Improving Security to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risk

The shift to more hybrid or fully remote workforces introduces new challenges such as Shadow IT. Individuals and teams run their own services and use multiple devices, even in a full on-premise work environment.

The understanding of a network boundary has also shifted because of the accelerated adoption of multi-platform and multi-network work environments. IT Teams previously could defend a network by securing the boundary, but not every device, platform, or network used by remote and hybrid workforces is fully patched, malware-free, and securely configured. With reduced visibility, IT teams cannot check for exposure risks; thus, facing increased chances of a data breach.

Possible Solutions

Cross-platform tools such as password managers manage corporate credentials, enable control of sharing settings, and ensure users follow the rules for good password security practices. They aren’t as resource-intensive from an implementation perspective.
A credential management solution also gives IT teams visibility into corporate accounts, including user access, the use of unique and complex passwords, or even checking for compromised passwords.

IT teams can also securely share credentials with remote and hybrid workforces when new services are provisioned.
While companies can take several approaches to improve security and mitigate cybersecurity risks, the webcast discussion highlights educating employees as an effective method. Companies can help reinforce best practices through knowledge sharing, communications around security activities, and auditing workplace cybersecurity policies.

Frequent knowledge sharing such as through employee security trainings helps employees work more securely in the workplace. But the knowledge share doesn’t stop with training. Involving employees when critical events occur that require downtime or affect operations can save a lot of frustration for the impacted end user. For example, employees should know why they can’t temporarily access certain systems if a server needs a patch applied to prevent a security incident.

Possible Solutions

Raising employees’ cybersecurity awareness can result in a substantial and lasting improvement in online behaviors. But awareness should not just focus on overly repeating the basics of cybersecurity best practices or training that only ticks a compliance checkbox.

Cybersecurity threats constantly evolve, and employees often serve as the front line of enterprise threat prevention.
Empowering users to take cybersecurity matters into their own hands helps to make things click. This is particularly true if employees can leverage tools to implement better security behaviors such as storing passwords in an encrypted vault or generating strong passwords.

At GT Global we offer full Cybersecurity Awareness Training. Contact us today at sales@gtglobal.ca.