The Security risks of Hybrid Work

Hybrid work has become the norm. While it offers a range of benefits for both companies and employees, in terms of flexibility and convenience, it also raises valid concerns around cyber threats and security risks.

With employees changing scenery more than ever, managing security can be a complicated task. Traditional measures, based on securing devices within the office and tight to the corporate network, are no longer sufficient. That’s why most security leaders claim that information security methods and controls have become more complex as a result of increased remote work.

Hybrid work creates a headache for many in IT but the challenges can be met with today’s modern digital workspace technologies.

It’s all about securing the endpoint

Because the endpoint is the most critical link in the computerization chain, security at the endpoint should be the main priority for all companies. Endpoints are the sole link in the system where human behavior has a significant impact and they are used outside of the business network as well. As a result, human errors such as unintentionally clicking on suspicious links or downloading vulnerable software are frequently the source of security breaches.

According to Verizon (2022 Data Breach investigation Report), the human factor was responsible for 82 percent of breaches in 2021. Whether it is the use of stolen credentials, phishing, misuse, or simply an error, people continue to play a very large role in incidents and breaches.

Mitigating the risk

IT security teams must take a holistic approach to reduce the endpoint security threats associated with remote work in order to secure their business. People and technology must be considered when constructing an adequate endpoint security strategy.

People – Educate your employees

Employees are increasingly exposed to cyber threats. The use of the same endpoint in various locations, such as the office, at home, or when commuting, has also contributed significantly to this growth.

It’s essential to raise employee awareness and help them understand the issues they are encountering and how they should respond. Employees should be able to spot threats, adopt appropriate mitigation measures, and understand how to report cyber attacks and threats.

While cybersecurity awareness is the initial stage, for it to be genuinely effective, employees must embrace and apply cyber-secure practices both professionally and personally. The objective is to progress from security awareness to security culture. Organizations with strong cybersecurity cultures benefit from enhanced insight into possible threats, fewer cyber incidents, and improved post-attack resilience.

Technology – Trust technology to assist you

The good news is that there are security solutions available that can provide enterprise-level protection to all endpoint users. To achieve the best results, these systems make use of advanced security technology. Nowadays, there are three increasing layers of protection available on the market:

Endpoint protection platforms, or EPPs, use integrated entry point technologies to detect and prevent suspicious activity at the endpoint. It checks every file that enters the system to ensure that none of the files are malicious.

Endpoint detection and response, also known as EDR, is a backup for basic EPP. It’s built to detect potential risks and respond appropriately. It can tackle high-level threats such as zero-day exploits and file-less malicious software thanks to its powerful capabilities.

As the name implies, XDR (extended detection and response) goes beyond regular EDR. It collects and combines massive volumes of data from numerous network entry points in order to better detect and prevent threats. When compared to EDR, it offers a broader range of protection and more complex features.

Today, offering hybrid work is a clear competitive advantage but it must not come at the expense of security. Therefore modern companies must educate their employees on cybersecurity and choose the right level of security technology to support them.