Questions for the government agencies who allow members to work from home but handle Personal Protected Information (PPI).
Has anyone thought about how a government agency can let their members work from home and still ensure the protection of PPI? Here are some key questions to consider:
Secure Communication Channels – How does the government ensure secure communication channels for remote work to prevent unauthorized access to personal information?
Encryption and Data Security – What measures are in place to encrypt sensitive data and ensure its security when transmitted or stored on remote devices?
Remote Access Policies – Are there clear and comprehensive policies in place outlining who has remote access to personal information, and under what circumstances?
Authentication Protocols – How does the government verify the identity of individuals accessing personal protected information remotely? Are multi-factor authentication protocols in place?
Training and Awareness – Have employees received adequate training on handling personal protected information securely while working from home? Is there ongoing awareness training?
Device Security – What security measures are in place to ensure the security of the devices used for remote work, including regular updates, antivirus software, and endpoint protection?
Audit Trails and Monitoring – Is there a system in place for monitoring and auditing remote access to personal information to detect and respond to any unauthorized activities?
Legal Compliance – How does the government ensure that remote work practices comply with relevant data protection laws and regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other applicable standards?
Secure File Sharing – How are files containing personal protected information shared among remote employees? Are secure file-sharing protocols and platforms used?
Incident Response Plan – Does the government have a well-defined incident response plan in place to address any potential breaches or security incidents involving personal protected information during remote work?
These questions can serve as a starting point to assess the security measures surrounding the handling of personal protected information in a remote work environment. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should ask the numerous agencies that are allowing telework these questions. The government must prioritize the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of such information or face the potential consequences.
