Get Comfortable
A comfortable employee is a productive employee. Read how to create ergonomic home offices for your remote staff to keep them working healthy and efficiently.
May Movement Challenge!
On May 1, several members of the PCR team and their families began a challenge to start moving! The goal was to be as active as possible throughout the month of May…
IT Security for Working at Home
Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus many employees have been forced to work from home, or may be working from home in the near future. If you find yourself in this situation it’s important to remember to follow the best IT security practices when working from home to not put your company at risk of an online virus or cyberattack.
Working remotely can be challenging because you likely don’t have the same security safeguards in place at home as you do in the office. In addition, most people have multiple devices connected to their home Wifi, including personal computers, smartphones, game consoles, etc. These can all offer hackers a gateway into your home Wifi which can then give them a backdoor into the corporate device you are working from. It’s up to you to implement your own layers of security controls at home to prevent your company’s data from being breached.
Cyber criminals love to prey on companies when they are most vulnerable, and one of the weak spots they look for is employees who are not following the best IT security practices for working remotely.
Below is a list of things you can do to prevent cyberattacks while working remotely. You should follow these guidelines whenever you are logged into a corporate laptop or phone, even if it’s just to check a few emails.
IT Security Checklist for Remote Employees
Only Use Secure Wifi
- Avoid using Public WiFi
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Change the default Wifi router passwords to something more secure
- Update router firmware
Protect Your Workspace
- Don’t use your personal computer for work
- Don’t let anyone eavesdrop on what you are working on
- Encrypt sensitive data in emails
- Don’t use the same passwords on work devices as you do personal devices
- Update software for all devices that are connected to your home network (this includes personal computers, television services, game consoles, thermostats, etc.)
Secure Your Devices
- Update firmware
- Create strong passwords using multi-factor authentication
- Review and follow corporate policies and procedures
- Don’t leave your work devices unaccompanied in a vehicle
- Keep your home or apartment securely locked
Read about having a secure bring your own device policy >>
Use Common Sense
- Don’t share your work devices with family or friends
- Don’t post business itineraries or corporate information online. This includes posting photos that may show addresses, client information, or any other personal or business information in the background
- Don’t let your guard down. It’s easy to feel comfortable at home but practice the same IT security best practices at home as you would at work
Report Any Security Issues Immediately
- Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you fear your work computer has been breached contact an IT professional within your company immediately
Want to learn more about working from home safely? Read about Threat Remediation while working from home >>
Fill out the form below or contact PCR Business Systems if you have any questions about setting up a secure workspace for your remote employees.
Our SOC Audit Is Complete!
We are proud to announce that we completed our SOC 2, Type 1 Audit and are compliant with the AICPA’s Trust Service Criteria for Managed Service Providers.
An independent auditing firm did a thorough examination of PCR Business System’s security policies and procedures and concluded that we have the highest level of controls in place to protect your company’s privacy and sensitive data.
(Click here for more information about SOC Audits)
WHY THIS IS A BIG DEAL
To start, it means that you can rest assured knowing that we will keep your network and data safe from cyber-attacks. With the growing trend of managed service providers being hacked, you can’t take any chances with your Information Technology Company.
As we discussed in the article “The Wild West of IT Services,” the IT industry is unregulated. This means no one is watching over IT Service Providers and no one is keeping tabs on how they store and protect your network and data.
Therefore, you must do your homework to make sure you are working with an IT Company who has the highest security controls in place.
We chose to have the SOC Audit to reinforce that we provide the best IT services in Akron and to show our partners that we will continue to take whatever steps necessary to keep their trust.
Email us to read the full report!
2020 Goal Planning Workbook
You don’t have to change everything all at once. If you focus on small improvements over time, these small goals (when aligned with your personal values) really add up and are likely to become habits that last a lifetime.
When I set my goals for 2019, I loosely used a process similar to what’s included in this 2020 goal setting workbook. This process helped me stay focused on the things that are truly important to me and not get sidetracked trying to change my entire life with a single New Year’s resolution. It was satisfying to look back at 2019 and see just how many of the goals I accomplished this year.
One of our core values at PCR Business Systems is our desire to grow. We sent this workbook to our staff to help them reach their own goals in 2020.
I’m also sharing this workbook with you in hopes that it helps you achieve your goals and appreciate all the accomplishments you achieve throughout the year. I hope you find value in it as I have.
Wishing you success in 2020,
Amanda Carroll
PCR Welcomes Angela Bush
We are extremely excited to add another talented member to the PCR Business Systems family. Angela is a strong, focused, intelligent, and positive person who will fit in great with our team and business partners.
Here are a few things about Angela to help you get to know her better:
- Angela is rejoining the workforce after spending the past eight years raising her four children.
- She loves spending time outdoors running, hiking, and biking with her kids.
- Angela loves to bake! Hopefully that means more cookies in the office 🙂
- She enjoys spending hot summer days relaxing at the pool.
A few Questions for Angela:
Q: What is the last film you saw at the cinema?
A: Frozen 2 (with my girls)
Q: What is your middle name?
A: Marie
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: I don’t watch TV.
Q: What do you usually have for breakfast?
A: Coffee, coffee, and more coffee!
Q: Favorite cuisine?
A: I like it all!
Q: What is your favorite chip flavor?
A: Chocolate chips :)!!!
Q: What is your favorite CD at the moment?
A: The Lumineers
Q: What car do you drive?
A: Honda Pilot
Q: Favorite Sandwich?
A: Cheeseburger!
Q: What characteristics do you dislike in yourself (in others)?
A: I try and see the positive in myself and in others.
In businesses since 2004, PCR is the trusted Managed IT Provider for Akron area businesses. Learn more at pcrbusiness.com.