As the framework for what constitutes a “workforce” evolves in tandem with rapidly developing communication technologies, the advent of the remote workforce has gained momentum and all but redefined the relationship employees have with office environments.
While remote employees, freelancers and contractors reduce operational costs for businesses, they also require investments into cybersecurity infrastructure which allow for safe access of business assets. Faced with the opportunity to save money and offer remote work benefits to employees, business leaders have invested in a myriad of channels, stretching their budgets and creating new problems for their security operations.
Unfortunately, this increased focus on cybersecurity has caused a blind spot for physical security. A recent report by Securitymagazine.com explores the types of risk that enterprises are most concerned and found that most respondents cited their primary concern as a lack of physical security at their work environments.
Since the importance of robust cybersecurity measures can’t be overlooked, let’s explore how the slow development of cybersecurity protocols is compromising the safety of on-site employees.
Cyber Threats Receive More Concern
Security executives are focused on protecting their company and their entire workforce. But with more and more employees who don’t report to the office, the network of individuals that need attention now ranges from permanent employees to contractors, freelancers, supply chains and more. Confronted with a previously unexpected problem set, security experts have had to place much of their attention on creating safe cyber environments, but headline-breaking breaches of the past few years have had many experts in a reactive state rather than proactively developing protocols.
In fact, cybersecurity and privacy are creating such pressure for hospitals that other technology projects may be set aside by IT leadership. According to the 2019 HIMSS U.S. Leadership and Workplace Survey, risks to HIPAA violations could increase if not managed properly by influential security professionals. As we know, HIPAA violations are among the biggest legal concerns many healthcare organizations face.
To prevent such dire risks, the timely installation of a remote employee cyber security infrastructure is paramount.
Risks Posed by Incomplete Cyber Infrastructure
Until a business or healthcare organization can provide secure remote access and protocol for their employees, they’re unable to invest in other security avenues that require their attention. According the HIMSS survey, the focus on security is so predominant that other technological priorities may be put on the back burner until cyber initiatives are complete.
SecurityMagazine.com’s report found that on average, companies suffer from at least three workforce related incidents a week – or 156 incidents per year affecting the physical safety of their staff or employees. While companies are focusing on cybersecurity, they’re allowing actual threats to occur which compromise the safety of their team.
Completing a Successful Cyber Infrastructure
Today, enterprises are struggling to reduce the number of workforce incidents that have major impacts on employee retention, brand reputation and company finances.
In order to free up bandwidth for your office security, you need to get your cybersecurity program up-and-running in as little time as possible because the safety of your company, employees, and in the case of healthcare entities, your patients and communities are at stake.