It’s been over two years since the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to adapt to a new normal of remote work and virtual collaboration. During this time, companies have had to adjust their operations and adopt new software tools to facilitate communication and collaboration. However, not all of these tools are created equal, and some employees may be using apps that pose a security risk to your business.
According to a recent survey, 92% of employees want more control over the software, collaboration tools, and applications they use. Furthermore, 51% of employees continue to use applications that have been banned by IT departments, despite the risks involved. As a business owner, this puts you in a difficult position. You don’t want to limit your employees’ autonomy and risk them feeling untrusted, but at the same time, you can’t ignore the potential security threat.
So, what can you do?
The key is to have open conversations with your employees. Invite feedback on the software you want to use and consider their suggestions for alternatives. After all, they are the ones using these tools day in and day out. If the consensus is that you’re using the wrong solutions, commit to exploring other options.
It’s also important to educate your employees on the risks associated with using unapproved applications. Help them understand the potential impact on your business if data is stolen or systems are compromised. Even if your team is using approved tools, it’s important to keep them educated on the latest cybersecurity initiatives and best practices.
Ultimately, finding a balance between employee preferences and security needs is critical in the post-pandemic workplace. If you need help finding the most suitable communication and productivity tools for your business, reach out to us for guidance. We’ve helped many business owners navigate this complex landscape and can help you too.
About Simeon Networks
Simeon Networks is an award-winning cybersecurity firm and managed IT provider with offices in Nashville, TN, Plano, TX, and Tucson, AZ. They specialize in assessing and reducing cyber risk for small and mid-sized businesses. They can reduce complex technical problems and solutions down to the simplest of terms that any business owner can understand, regardless of technology literacy.
