{"id":374,"date":"2021-07-24T08:22:35","date_gmt":"2021-07-24T08:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/?p=374"},"modified":"2021-09-08T00:54:51","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T00:54:51","slug":"how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/","title":{"rendered":"How to secure the hybrid workforce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Following on from my blog \u2018The Future is Hybrid<\/a>\u2019, this blog looks at securing the hybrid workforce. During 2020 many organisations raced to deliver remote working for their workforce, often at the expense of a level of security, that would have previously been unacceptable.  Now that the dust has settled and many organisations have managed their risk in terms of remote working and multiple end point devices, it\u2019s time to look at some of the specific technologies that can enable secure hybrid working as part of an overall hybrid working strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Melusi<\/figure>
\n

About the Author<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melusi Phiri is a Senior Account Manager, helping clients of all sizes, across sectors to find and make best use of technology. Melusi can advise on the full technology stack, including cloud, application modernisation, security, networking and remote working solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Decentralised security as a concept<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When securing the hybrid workforce, an increasing number of organisations who have already adopted a cloud strategy are now moving toward a decentralised storage strategy that provides multiple user access, whilst offering potentially greater data security and business continuity.  In this instance, data is essentially stored on 80 different nodes, but only 30 are needed to reconstitute that data, making the attack surface much less susceptible to cyber-attack and other related outages. The huge increase in demand for remote working over the last year has accelerated the move towards a decentralised cloud storage strategy in general.  This kind of storage can offer benefits such as reduced cost, improved reliability, improved up-time and of course increased security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endpoint security<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The realities of hybrid working and working from home, have\npresented organisations with a whole host of security issues.  Endpoint security is a solution which is\ndeployed on the user\u2019s device (endpoint), which will prevent file-based malware\nas well as detecting and blocking malicious activity from trusted and untrusted\napplications.  It can also identify and\nresolve security incidents and alerts. Responding to the most recent forms of\nransomware attacks, the latest generation of endpoint security deals with\nfileless malware which exploits native processes to initiate the attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citrix Share File is one example of a virtual data room\nproduct, which is equipped with a multi-level security system: the data is encrypted\n(the documents contain dynamic watermarks that prevent unauthorised\ndissemination) and access is only allowed via a two-step verification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access Security \u2013 Identify and Access Management (IAM)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Identity\nand Access Management (IAM) solutions administer user identities and control access to an organisation\u2019s resources. It achieves this authentication\nthrough a single sign-on, making it user friendly; once the user is signed on,\nthey can only access those areas that they have been given permission to do so\nvia a user profile which is set centrally. \nAn IAM system can track user activity and can detect any suspicious\nactivity, communication or issues that might otherwise be missed.  When on-boarding new employees, the profile\ncan be quickly and easily set, so that the process is seamless.  Ultimately this kind of access management can\nassist an organisation to meet industry compliance requirements.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secure file sharing<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Within an organisations the volume of data shared daily is significant and making sure it is kept secure, but easy to access, can be an onerous task.  When considering hybrid working and the potential of multiple devices being used in multiple locations, this task is made even more difficult.  Also, given the collaborative nature of data centric activities, files may need to be made available to users outside of the organisation, adding further layers of risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, when\ndata needs to be shared quickly, business users often turn to consumer file\nsharing platforms, which will not meet corporate security and compliance\nmandates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To offer an\nenterprise grade alternative to consumer based and email attachment files\nsharing options, there are a number of solutions on the market that provide the\nrequired level of security and accessibility. Below are just a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual\nData Rooms:<\/strong> providing\nan organisation with the ability to setup file share and synchronised services\nfor their users easily and securely, offering a real alternative to large file\nsharing such as FTP.  As the name\nsuggests, a virtual data room is an online database where organisations can\nstore and share confidential information. \nTraditionally these have been used to store the most confidential of\ninformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SharePoint:<\/strong> Probably one of the most recognisable\ndata sharing products, Microsoft\u2019s SharePoint offers a multitude of features combined\nwith an excellent a level of ease of use that many other products find hard to\ncompete with. Often combined with 365, it is sold as a document management and\nstorage system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Box:<\/strong> Very similar to SharePoint is Box,\ncompeting directly with Microsoft. It\u2019s ease of use\/setup, cost, and no\nrequirement to use any of its other software set it apart from SharePoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Practice<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Securing the hybrid workforce requires careful consideration of what technology is put in place and I have covered this many times before. However, a major cause of data breach is human error.  The importance of employees understanding what behaviour is appropriate in terms of IT security is imperative, for any organisation, regardless of what technology is put in place to guard. Indeed, overzealous security measures can often take away that responsibility from the employee and impact by making processes a real chore – possibly putting the organisation at further risk by people trying to circumnavigate security for ease of use.  By promoting ongoing awareness and best practice training, an organisation stands the best chance of avoiding data breaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some areas to explore\nwhen encouraging a culture of security and best practice include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Password\nHygiene:<\/strong> enforce\npassword changes on a regular basis and consider multi factor authentication; both\nare ways of adding security to your organisation\u2019s data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email\nsecurity:<\/strong> A massive\ngrowth area for phishing attacks in the last year; email best practice is an\nimportant part of the organisation\u2019s security strategy. Comprehensive user\ntraining in being able to spot the various techniques employed by scammers via\nemail.  For the most sensitive of data,\nencryption apps should be considered, disguising information from potential\nhackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endpoint\ndevices:<\/strong> Equipping your\nworkforce with the appropriate tools to do their work should be a key\nrequirement for any organisation, ensuring that they are able to enforce\nrestrictions for website, downloadable content, or applications; adding another\nlayer of security. In addition, centralised software and antivirus updates can\nbe rolled out remotely.  It is key that considerations\nregarding the type of device and indeed the software upon it, are aiming to facilitate\nthe user to do their job, rather than hinder them.  This pre-empts employees either avoiding the\ndevice altogether or installing \u2018Shadow IT\u2019 where a better, none approved\napplication is downloaded and used as it serves them better, ultimately putting\nsecurity at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nwork environment: <\/strong>As\nwell as making sure that your workforce has the right tools to do their work\nwhen working away from the office, it is important to make sure that they\nconsider regular router password changes and multifactor authentication when\nlogging on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, after reading this blog, you feel that it might be the right time to look more closely at how you are securing the hybrid workforce, having a partner who can help guide you through will be invaluable. Pendulum offers support and expertise to help you get the most out of your organisation\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please read my blog \u2018building resilience in a hybrid workforce<\/a>\u2019, where I outline best practices around disaster recovery, business continuity and building in resilience into processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pendulum\nis a leading IT company providing services, hardware, and software across the\nUK and internationally. For further information on securing the hybrid\nworkforce or any other technology related issue, please contact me at mphiri@pendulum-it.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

