Secure Your Hybrid Workforce
Technology experts and cybersecurity engineers address weak spots in hybrid work environments and solutions for hardening them.
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The hybrid workforce model has become a staple for many organizations, blending remote and on-site work to achieve flexibility and efficiency. However, this shift comes with unique challenges in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining robust security. Cybercriminals have adapted their tactics, targeting vulnerabilities in hybrid setups. To navigate these risks experts emphasize the need for innovative security solutions. Below, three industry leaders share insights on how you can bolster security in hybrid work environments.
Hybrid workforce devices need "office grade" security perimeters
A decentralized workforce means employees are operating from various locations, using multiple devices. This decentralized model expands the attack surface for malicious actors. According to an HP Wolf Security report, 86% of security leaders identify endpoints as the source of most business-critical security threats. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires rethinking traditional security measures and ensuring devices have protection equivalent to that provided in office setups.
"The endpoint is positioned at the intersection between fallible users and vulnerable technologies—making it a key target. And because devices frequently don’t receive the protection provided by the enterprise perimeter, hybrid work exacerbates the problem. Remote workers’ devices and machines can be left unpatched and without adequate protection. Local networks may be misconfigured and potentially compromised."
David Prezzano
SVP, Global Head of P3D Go-To-Market @ HPSource: Beta News
To combat these risks, organizations need to focus on solutions like endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, as well as enterprise-grade firewalls and antivirus software. These tools protect devices from external threats, regardless of their location. Building strong perimeters around endpoints ensures a safer hybrid workforce environment.
You can't eliminate every vulnerability so focus on those you can
The human element remains one of the most significant vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Employees operating from home can unintentionally expose sensitive data through various means. Companies can help employees avoid falling victim to phishing schemes and other exploits, but some vulnerabilities are hard to avoid.
"Hybrid and remote work have expanded digital attack surfaces, forcing employees to juggle multiple communication and collaboration tools. Add in an onslaught of sophisticated phishing emails, fake login pages, and cleverly crafted pretexting attacks, and you have a recipe for disaster."
Tony Bradley
CISSP-ISSAP, Senior Public Relations Manager @ NetAppSource: Forbes
To reduce risks, companies can invest in employee education on cybersecurity best practices and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). Regular training sessions, coupled with advanced phishing simulations, can transform employees from potential vulnerabilities into a robust line of defense. Recognizing and managing the vulnerabilities you can address significantly strengthens overall security.
Leverage zero trust and secure access for the hybrid workforce
Hybrid work introduces complexities in managing access to company resources. Traditional tools like VPNs are no longer sufficient in thwarting today’s advanced threats. According to a report by Zscaler, 72% of cybersecurity pros express concerns that VPNs compromise their ability to maintain secure IT environments. Organizations need to adopt modern frameworks to ensure secure and seamless access for remote workers. One of these frameworks is zero trust.
"Hybrid work blurs the distinction between personal and professional situations, raising the possibility of insider threats, whether deliberate or unintentional. Zero Trust assures that even internal users do not have full access."
Preetham Gowda
President of Technology and Product @ AuthXSource: LInkedIn
Zero trust frameworks are pivotal in securing hybrid workforces as they assume no user or device is inherently trustworthy. By continuously verifying identity and contextual access permissions, zero trust minimizes vulnerabilities and ensures only legitimate users can access sensitive resources. These frameworks represent the future of cybersecurity for hybrid work models.
In conclusion, as organizations continue to embrace hybrid work, implementing robust security measures becomes more critical than ever. By fortifying endpoints, addressing human vulnerabilities, and leveraging innovative frameworks like zero trust, companies can create secure environments that support flexibility without compromising safety. Each of these strategies forms a piece of the puzzle in enforcing hybrid workforce security.
