The Future of Remote Work and IT Infrastructure

Remote Work and IT Infrastructure

Maintaining IT infrastructure for remote teams can require extensive expertise and complex processes. An in-depth understanding of networks, communication tool settings, security, and audits is required to ensure your infrastructure works for your remote-first company.

When you choose IT services to support your remote company’s IT infrastructure, you will not need to handle the complex processes involved with network, software, operating systems, and data maintenance. IT services can take care of these processes for your remote company, but which methods do we use to handle this? Continue reading this article to learn more.

What Is IT Infrastructure for Remote Teams and How Is it Changing?

IT infrastructure for remote teams comprises hardware, software, operating systems, network components, and data storage, which are set up for a distributed workforce. Each of these components functions together using a remote access approach. This approach means your teams do not need to be present in an office to access IT infrastructure.

The infrastructure for remote teams and businesses is changing significantly. Here are three changes businesses may make to their infrastructure in line with a distributed workforce model.

Integration of Cloud Based VPNs

The first change relates to how remote businesses integrate virtual private networks (VPN) into their infrastructure. Due to higher network risks, VPN connections for remote organizations are more important than for businesses that work in an in-office work environment, and it may require a different process to set up. For example, if your business has transitioned to remote work models, you may consider integrating VPNs seamlessly with top cloud-based providers.

This recent development in VPN integration gives employees access to an internal network from remote locations. Your business no longer needs physical enterprise resource planning security (ERP) software to use a VPN.

Enhanced Cybersecurity Methods with VLANs

IT infrastructures for remote workforces have also evolved to resolve cybersecurity issues caused by greater remote access. For example, many companies now use virtual local area networks (VLANs) and access control lists (ACLs). These solutions protect other parts of the company network from threats and isolate security issues that may occur from the VLAN of one remote worker.

Increased Use of Team Collaboration Tools

Your business may also widen the scope of its IT infrastructure to include team collaboration tools on personal devices, which help your employees overcome time zone challenges when communicating. Many collaboration platforms feature video call software with which team members can meet virtually to discuss projects and tasks.

IT professionals can support remote businesses with these challenges and ensure they function perfectly for distributed teams using specific additional IT services.

How Do IT Services Provide Remote IT Support for Distributed Workforces?

IT services provide remote IT support for infrastructure and software using multiple strategies. These range from providing enhanced data security for remote work setups to supporting the setup of online collaboration and project management tools. Here are some ways IT services can support your remote business.

Support and Maintenance for Online Collaboration Tools

You can rely on our IT services to assist your remote team with support and maintenance for online collaboration tools. These services include technical support and troubleshooting to ensure the tools function effectively to facilitate remote employee work and communication. For example, we can assist you with software updates and implement security features for these tools. Some specific security measures they may use include firewalls and security updates.

We also ensure your collaboration tools are correctly configured. For instance, we ensure the tools’ settings match the specific requirements of your remote business and set up access permissions and user accounts.

Network Design Support for Remote Teams

Network design support for team members is another IT service we can offer your remote company. We implement protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP or IPsec using remote methods as part of this process. The protocols ensure all remote workers access secure, confidential connections ideal for transmitting data safely.

We can include VPNs in the network design process, meaning the data transmitted between the server and the remote worker’s device is encrypted. The implementation of VPNs and protocols also means your team can effortlessly access essential resources such as project management tools and communication tools. They can complete file-sharing tasks using the established network and ensure all data remains protected.

Enhanced Data Security for a Distributed Workforce

IT service companies understand the importance of data security in remote work. We protect your remote employees’ data with access control methods and frequent audits for security purposes.

Multi-Factor Authentication

An example of the specific access control approaches we can organize includes multifactor authentication to boost the security of your remote company systems.

Multifactor authentication means only authorized individuals can access the company system from remote devices. It is a security method that requests remote employees to sign in to a device or network using two or more authentication steps. This approach prevents unauthorized remote-based individuals from accessing company data.

Our professional IT services team implements this security method remotely by selecting the most suitable multifactor authentication approach, which might be an application or SMS verification. We then configure this system, integrate it into your remote company’s IT infrastructure, and ensure your remote employees can set it up and use it correctly. Once we set it up, we offer regular authentication system review services to eliminate security threats.

Vulnerability Assessments

With regular audits, we can implement vulnerability assessments, which check for weaknesses in your remote network or system. Our extensive vulnerability assessments include web application tests and wireless network vulnerability tests.

For wireless network vulnerability tests, we specifically look for weak encryption, unauthorized access points, and default passwords. After the test, we can implement methods to enhance the security, including network segmentation, patch management, and installation of intrusion detection systems. We can complete these solutions using remote methods tailored perfectly to your remote work environment.

With web application tests, we consider whether the application is free from vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting and SQL injection. These vulnerabilities put your application or software at risk when system hackers inject a malicious script into them, leading to data breaches. If we find any vulnerabilities, we can patch them remotely, implement software version updates, and use firewalls to protect your distributed team’s IT infrastructure.

Exceptional Remote IT Support as a Distributed Workforce from Tech Masters

Establishing the right IT infrastructure for remote teams and maintaining it can be challenging, but Tech Masters can assist you. We provide exceptional remote IT support for a distributed workforce and will ensure your remote-first company has the best infrastructure to thrive.

Let the IT professionals at Tech Mansters handle your remote IT support requirements. Contact us to discover more about our specific business enhancement solutions for remote companies.

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