CIO OPINION similar video conferencing platform at the same time , or seen our kids start streaming video games just as we dial into that important meeting , causing video meltdown . These frustrations can be overwhelming and make people feel like they can ’ t function as well when working from home .
At the start of the first lockdown , Netflix announced that it would slow transmission speeds across Europe so as to guarantee the broadband network could cope . The health of the UK ’ s broadband infrastructure was such a concern that prior to that , the Labour party made the nationalisation of the network a key policy in their 2019 bid , a year before more strain was put on the network . Despite this , Internet reliability has been one of the biggest causes of concern – and headaches – for workers over the past year .
If we ’ re going to continue with the hybrid working model , we should all agree this issue needs to be fixed , especially when you take into consideration that many applications , systems and data are now located in the cloud . Poor Internet bandwidth can hinder access to and the performance of these essential working digital tools that employees rely on every day .
Security and compliance when working from home
Working from home greatly increases the threat of cyber-attacks , making security and compliance the second biggest concern for business leaders at this stage in the game . However , due to the lack of readiness for the sudden surge in remote working with the first lockdown , the main priorities then were connectivity , operability and availability . Many IT teams skipped over normal security protocols as a result , reducing security to an afterthought .
The cyber-risks businesses and employees are vulnerable to are exacerbated by the numerous unsecured IoT devices connected to the router in every household . Many of us forget these connections even exist , due to our lack of familiarity with smart appliances . As we talk more to the Alexa and Google Home devices of this world , we need to think about the impact this device can have on corporate security .
With all of this in mind , mitigating this expanding threat landscape has never been more crucial . In fact , it should be seen as an immediate issue that all CIOs must address – not only to protect employees , but also their company and its reputation . That doesn ’ t mean going into employees ’ homes to check what kit they are using ,
It is up to CIOs to realise the potential of new innovations and not persist with existing legacy technologies when they simply can no longer keep up with today ’ s digital and remote environment .
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