Companies that allow employees to telecommute must address the cybersecurity risks that come with it, according to a new study by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), an advocacy group focused on privacy and security, and Ernst & Young. The study results were reported by ITWorld.com.

The report did not deem telecommuting more risky than working in an office, but said telecommuting presented different risks. For example, because many telecommuters use their own computers, company information is subjected to data breaches, and many companies don’t have comprehensive telecommuting polices or restrict telecommuters from accessing data they don’t need for their jobs.

The study lists several recommendations for companies to both implement and avoid when allowing telecommuters, including the following:
1. Create telecommuting policies and training for everyone who telecommutes, not just full-time teleworkers.
2. Limit employee access to information based on their need to do their jobs and the organization’s ability to monitor employee activities.
3. Provide telecommuters with clear guidance on the use and disposal of paper records.