s start

Cyber security issues such as third parties’ unauthorized access to critical information and data breaches have adverse implications on employees, institutions, and the individuals they serve. Exposing vital information to the wrong people can harm an organization’s reputation and question its ability to handle critical issues (Curran, 2020). Additionally, accessing individuals’ private information puts clients at risk of blackmail and defamation. In turn, fewer people may want to engage or do business with organizations that do not observe the tenets of confidentiality, which may reduce the number of consumers and loyal customers (Wang & Alexander, 2021). Moreover, employees may face reparations due to litigation or suspension. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent these outcomes by adhering to guidelines that oversee the appropriate use and enhanced security of institutional systems in work-from-home initiatives.

Recommendations and Policy Implications

Standardized policies are critical in guiding all individuals in the institution toward the right direction in ensuring data security. The proposed recommendations aim to reduce unauthorized access to institutional information and data breaches due to staff negligence while working from home. Therefore, all individuals should adhere to the stipulations and immediately report to the concerned department in case they need assistance or in case of issues such as lost devices and misplaced passwords.

1. Employees working from home should pay attention to high levels of cyber security practices. Thus, the organization expects them to familiarize themselves with all the requirements and checklists for keeping their passwords and devices safe. Generally, employees should store their passwords far from others’ reach. Additionally, they should use secure netwo