IDX President and CEO Tom Kelly Discusses Cybersecurity and Remote Work with Employee Benefit News

The transition to remote and hybrid work over the last two years has meant that a growing number of employees are using personal devices and networks at work.

Tom Kelly, President and CEO of IDX, recently spoke with Employee Benefit News about what this transition means for enterprise security and the risks employers should be aware of as they navigate a changing work environment.

Tom noted that enterprise systems were vulnerable to breaches well before companies shifted to remote work. But when most employees are working from the comfort of their homes, it is even more difficult for employers to tell whether those home networks and connections are secure against a potential breach.

“Employees are sitting in their homes — that is where they’re safe,” Tom said. “But all of a sudden they’re doing all their work there and so if a breach happens now, it not only involves the company and company assets and information. Now if it happens on their device, it's their photos, their banking information, their private emails.”

Tom pointed out that the use of digital services, especially social media, on work devices is a particular risk for employers. Internet use is linked to enterprise security, he said, adding that employers should be more aware of their employees’ digital footprint and social media usage.

“If you go out somewhere, you're alert to your surroundings — in the digital world, be just as alert and do the obvious things that reduce risk,” Tom advised.

In a changing work environment, keeping enterprise networks and employees safe from cyber threats is a top priority for employers. Fortunately, the tools you need to protect your enterprise and your employees' personal information are available to you. Learn how IDX's privacy protection platform can help.