Part of our practice and Dynamics 365 paradigm shift in general is based on a distributed workforce accessing remote or cloud-based solutions, on the go and in the field. To help you feel confident about working safely on public networks, where and how you access your systems, Microsoft published a nice little set of guidelines. Granted the pointers below may be outside the Office/Dynamics 365 workflow, we are passing these along to our readers as a courtesy and citing Microsoft as the author. Keep in mind that with Dynamics 365 you can work online or offline. So you have the flexibility you need to stay productive even when you are out of Wi-Fi range or choose to stay offline.
Just about anywhere you go these days there seems to be plenty of available public Wi-Fi. And while this is massively convenient if you’re away from your home or office, there can be harmful security risks lurking on the other side of the access form. Make sure you’re prepared the next time you need to get work done while on the go – it could just save your business.
Not all public Wi-Fi networks are created equal
For example, that tempting “Free Airport Wi-Fi” network in the background is potentially more exposed than a Wi-Fi network provided by one of the coffee shops, stores, or retailers in the airport. Your best option is to find networks from a specific location, ideally with a password that you must request, or hidden SSIDs, instead. You’ll appreciate the slight increase in security as well as the likely improved performance.
Use approved remote access tools
VPN tools are great because they have encryption, and they are user-initiated so you have to be purposely trying to connect to your network remotely. However, you have probably experienced VPN connection failure, or at least time-outs, on more than one occasion. That’s why you may want to consider using DirectAccess. DirectAccess connections are established by the machine – not the user – so they are secure and authenticated whenever the DirectAccess client has an active Internet connection. Meaning you can spend more time getting your work done, and less time with Help Desk trying to diagnose the issue. Learn more about DirectAccess.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
You’re probably already using Multi-Factor Authentication for different sites and applications. How many times have you clicked “forgotten password” and you get a reset code sent to your cell phone? It’s a simple step to help increase security and identity to ensure that it’s actually “you” when trying to access your business environment remotely. And it’s pretty straightforward to implement as well with Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication available in Microsoft Azure Active Directory Premium.
Benefits include:
- Reduced probability of an Internet attacker gaining access to an account, resulting in fewer security breaches
- Safeguard access by mobile apps, phone calls, and text messages
- Reduced risk, and meet compliance requirements
Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication
Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use
One simple way to protect your confidential information whilst in public is to turn off Wi-Fi when you’re not using it. If you don’t need to be online, don’t connect. Or do as much offline as possible and connect only when you really need to. One additional up side… it actually saves your battery too!
And remember, never leave your device unattended while you go grab that latte.
Working remotely is a convenience that allows you to get things done when away from the office or home. Follow these simple tips to stay safe while being productive remotely.
Content courtesy of Microsoft. Posted by Mark Abes, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Dyn365Pros, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner, San Diego, Southern California.
