Companies are aiming to create a hybrid workplace for 2022 or beyond, now that the COVID-19 epidemic has transformed how and where most enterprises enable their staff to work. That implies rethinking old cybersecurity strategies so that on-site and work-from-home people and resources are equally protected.
The age of hybrid
Employers must deal with the demands and expectations of the new hybrid workforce, as a mix of remote and onsite work is increasingly becoming the standard for many white-collar professionals. That means they'll have instant, simple access to the data and apps they need to get their work done, no matter where they are or what device they're using. And to make that accessibility a reality while still securing corporate and consumer data, businesses must improve their security.
According to a Hays poll of 2,500 practitioners, 61% felt a hybrid working paradigm is the most effective.
The need for improved cybersecurity
Simultaneously, data security is crucial for a professional services organization supporting hybrid working. If your or your clients' data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences might be disastrous. Non-compliance has a long-term impact on your image, capacity to gain business, ability to attract staff, and hefty fines.
So, as a professional services organization, what are the primary problems you face in terms of security? What actions can you take to protect your data while allowing for innovation? Here's a brief rundown.
Lack of scalability
Many professional services organizations also depend on a project-based staff, which necessitates a high level of IT flexibility and agility.
Confidentiality of client data
Professional services organizations keep and exchange a great deal of data about their clients' businesses, such as financial results, legal issues, human capital data, and so forth.
Perimeter-based security
Before the pandemic, many service organizations had remote working processes and procedures in place, but few had the amenities and infrastructure to support it on a large scale. Many businesses, for example, still depend on perimeter-based protection, with firewalls and browsing isolation systems seeking to keep intruders out as they enter the building.
IT staff that is overworked
IT professionals deal with a massive workload like those in many other industries. Many companies deal with more sophisticated infrastructure, which needs extensive assistance for remote workers. The more overburdened the IT department, the more likely there are security flaws that cybercriminals may exploit.
What options do you have?
Upgrades and technologies focused on minimizing security risks, enhancing efficiency throughout the firm's infrastructure, and adopting a conscious approach to protecting important data are required to improve security inside corporate networks. We put up a selection of top practices for securing hybrid workplaces.
Find a reliable IT field service partner
Engaging a partner who can provide the degree of guidance, counsel, and strategic assistance you require may be the most critical move you can follow regarding security.
Contracting your security as a component of a controlled services agreement allows your IT staff to concentrate on other tasks while still giving you access to a skilled team on an ongoing basis.
Upgrade your workplace software
Your office software is a good place to start to increase your security.
- Protect consumer information. With data security, clients can verify that only the appropriate personnel have access to sensitive information.
- Protect yourself against malware. Ransomware, spamming, spyware, worms, phishing attempts, dangerous links, and other risks are all protected against.
- Maintain control. Have you sent the incorrect attachment? Using cloud attachments, you may revoke accessibility to an attachment well after the email has left your inbox.
- Bring your own devices. You can safeguard your data even when it's accessible on personal devices used by your employees.
Implement a zero-trust network access/ software-defined perimeter system
Over the last few years, embracing a zero-trust mindset has been much simpler. Notably, NIST has formalized a zero-trust architecture, as defined in NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-207; however, it was initially envisioned as a concept rather than a tangible design. As a result, business cybersecurity professionals now have a template for constructing zero-trust infrastructures.
Strengthen endpoint security
Endpoint security is important, but with the arrival of zero trust, it's much more important. Users who have authenticated themselves gain access to all permissible resources in an identity-based infrastructure. If the systems or gadgets they're operating have been hacked, the resources they're consuming may have been hacked as well.
Make the transition to an identity-centric framework.
Identity is at the heart of the zero-trust paradigm. Zero trust, in particular, allows specified users to access specific resources depending on who they are. This necessitates the implementation of a rock-solid identity management system.
Invest in staff development.
The most common source of cybercrime is human error, hence why phishing assaults are increasing. If organizations wish to limit the risk of staff mistakes, information security awareness education is vital. Employee education on cyber best practices, device usage restrictions, prevalent cyber dangers, and how to recognize them may go a long way towards warding off a variety of cyber hazards.
VPN creates a secure network.
Hybrid work entails leaving a dedicated workplace network and gaining access to resources through public and home networks, both of which pose serious security risks. Using a corporate VPN to connect allows you to establish a secure and private network for each employee.
Automate monitoring
Hybrid work environments generate many requests, endpoints, and problems, which are difficult to manage and require IT administrators additional time and effort. Because increased pressure creates greater room for human mistakes, automating monitoring activities and identifying deviations instantaneously is one of the most critical issues.
Protect hybrid environments with a trusted onsite IT field service partner.
Most enterprise perimeters are built on out-of-date IT infrastructure that can't keep up with rising security demands or accommodate ad-hoc business requirements. Lack of preparation invites hostile players, resulting in data exposures and even reputational and financial damages increasing year after year.
Deploying these sorts of security enhancements necessitates the help of a trustworthy onsite IT field Partner Company with extensive experience in the professional services industry.
In a nutshell
Businesses will continue to transform their cybersecurity postures as hybrid workplaces become the working paradigm of the future and well beyond.
Although it is nearly impossible to guarantee that employees will never make another error, firms may do everything to prevent the error and organize risk management effectively.
Businesses may be prepared to manage risk and deal with the threat before they become costly if they have a solid strategy in place.
