Your employees are now using more devices than ever to access sensitive data from different locations. The percentage of U.S. companies planning or already implementing a permanent hybrid work model is at 74%. With this, the risk of data breaches and cyber threats increases exponentially and you need to secure your hybrid workforce.
The challenge comes primarily from the lack of centralized control and visibility over a wide range of devices. Because of their volume, enforcing security policies and responding effectively to security breaches is nearly impossible without proper support. Moreover, the potential loss or theft of devices can expose businesses to data breaches, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of their data.
So… how can this be alleviated? In this post, we’ll outline how to face the challenge of cybersecurity head-on by leveraging Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to secure hybrid work environments.
The Risks of Remote Work
The rise of remote comes with numerous benefits and opportunities for employees and companies alike. However, this new way of working also comes with increased risks — especially for cybersecurity.
Understanding these risks is essential. It’s important for businesses across industries to implement effective measures and ensure the security of their operations. Here are a few key threats to remote work that businesses must consider:
- Increased Cybersecurity Threats: Remote work introduces a higher risk of cybersecurity breaches, as employees access sensitive data and company resources from various locations and devices.
- Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Remote employees may connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, making them vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access by cybercriminals.
- Device Security: Personal devices used for remote work may lack proper security measures, increasing the risk of malware infections, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
- Data Leakage: Remote work environments may lack the same level of physical security as office setups, increasing the likelihood of data leakage through lost or stolen devices or improper handling of sensitive information.
- Lack of MDM Solutions: Without implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, businesses face challenges in monitoring and securing employee devices, potentially leaving them exposed to security threats.
- Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: Remote employees may be more susceptible to phishing emails and social engineering attacks, as cybercriminals exploit the distractions and unfamiliar environments associated with remote work.
- Employee Training Gaps: Insufficient training on remote work cybersecurity practices can lead to unintentional security breaches, such as falling victim to phishing scams or failing to follow proper data handling procedures. 95 percent of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error, according to the World Economic Forum.
- Compliance and Regulatory Risks: Remote work introduces additional complexities in ensuring compliance with industry regulations and data privacy laws, potentially resulting in legal consequences and reputational damage.
- Limited IT Support: Remote employees may face challenges in accessing timely IT support, leading to prolonged downtime, reduced productivity, and potential security vulnerabilities.
By understanding and addressing these risks, businesses can take proactive steps to implement robust remote work cybersecurity measures, such as leveraging MDM solutions, providing comprehensive employee training, enforcing security policies, and partnering with MSPs for expert guidance and support.
How MSPs Can Help Secure Your Hybrid Workforce
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in assisting businesses with the implementation and management of IT solutions, ensuring a secure infrastructure for remote and hybrid work environments.
Here are some key services that MSPs can provide:
- MDM Solutions: Mobile Device Management solutions are comprehensive software platforms designed to enable businesses to manage and secure the various mobile devices used by their employees.
- Help Desk Support: MSPs offer dedicated help desk support, assisting employees with any device-related issues or security concerns, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted workflow.
- Remote Patching and Updating: MSPs ensure that devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates, minimizing vulnerabilities and protecting against potential cyber threats.
- Backup Management: MSPs implement robust backup solutions, ensuring that critical data is regularly backed up and easily recoverable in the event of data loss or system failure.
- Network Management: MSPs monitor and manage the network infrastructure, implementing security measures such as firewalls and VPNs, to protect data transmission and prevent unauthorized access.
- Consulting and Strategy: MSPs offer consulting services, assessing the business’s unique requirements, identifying potential risks of remote work, and devising customized strategies to enhance cybersecurity and optimize remote working technology.
MSPs provide comprehensive support across various IT domains, ensuring a secure and productive remote work environment.
With their assistance, businesses can focus on their core operations while having peace of mind knowing that their overall IT infrastructure is professionally managed and protected against the risks of remote work.
How to Leverage MSP Solutions
Leveraging MSP solutions in collaboration with Managed Service Providers can significantly enhance business security in today’s remote and hybrid work environments.
MSPs or Managed Service Providers are professional IT specialists that offer a wide range of comprehensive solutions for businesses. They typically take on the responsibility of managing and supporting the IT infrastructure and technology needs of their clients, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations without the burden of day-to-day IT management, or can align with your IT team as a co-managed provider.
By delivering proactive and strategic IT support, MSPs can ensure that systems are secure, optimized, and aligned with the business objectives. They can offer services such as network management, help desk support, cloud computing, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, hardware and software procurement, and technology consulting.
Think of them as trusted partners. They provide expertise, resources, and ongoing support to optimize IT operations, enhance productivity, minimize downtime, and mitigate risks. With their deep knowledge and experience, MSPs enable businesses to leverage technology to achieve their goals while staying ahead in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape.
Secure Your Business with Managed Service Providers
By partnering with MSPs, small businesses can secure their hybrid workforce, mitigate the risks associated with remote work and foster a productive and protected work environment for their employees.
For more information on how you can protect your business and hybrid workforce from cyber threats, contact us today!