Google Desktop is a new technology allowing businesses to remotely access their work desktop from home for free.
But as COVID-19 restrictions push organisations to remote working practices, many are setting up Google Desktop without proper infrastructure or security measures.
The alternative to Google Desktop is called “Remote Desktop Protocol”. However, RDPs can be costly and are often installed without consideration of specific business needs, with not all businesses have the infrastructure that permits this technology.
So, Google Desktop is a cost-effective alternative to move your business to the cloud without blowing the budget, PLUS it’s free and completely secure. However, there is some risk involved around businesses making rash transitions without thinking about security measures, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
Protecting yourself isn’t too difficult.
Here are three simple ways you can secure your remote desktop to maximise the security of your business:
1. Before you activate Google Desktop, ensure you have set-up strong passwords
On-site businesses are prone to using weak passwords when their IT systems are bound to physical premises. But Google Desktop is designed to be accessible, so passwords need to have maximum strength, which needs to happen before you start giving access to the system. With this in mind, perform a password audit to strengthen security.
2. Create security layers to boost authentication
Two-factor authentication is commonplace, but you can further enhance your security intelligence by creating other modes of authentication. Perhaps you only want users from a precise geographical location to access Google Desktop? Or maybe you need to restrict access privileges for certain teams or employees? Security should never be standardised. To prevent your business from disaster, you need a multifaceted, well thought out security system. Considering the different layers of your security strategy is a simple way to protect your information.
3. Establish company lockout and log-out policies
To prevent brute force attacks against user logins, you can automatically lock accounts after a specified number of incorrect password attempts. You can also automatically log users out periodically to ensure access is restricted to approved users.
Your data is critically important to both you and your customers. Google Desktop is a free tool that allows for a quick transition to remote working, but convenience shouldn’t comprise cybersecurity.
While we have been able to offer three ways to help secure your use of Google Desktop, we also recommend a consultation with us to determine the capabilities and vulnerabilities of your IT infrastructure. Whether you need a one-off system update or ongoing IT management, Aspire Technologies has a solution no matter your situation. We guarantee you’ll save money in the long run, and you’ll be able to continue business without any headaches.
Go on, call us now…and because we use Vonex, you know we’ll answer!
Tel: (03) 9786 8763
Email: info@aspiretechnologies.com.au