People’s lives and businesses have been seriously affected by the global outbreak. Even though it’s understandable that many executives are focused on crisis management, business survival, environmental efforts, and the well-being of their employees, more thought should also be given to system and Network Security in a post-pandemic work environment. 

As organizations adopt Hybrid work models and broaden their network above their secure local environment, the threats to their IT systems increase. Cybersecurity remains a concern, but securing asset security has become even more crucial with the increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid work. 

How can companies assure the highest level of security when their workers are disconnected from their office’s security infrastructure?

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The Threats Posed by Hybrid Work

Due to a hybrid environment, the number of choices for attackers to carry out an attack may have increased.

Here are the possible threats that you may experience due to a hybrid work setting:

• Using the default factory settings on a home network poses security concerns.
• Users can bring and use their equipment, including devices other than computers, and attach their printers. 
• The victim’s conversations in online meetings might be eavesdropped on by hacking into their smart device.
• Things that can happen in an office can also happen in a home office. It’s even easier to fall for them when there’s no one around for the employee to ask for help if they need clarification on the email.
• Failure to update the devices might expose them to exploitable flaws.
• If an employee doesn’t use a VPN, someone attacking the network could easily spy on their computer.
• The safety of using free software downloads could be better.
• Employees’ devices may be accessible by family members, which increases the risk of human errors and, ultimately, a successful malware attack.

Attacks that started on a home network could quickly get into a company’s network. It can potentially serve as an entry point for a DDoS assault.

• Insider threats are still a big worry and a possible threat to data security. Employees have more access to data than ever before, and if they aren’t watched, it could be easy for them to accidentally steal or damage data or use it to get a new job or make money.
• People move around more, so they may work from public WiFi spots.

Essential Factors to Think About for a Safer Hybrid Workforce

If your business has a mixed working arrangement, you must rethink how you handle your infrastructure and give workers and company data the tools and resources they need to stay safe. 

However, here are some suggestions for addressing significant issues in creating a safe workplace: 

Use a company VPN

A virtual private network could be combined with remote desktop protocols to secure your office’s and remote employees’ communication channels. VPNs encrypt all of the user’s connection data and are the most practical way to reduce data privacy and security concerns. 

VPNs create a data tunnel between an egress node (such as a protected device in your office) and a device located anywhere. This arrangement enables employees to access company data securely and shields them from unauthorized access.

Develop a security culture.

Use a VPN with remote desktop technologies to keep all office-to-remote worker communications safe and sound. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are the most effective method for reducing privacy and security risks due to their ability to encrypt all user connection data. It establishes an encrypted connection between a remote computer or device and a designated “exit node,” such as a secure computer in your business. Having your staff use this system will ensure that sensitive corporate information is kept safe from prying eyes.

Managers should consider security in where, how, and when their businesses operate. As customers demand more seamless interactions, the global pandemic has changed employee and business expectations about connectivity, flexible working patterns, and more.

Aside from VPN, you should also consider security software that may add extra protection to your team. With Trend Micro Security, you receive an all-encompassing digital security suite created with small company needs in mind.

Establish ID-management strategies

The importance of information technology is magnified in a hybrid workplace. Employees often access work-related materials, personal gadgets, and other digital tools over their home networks. Unauthorized users and security risks have more access points since some are outside the control of security and IT agencies. You should develop full-access and identity-management solutions to guarantee the safety and security of all employees, including on-site and remote. 

Zero trust 

The notion of “zero trust” about network security has been more popular in recent years. Zero trust is predicated on an innate suspicion of anything outside a corporation’s perimeters and using granular security measures.

Trust in the internal network, the domain, and the end users often happens spontaneously in businesses. Businesses should add additional security measures since these parts aren’t trusted in and of themselves. It also acknowledges the value of cutting-edge technological advancements that provide managers more leeway in protecting business funds.

Final Thoughts

Companies rapidly implemented new policies and technologies in response to the global pandemic. Security measures for remote workers must be strengthened as more and more companies use hybrid work models. Addressing potential cybersecurity risks via integrated security and developing work routines is vital for coping with a more complicated threat environment.

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