Advice for Remote Working During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is creating unusual and challenging circumstances for many businesses. Where possible, companies are asking their employees to work from home.  Some will be unfamiliar with how to do this, and the National Cyber Security Centre has provided advice. We want to help as many businesses as we can too. What’s important is you have the flexibility to adapt during this crisis.  We’ve written about the technology that can help you adapt in this blog post. 

Next Generation Firewalls

As businesses prepare for their employees to work from home, many organisations will need a virtual private network (VPN) to access services and applications based in head offices. Low-grade firewalls can only serve a limited number of VPNs. But with a next generation firewall, all VPNs will be able to get the access they need at any time.  Read more: Next Generation Firewalls

Cloud Services

Cloud services – such as Microsoft Office 365 for email, file sharing and storage, plus Microsoft Teams for video conferencing and instant messaging – make access from anywhere possible. All that’s needed is an internet connection. You can also work offline and sync any changes you make later, bringing files up-to-date.  Read more: Cloud Services

VoIP

Having a hosted phone system in the cloud means it can work in so many ways and not be dependent on being in the office. You can set recordings and users’ phones can be diverted to other numbers. With voice over internet protocol (VoIP), phone numbers can be used on computers via softphone applications.  Read more: VoIP

CCTV

While you’re away from the office, it’s important to check this is secure. Having cameras you can view remotely will help. 

Backup to On-premise Server

Should anything happen to servers running critical services, you should have alternative options to connect to these applications. Cloud-based options such as Microsoft Azure can host virtual servers. This provides excellent value for money for backup or for disaster recovery services. Read more: Disaster Recovery and Backup 

For More Advice

If you have any other concerns for your organisation’s IT during this crisis, get in touch. We’ll offer as much advice and support as we can.