Managing sensitive security investigations has become more complex and challenging in today’s increasingly prevalent remote work environment. As a result, ensuring that these investigations are conducted effectively and securely requires a multifaceted approach. This can be accomplished via secure communication channels, proper data access and management, and building a trustworthy remote team, amongst other aspects.
Here, we explore these various critical components, offering insights and strategies to help organizations navigate the intricacies of remote security investigations. By adopting robust security measures and fostering a supportive environment, businesses can protect sensitive information, maintain compliance, and support their employees through the challenges of remote investigations.
Establishing a Secure Communication Channel
Maintaining communication can be difficult in a remote setting, so ensuring that employees have clear and secure communication channels will help to identify risks and manage investigations.
In an office setting, an employee can easily pull someone aside to discuss something privately. In an online setting, people may be concerned that someone has access to their messaging logs or that it may fall into the wrong hands. Using encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, and other secure communication channels can help employees feel safe in addressing concerns with management without being digitally overheard. This can also open up avenues for anonymous reporting and communication if someone fears retaliation.
Controlling Data Access and Management
When managing a security investigation remotely, relevant entities must be able to securely access sensitive data without risking intrusion by a third party. Secure file-sharing services are often the best approach. These services encrypt information and can ensure that even if someone accesses the files, they won’t be able to open them without the decryption key. Multi-factor authentication is also a common way to ensure that only those who are authorized to access data can do so.
Building a Trustworthy Remote Team
Having a remote team means that, in some cases, you won’t have the opportunity to meet them in person. Thus, creating a trustworthy environment can take time, but it is critical. Once you are able to trust your team fully, sensitive security investigations become more straightforward. If you know you can trust your team, that can help you rule them out in the event of a security breach.
Providing security protocol training for employees can help ensure that everyone is working toward and maintaining the same security standards. Further, you can accurately control data access to high-security items. This means that only the professionals you deem most trustworthy have access to the most sensitive information.
Maintaining Compliance and Legal Standards
Security investigations need to abide by certain data compliance and legal standards, just as all business operations do. Some remote settings can make keeping up with compliance difficult, so setting up robust protocols is vital. Maintain proper documentation and reporting of who has access to what data and when that data was accessed at all times. This will be especially important in the event of an investigation, as it can help the team know where to start looking for key details.
Despite an ongoing investigation, all data should not become equally available to employees. In addition, there may be situations in which an employee or customer needs to give consent for that data to be shared with investigators. Ensuring that you understand the regulations that affect your industry and region means you can prepare in advance for these eventualities by having systems in place to get the appropriate data permissions.
Addressing Psychological Cons iderations
Investigations can put a lot of stress on employees, even those not directly involved. Whether they’re dealing with extra work from a coworker under investigation or emotionally coming to terms with a coworker’s misconduct, there is a heightened need for support during investigations of any kind. Offering counselling and support can help employees feel that the company they work for recognizes that their needs are important and that they have a professional to talk to about what they’re feeling.
Ensuring Security in the New Normal
Establishing secure communication channels, ensuring proper data access and management, building a trustworthy remote team, maintaining compliance and legal standards, and addressing psychological considerations are all critical components of managing sensitive security investigations in a remote setting. By leveraging encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and secure file-sharing services, businesses can protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Trust-building, thorough security training, and strict adherence to security protocols can help ensure that high-security data won’t end up in the wrong hands. Compliance with legal standards and proper documentation is essential to prepare for any investigative scenario. Lastly, providing psychological support to employees underscores the company’s commitment to their well-being during stressful times. By integrating these practices, organizations can navigate the complexities of remote security investigations effectively, fostering a secure and supportive environment for their employees in the new normal.
About the Author
Jakub Ficner is the Director of Partnership Development at Case IQ, the leading investigative case management software for ethics and compliance, human resources, fraud, and corporate security incidents within mid-sized and large organizations.
Jakub is a passionate and determined team player with experience in prospecting and implementing complex global solutions in a variety of industries. He has experience working in Canada, United States, Germany and India in cross-functional and multi-cultural teams.
Jakub can be reached online at [email protected], https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubficner/ and at our company website https://www.caseiq.com/
