Working Online: More than Zoom.
Working from home means sharing a workplace with tiny coworkers, making do with dining chairs and escaping to the bedroom or garden shed for confidential conversations. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Focus to compile some of the things that can help.
Working Remotely
Video Conferencing
We use Zoom. It’s useful to still be able to have meetings with your team and check-in throughout the day. If you would like a one-on-one with Lou, it’ll be through Zoom. So download it and play with the functions.
trick: Zoom has a breakout meeting room function on their paid app that's worth checking out for running events/large group gatherings
Zoom and Skype call tips: https://seths.blog/2018/09/how-to-be-on-a-zoom-or-skype-call-the-secrets-of-video-conferences/
If you require 100+ members to be hosted then another option is Google Hangouts. You need to be a Gmail user or have a Google Account.
Another powerful way to communicate is through webinars. Crowdcast is automatically recorded so people can watch on-demand later. This creates resources that keep adding value long after they were recorded.
The team at Focus recommends using Microsoft Teams, which is a great platform for Audio and Video conferencing, Chat and file sharing. Microsoft has also made it free for the next 6 months. There is a little bit of setup, so people may need to contact their IT Provider to get it going, but it is relatively straight forward to use.
TEAM MESSAGING
Try out Slack.
Instead of talking in person or cluttering each others inboxes with emails, chat on Slack. COIN South has a slack channel you’re welcome to join. Slack is user-friendly, private, and instant. It’s good for collaborating on different topics, keeping chats separate, and finding bits of old information quickly.
Project Management
Trello and Asana are the two most commonly used tools for teams to manage their projects without being in the same room as each other. If these don’t work for you, there are many more!
Not on the cloud?
For businesses who don’t have their work on the cloud, IT providers are able to set up remote control access back to their work computers. Some applications (e.g. Payroll) are often installed on PCs and office staff will need access to that particular PC to run programs.
Cyber Security
Cyber Security is as important as always, and the world’s cybercriminals will find ways to exploit Covid to try and compromise people systems (typically with a Cryptolocker type infection).
Local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, will need to focus on security if they are to successfully and safely change their operating model in the face of the corona-virus pandemic. Here are some key steps you can take:
Update all software and operating systems with the latest security updates and patches.
Make sure firewall technologies are installed and configured appropriately on systems used at home.
Keep all endpoint protection services, such as anti-virus and anti-malware software enabled and updated.
Ensure routers and other telecommunications equipment don’t use default passwords and credentials.
Use multi-factor authentication (2FA) for all remotely accessible services and systems where possible (2FA creates additional security by requiring a one-use code generated by an authorisation app).
Update filtering for spam and malware on email systems.
Ensure backups are in place on all key systems and data, it is not too late to do this now. Most IT providers offer remote backup, and this could be set up and running in a couple of days of people have key computers that aren’t getting backed up.
Don’t store customer data without adequate security.
Keep staff informed of all incident response procedures as they apply to remote working.
Ensure that administrators or privileged users are aware & follow all security processes and procedures.
Provide adequate security awareness training regarding staying safe at home.
It’s important to stay vigilant and avoid click bait.
Overloaded WiFi
As people are stuck at home then multiple people of the house are sharing the same Wifi Router \ Internet connection which can cause it to become overloaded.
Tips to address this:-
Make sure it is centrally located in the house and up off the ground, and away from other devices like Portable phones (which can compete for the same frequencies)
Use the 5Ghz channel rather than the 2.4Ghz if your router has this, or has two channels.
If you have slow internet, then consider timetables of when people use it to reduce saturation. Streaming Services and Video are the biggest users of Bandwidth. For those with kids at home encourage them to watch local content or Freeview or Sky if you have a poor connection.
Focus offers a vast selection of professional, innovative and realistic advice on IT, software, network infrastructure consultancy, project management, software development, support services and cloud-based solutions. Talk to the team if you need help.