The coronavirus has caused disruptions in businesses all over the globe and forced Data Security businesses to close down.
Even if the businesses reopen, customers will be reluctant to go to physical stores or restaurants due to virus concerns.
Businesses are forced to file for bankruptcy as a result. Layoffs are the only option for businesses.
It can be difficult to manage layoffs, especially during a recession or pandemic.
Failure to follow the laidoff plan can have financial consequences as well as security risks to your business data.
It is not your goal for laid-off employees that they get away with corporate intellectual properties.
Businesses must ensure data security during layoffs.
This article will provide seven tips for keeping your data safe during layoffs.
Plan For Remote Workers
Millions of workers are forced to work remotely so you should update your remote worker plan if you already have one.
If you don’t have it, you should get it ASAP.
Remote workers are more difficult to terminate because they can’t give access control or files that are important.
Businesses should review their policies and plans in order to manage this problem. This will make it easier for employees to leave.
They will run into many problems that can make the process frustrating and waste time.
Clear Communication
It can also be difficult to inform remote workers that they have been terminated from your company.
It is therefore important to create a clear communication channel that communicates your message clearly.
They don’t want to set unrealistic expectations and can continue using company devices.
You can reduce the chance of misuse by telling employees that they cannot access company data.
Avoid confusion and misunderstandings. It can cause problems for your company in the future. You don’t want it to become a hot topic due to poor communication.
Security clause in employee contract
Companies with a solid security strategy tend to have policies that allow them to take care of all aspects before employees are hired.
Claire Ginnelly is the Human Resource Director at Information Security Forum. She stated, ” Many employment agreements must have a strict IP clause. They should also include specific policies regarding confidential data treatment, regardless of whether they are your current employee.”
It is a requirement in your employee contracts that the person joining your company agrees to.
Businesses can also use this method to hold their employees accountable over time.
Choose Your Decommissioning Path Wisely
Network security experts recommend that employees should be stopped from accessing the network of your company immediately after being laid off. However, many companies still don’t apply this rule.
Some businesses wait longer before cutting off access, while others allow employees to collect personal data before blocking them from the network.
Rick Holland, CISO of Digital Shadows stated:
“The termination process should not be orchestrated in a way that allows staff members to steal data or destroy it.” The employee should be informed about the termination and corporate access should be blocked.
He said:
Businesses should allow additional monitoring via entity and user behaviour analytics. This will help you alert others if suspicious activity is detected, especially if it occurs before or after an employee leaves the organization.
This will enable you to quickly identify suspicious activity and minimize damage.
Tim Mackey, Principal Security Strategist for Synopsys CyRC stated:
“The most important question in the context employee separations is, what audit controls are in effect to uncover data points that are often accessible to employers. These audit controls ensure that data is returned exactly as it is, especially when employees return their devices.
You can get dedicated server hosting services.
Invest in Compliance Training
When laying off employees, businesses must use the most efficient data destruction processes. Although your old data may not be of any value to you right now, it could prove beneficial to your business if they are available to others.
Contracts are not sufficient without security clauses.
Regular compliance training must be provided to employees regarding how to handle sensitive information.
You should keep a detailed inventory of all data and devices to ensure that you are aware of which devices you have.
Which employees can take action and how?
Before allowing employees to leave, ensure that they have all access to company data disabled.
It is important that your employees who are leaving your company do not have access to sensitive business information even after they have been fired.
Designate an independent manager
OneLogin’s Senior Director for Trust and Enterprise Cybersecurity in EMEA, Niamh Muldoon advises businesses
“Appointing an independent project manager is crucial.” This person will be responsible for completing checklists and certifying that all actions have been completed.
Most businesses have cross-functional teams that include members from both technology and operations.
Support your security teams by appointing an assurance manager independent to oversee the process and ensure compliance with company policies.
This allows for a smoother transition between employees and companies, and helps to prevent any mishaps during employee separations.
Look After Your Security Team
Last, but not least, take care of those security personnel who are already exhausted.
They must pick up the pieces left by employees who have quit and ensure that your business data is not accessible to them.
Jadee Hanson is Chief Information Security Officer for Code42.
” Security must have the bandwidth to examine more alerts, access more data, and address additional risks in a short time.
She adds:
” Support your team with the right backups.
How can you protect your business information when you fire employees? Please leave your comments below.
