EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The business landscape has rapidly shifted across the past 10 months. The once-in-a-century global pandemic has forced organizations to reassess infrastructure and to restructure cyber ecosystems.
New technologies were rapidly implemented at scale. In the process, cyber security often became a back-burner concern. Now, cyber security must once again become a priority.
Remote work and security realities
In 2020, 50 percent of top risk professionals expressed concern about cyber attacks and data fraud due to rushed transitions to new models of connectivity.
From February to April of 2020, the number of coronavirus-related cyber attacks per week multiplied by four-fold, jumping from 5,000 to nearly 200,000. Home computers often lacked patches and many have inadequate security. With the popularity of cloud computing and network-connected smartphones, it’s no secret that there are more ways to invade an organization than ever before. A once hardened network perimeter is now blurred and porous, and the bad actors are aware.
The “demand for information…accompanied by fear, confusion and even the boredom of confinement, has multiplied opportunities for cyber criminals to deliver malware, ransomware and phishing scams,” reports the World Economic Forum.
Remote work and security, scaling at speed
In March of 2020, when remote work at scale began, some IT teams prioritized functionality over security. Cutting corners was necessary. But now, retaining those shortcuts could be costly. In 2021, enterprises will need to address security snares and gain visibility into their architectures and environments.
Remote work and security, learning curves
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, gaining visibility into network environments was challenging. With remote work, the challenge has grown. Gaining adequate remote visibility into network environments requires extreme technological adaptations. In the past, organizations were able to rely on security operations centers (SOCs), endpoint detection and response (EDR), security information and event management (SIEM) technologies and others. Yet traditional tools may not be enough to combat the emerging threats observed in remote work environments.
As remote working operations and remote security improve, 91% of Information Technology leaders expect that SASE will crucially simplify security and management. Among organizations that have implemented SASE, 86% report seeing security improvements.
Remote work and security, revised priorities
No organization, big or small, is immune from a cyber attack. Organizations must strive to become “secure by design” and have a strong cyber security plan; otherwise plan to fail. In the new age of remote everything, cyber security experts have seen:
- An increase in cloud threats
- An increase in malware
- Ransomware ravaging critical infrastructure
- Evolving DDoS attacks
- Phishing scams
- Bolder botnet armies
- Sunburst setbacks
Remote work and security, new management
Remote work doesn’t have to be a burden for your organization. In fact, many organizations around the world plan to permit remote work post-pandemic. However, remote work does present unique challenges. As a result, IT teams must put new tools in place and assume a prevention mindset for the fully perimeterless threat landscape.
Navigating today’s complex cyber threat landscape demands comprehensive cyber security. To find useful tips and best practices regarding how to secure your remote employees, watch this expert-led video series.
For the most impactful insights and information be sure to join your colleagues, peers and globally recognized cyber security experts at the premiere cyber security event of the year; CPX 360 2021.
