Successful training on any level may involve the complete dissection of threats to better educate about the role that human error plays (especially in regard to sensitive hardware and data). This may involve, say, the dangers of phishing communicated through real-world examples and helpful training exercises. Training must also account for newer threats, such as artificial intelligence (AI), which go hand in hand with the benefits of such technology. However, other fundamental knowledge will also come into play, regardless as to career path. Issued laptops, for instance, make remote work convenient, though it isn’t without caveats. The use of public WiFi is just one example where government employees must take extra precautions. Connecting to an illegitimate network, for instance, will enable bad actors to gain access to a government employee’s confidential work, device activity, and data.

Framework security remains necessary

In addition to the undeniable role of government employees in the secure handling of sensitive hardware, the framework security running in the ‘background’ of daily operations remains a critical factor as to how secure issued devices really are. This is primarily due to the fact that human error is so common and should be accounted for regardless, though such measures can play a significant role should the device become lost or stolen. This typically involves a multifaceted process with powerful measures in place. In addition to antivirus and threat protection software, cloud storage and encryption are just a couple of key precautions that will work together to protect sensitive data in the government sector. While secure cloud storage will enable a convenient backup, encryption will provide an extra layer of security, especially when applied to hard drives. An article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by Leanne Haas explains this clearly, stating that “Encryption transforms hard drive data into an unreadable format, ensuring that even if a laptop is stolen or compromised, the data remains protected.”

Mobile device management (MDM) systems can further prove crucial in the management of issued electronics, particularly for numerous mobile devices. MDM systems will enable benefits that include real-time location and tracking of valuable devices, making such systems essential for employee-issued tech. In non-government sectors, laptops that have been issued may be managed by a reputable third party, particularly where finicky aspects like warehousing may be concerned.

This can smooth over device management in an industry where a plethora of devices are constantly in use, and will prove to be key in the determination of who is connected to which device — and when certain units are ready to be redeployed. Productive device management systems like this are ideal for the overarching operational efficiency of an organization, especially when it comes to beneficial insight like an overview of device status (and its lifecycle in general). Government entities will typically manage their devices internally, though it’s important that employees remember that all devices are efficiently tracked and managed in a detailed and secure way.

Nevertheless, such efforts are meant to work seamlessly with an employee’s training, further proving the value that individual security precautions have as a whole.

Government employees play a crucial role in the safe handling of sensitive hardware. While background security measures are crucial to proactively protect data, an employee has great responsibility that can be developed through proper education. In conjunction with robust and continuous training as well as a positive climate that encourages awareness, sensitive hardware will be placed in the right hands.