The Office Workplace ln The Hybrid World

The pandemic has redefined what it means to have a team in the office. In today’s typical work environment, a ‘team’ now involves collaboration between employees across multiple locations and settings.

However, with that comes a new challenge: securing this worldwide office. For example, cyber attacks have risen by 238% since the start of the pandemic and home workers have become the primary target of cyber criminals.

It’s increasingly important for leaders to ensure a consistent office experience regardless of where the workforce is. Enterprise IT governance needs to adapt to this new paradigm with businesses treating management of remote workers as a priority.

The Ability To Work Securely From Anywhere

In the past, corporate IT security would trust every user equally inside their network mainly driven by office-based employees accessing the corporate networking environment from traditionally “safe” locations. As a result of remote working, one key shift that business leaders should consider is “zero trust “networking.  

Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) works by granting access to networks based on the identity of the user and their context (e.g. which applications being accessed). Users are first classified based on their business roles and the levels of access they require. Next, the context of the request is assessed – like where the user is connecting from, through what device, and whether the device is secure. The key aspect of ZTNA is the concept of “never trust, always verify” which means the user access session is continuously verified.

This way, users can access their resources quickly and efficiently, no matter where they are. At the same time, IT leaders can maintain a zero-trust approach across their entire network for enhanced security of vital corporate IT and data resources.

Adopting these frameworks will result in increased agility, resilience and reliability, as well as the ability to prioritize traffic to key applications and securely access SaaS and cloud applications across the Internet. Given the effective access security, it will also provide a good user experience for employees, allowing them to work securely regardless of location.

Deep Understanding Of User Habits & Organizational Needs 

It is critical to strike the right balance between user access management and effective, secure remote access to on-premises resources, hybrid cloud environments, and business applications. But before initiating any policies to do so, leaders need to run a deep audit to continually review and assess their internet-based and cloud-centric application environment and understand how their end-users engage with them. 

Adoption of ZTNA takes some consideration around tailoring the capability to the specific needs of the organization. IT leaders should use this opportunity to question everything, from the organization’s information and communications technology strategy to current IT governance – and, in the process, identify gaps and opportunities to enhance. 

A More Educated Remote User

The single best tactic for keeping confidential data safe is remote user awareness. Keep employees informed – not only about what they should do but also about why they need to do it. And if done right, you’ll set the organization up for success. 

Training materials should focus on the employee’s understanding of the importance of data security and cyber hygiene. Leaders should also consider defining an Acceptable Use Policy, so employees know what websites, apps and networks are permitted for accessing data.

A network with more intelligence at its edge that balances performance with user, device and application security management will be key to navigating the new hybrid way of work and ensuring a ubiquitous office. To succeed in this current era of work, companies must adapt their networking approach to this new distributed environment to avoid putting the productivity of employees and the security of their business at risk.

Samir Desai is VP of product management at GTT

You Might Also Read: 

Building An Identity-First Security Strategy:

____________________________________________________________________________________

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 6,500-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.

  • Individual £5 per month or £50 per year. Sign Up
  • Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request

Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible


 

« The Virtual & Real Cybersecurity Threats In The Metaverse 
Big British High Street Retailer Attacked »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC - the first, easy-to-use, enterprise-grade information security solution for compliance and risk management - offers businesses efficient control tracking, testing, and enforcement.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

Cleafy

Cleafy

Cleafy protects web and mobile applications from tampering attempts and deploys countermeasures to guarantee data and content integrity at scale.

Sasa Software

Sasa Software

Sasa Software is a cybersecurity software developer specializing in the prevention of file-based network attacks.

Matrix42

Matrix42

Matrix42 software for digital workspace experience manages devices, applications, processes and services simple, secure and compliant.

Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS)

Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS)

Honeywell's Industrial Cyber Security Solutions help plants and critical infrastructure sectors defend the availability, reliability and safety of their industrial control systems.

Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies Consulting Services enables a highly resilient business amidst the proliferation of cloud-based IT services and constant threats to your most critical information.

Worldline

Worldline

Worldline IIoT solutions allow industrial companies to start their digital transformation journey with industrial level cyber security standards (IEC 62443 ready).

WiSecure Technologies

WiSecure Technologies

WiSecure Technologies aims to develop cryptographic products meeting requirements in the new economic era.

Rhino Security Labs

Rhino Security Labs

Rhino Security Labs is a top penetration testing and security assessment firm, with a focus on cloud pentesting, network pentesting, web application pentesting, and phishing.

Privafy

Privafy

Privafy helps mobile service providers, IoT manufactures , and enterprises redefine the way they protect Data-in-Motion.

BugDazz

BugDazz

BugDazz pentest as a service (PTaaS) platform helps bringing in real-time results, detail coverage, & easy remediation workflows with compliance-ready reports.

HolistiCyber

HolistiCyber

HolistiCyber provide state-of-the art consulting, services, and solutions to help proactively and holistically defend against a new era of constantly evolving cyber threats.

Novacoast

Novacoast

Novacoast helps organizations find, create & implement solutions for a powerful security posture through advisory, engineering, development & managed services.

Otava

Otava

Otava is a global leader of secure, compliant hybrid cloud and IT solutions for service providers, channel partners and enterprise clients.

N2K Networks

N2K Networks

N2K Networks is the world’s first “news to knowledge” network. The news to knowledge network is how you stay at the cutting edge in a rapidly changing world.

Digital Catapult

Digital Catapult

Digital Catapult is the UK authority on advanced digital technology. We bring out the best in business by accelerating new possibilities with advanced digital technologies.

Netcraft

Netcraft

Netcraft is a global leader in cybercrime detection and disruption, combining cutting-edge technology with decades of experience to protect organizations of all sizes from digital threats and attacks.