Protection Against Modern Threats via Cybersecurity

Working remotely may be great for employees, but it poses many challenges to businesses as they attempt to keep critical data secure. While there are many advantages to allowing staff to access information and interact with clients and coworkers via a home office, there is also an inherent risk to cybersecurity. Since many companies have no choice but to allow their workers remote access, it's important that IT departments increase their focus on compromised network integrity thanks to computers that are not connected directly to the network.

With current increases in virtual threats around the globe, IT staff are already spread thin. Choosing to outsource cybersecurity is a viable option for many businesses that cannot afford to bolster their in-house teams. It makes sense to partner with professionals already familiar with the new threats that arise from remotely accessing networks. Even so, knowing how that security can become compromised is the first step in creating an effective defense strategy.

Residential-Level Security

Unless there is an IT specialist on hand, most households do not have the rigorous cybersecurity standards that a professional business can provide. The cost of establishing firewalls and preventing infiltration are too prohibitive to the average consumer and would be overkill when personal data loss is the only risk. When these remote workers interact with a business network, it may create gaps in the system that can be exploited.

Even working with a company-provided laptop has its disadvantages. One visit to a coffee shop that has compromised WiFi can provide system access to those with malintent. While these types of attacks are generally aimed at individuals, the possibility of company-wide data intrusion is enough of an incentive to take appropriate countermeasures against ineffective measures utilized by the public.

Lacking Credentials

With cloud computing and video conferencing taking the forefront of business communication, the desire for a secure network might take a back seat to hiring staff with Video-over-IP certifications. Without proper training, research suggests that there may be as many as 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs that cannot be filled. This leaves companies with an IT department that is woefully unprepared to take on virtual threats.

To combat such a dire situation, it behooves businesses to outsource their cybersecurity needs with managed security services. By hiring professionals dedicated to maintaining a stable and robust system, companies will be able to internally focus on the technology that will continue making it a success. In addition, an MSS will have resources in place to stay up to date with current threats and trends freeing their client to bolster their bottom line in other ways.

Remote Desktops

One of the integral aspects of IT departments is their ability to quickly assess and solve problems so employees can return to a productive workday. Technicians do not always need to be in-person to accomplish these tasks, but on-site remote desktop use is much different than doing the same from a home office or coffee shop. Recently, a major MSP was found to have major security vulnerabilities in their video conferencing suites that would allow hackers to compromise entire systems.

Educating employees that are working remotely is paramount to ensuring the cybersecurity of a businesses entire network. It is important they understand phishing attacks and how malware can be installed on their home systems they use to interact with the office. IT departments that incorporate Moving Target Defense (MTD) strategies into their security will also help mitigate the threat such hackers pose. Such systems are able to disguise or hide important memory without the threat first being identified.

The remote working environment drastically changes the ballgame in regards to cybersecurity. When employees are on-site in a closed system it is much easier to monitor for potential threats and create safeguards that cover the entire network. Having so many workers incorporated into a generally insecure environment may leave any business vulnerable. Professional cybersecurity teams can help maintain data integrity, and focusing on new hires that specialize in Video-over-IP and WiFi security allows businesses to continue operations with some peace of mind.