Adapting Security Measures as Hybrid Working Becomes the Norm.
As businesses embrace flexible working models, cybersecurity strategies must evolve. Insights shared emphasize the role of modern services and a zero-trust approach in safeguarding against cyber threats in the post-COVID era.
The Evolution of Hybrid Working
A Permanent Shift
The move towards hybrid working, initially triggered by COVID-19, is now a permanent fixture. Businesses opt for flexibility as employees seamlessly work across various locations. This shift necessitates an evolution in security strategies to address the challenges posed by dispersed environments.
Embracing Modern Services
Advocacy for modern services, such as Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR), is highlighted to secure operations and act as enablers for business growth.
Security Challenges in a Hybrid Environment
Lagging Cybersecurity Strategies
Despite over 19 months of remote working, many organisations are lagging in updating their cybersecurity strategies. Outdated strategies expose systems to cyber threats, especially as hybrid and remote environments expand the attack surface.
Changing Risk Landscape
The dispersed environment of hybrid working brings about a shift in cybersecurity risks. Poorly managed and secured systems correlate directly with increased cybersecurity risks. Organisations must modernise cybersecurity systems to align with changing working models and an evolving threat landscape.
Shifting to a Zero Trust Approach
Principles of Zero Trust
There is an emphasis on the need for a shift to zero-trust models, centred on three principles: verify explicitly, use least privileged access, and always assume a breach. This approach ensures robust security by securing user identities and devices, going beyond traditional network perimeters.
Implementation Challenges
While zero trust is not a new concept, its effective implementation in a hybrid environment requires careful execution. There is underscored importance of assuming a breach, deploying controls like user and device authentication, least privileged access, read-only modes, and real-time audits.
Enhancing Endpoint Security with MDR and XDR
Integrating Strategies
An emphasis on the integration of a zero-trust approach with an effective MDR strategy to enhance endpoint security. MDR combines human analysis, artificial intelligence, and automation to detect, analyse, investigate, and respond to threats rapidly.
Role of XDR Technologies
Extended Detection and Response (XDR) technologies play a crucial role in rapid threat detection and response across various domains. These technologies cover endpoints, networks, web and email, cloud, and identity, ensuring comprehensive protection regardless of user location.
Securing the Future
Continuous Vigilance
With hybrid working becoming a norm, caution against complacency is noted. There is an urging for IT and OT teams to rethink cybersecurity, adopting a zero-trust approach supported by proactive services like MDR and fortified by XDR technology.
Competitive Advantage
This evolution in cybersecurity is seen not just as a necessity but as an opportunity. By embracing innovative technologies and strategies, businesses can fortify their security for the future and gain a competitive advantage in the evolving landscape.
Conclusion
Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats
As the business landscape transforms, cybersecurity must evolve in tandem. The conclusion is that only through a comprehensive approach, combining zero trust, MDR, and XDR technologies, can security teams stay ahead of cyber threats in the new era of hybrid working.
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