Maintaining the standards of cyber security in a workforce that embraces Freelancers

Life science companies often collaborate with freelancers for specialised tasks. The benefits of working with freelancers are numerous and include access to specialist skills, ability to manage resources on time-related projects, access to people with broad experience across yours and other sectors.

However being a freelancer, a hybrid employee, sometimes supporting multiple clients, does require companies to understand how they maintain best practice in cyber security in such a hybrid workforce model.

Here are a few factors to consider:

• Training and awareness – have you considered whether your freelancers have undergone the same level of cyber security training as full-time employees?
• Device security – are your freelancers using their own computers? Does their computer have the same level of security as your corporate devices?
• Network security – with a variety of clients and working environments freelancers access a variety of networks. How well does your network check what is being connected to it?
• Data security – are you putting your freelancers at risk from cyber criminals because they can access data that might be of value?
• Data storage – freelancers may well be handling sensitive company data. Have you provided them with the same level of secure data storage as your permanent employees?

Such factors need to be considered and managed if you are to avoid the risk of accidental data breaches or backdoor infiltration to your data by cyber criminals.

To mitigate these risks, life science companies should:

• Implement Strict Access Controls: Ensure freelancers only have access to the data necessary for their tasks.
• Conduct Cyber Security Training: Provide freelancers with the same cyber security training as full-time employees.
• Use Secure Communication Channels: Ensure all data transfers are encrypted and use secure platforms for communication.
• Regularly Update Security Protocols: Keep all systems and software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Monitor and Audit Freelancer Activities: Regularly review the actions of freelancers to detect any suspicious activities promptly.

By taking these steps, life science companies can safeguard their valuable data while benefiting from freelancers’ expertise and flexibility.

For expert advice on bolstering your cyber security measures, consider partnering with Greenlight Computers, who provide a specialised services to protect your business from cyber threats.