About Us<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Pendulum<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n



Pendulum is a leading IT company providing services, hardware and software across the UK and internationally. For further information on remote working, public cloud hyperscalers, cybersecurity, modernising the data centre, HCI or any other area please contact your account manager or email\u00a0info@pendulum-it.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As more businesses agree hybrid working policies to meet employee needs, they must also adapt their cybersecurity defences to ensure all corporate data, applications and users are protected. We offer advice and considerations on hybrid working security best practice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[422,387,624,521,255,256,520,278],"tags":[533,626,523,524,529,526],"yoast_head":"\nHow to secure the hybrid workforce - Pendulum IT<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hybrid workforces need a different approach to cybersecurity. We offer advice and guidance for businesses when they are securing the hybrid workforce.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to secure the hybrid workforce\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hybrid workforces need a different approach to cybersecurity. We offer advice and guidance for businesses when they are securing the hybrid workforce.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pendulum IT\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-07-24T08:22:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-09-08T00:54:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/How-to-secure-a-hybrid-workforce-1024x553.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Fiona Sherwood\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Fiona Sherwood\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a00c51457d0d615ada77e1a5014abc03\"},\"headline\":\"How to secure the hybrid workforce\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-07-24T08:22:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-09-08T00:54:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/\"},\"wordCount\":1276,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"Decentralised IT\",\"decentralised security\",\"Hybrid Working\",\"IT that supports Hybrid Working\",\"The future of work\",\"VPN\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Cybersecurity\",\"Data Centre\",\"Endpoint security\",\"Hybrid Working\",\"IaaS\",\"Public Cloud\",\"Remote Working\",\"SDDC\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/\",\"name\":\"How to secure the hybrid workforce - Pendulum IT\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-07-24T08:22:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-09-08T00:54:51+00:00\",\"description\":\"Hybrid workforces need a different approach to cybersecurity. We offer advice and guidance for businesses when they are securing the hybrid workforce.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to secure the hybrid workforce\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/\",\"name\":\"Pendulum IT\",\"description\":\"A Global IT Supplier for Global Companies\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Pendulum IT\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blue-with-grey-font-and-white-background.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blue-with-grey-font-and-white-background.png\",\"width\":2000,\"height\":1198,\"caption\":\"Pendulum IT\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a00c51457d0d615ada77e1a5014abc03\",\"name\":\"Fiona Sherwood\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54468c95389789e5895b8c413a100f55?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54468c95389789e5895b8c413a100f55?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Fiona Sherwood\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to secure the hybrid workforce - Pendulum IT","description":"Hybrid workforces need a different approach to cybersecurity. We offer advice and guidance for businesses when they are securing the hybrid workforce.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to secure the hybrid workforce","og_description":"Hybrid workforces need a different approach to cybersecurity. We offer advice and guidance for businesses when they are securing the hybrid workforce.","og_url":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/","og_site_name":"Pendulum IT","article_published_time":"2021-07-24T08:22:35+00:00","article_modified_time":"2021-09-08T00:54:51+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/How-to-secure-a-hybrid-workforce-1024x553.png"}],"author":"Fiona Sherwood","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":false,"Estimated reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/"},"author":{"name":"Fiona Sherwood","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a00c51457d0d615ada77e1a5014abc03"},"headline":"How to secure the hybrid workforce","datePublished":"2021-07-24T08:22:35+00:00","dateModified":"2021-09-08T00:54:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/"},"wordCount":1276,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#organization"},"keywords":["Decentralised IT","decentralised security","Hybrid Working","IT that supports Hybrid Working","The future of work","VPN"],"articleSection":["Cybersecurity","Data Centre","Endpoint security","Hybrid Working","IaaS","Public Cloud","Remote Working","SDDC"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/","url":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/","name":"How to secure the hybrid workforce - Pendulum IT","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2021-07-24T08:22:35+00:00","dateModified":"2021-09-08T00:54:51+00:00","description":"Hybrid workforces need a different approach to cybersecurity. We offer advice and guidance for businesses when they are securing the hybrid workforce.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/how-to-secure-the-hybrid-workforce\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to secure the hybrid workforce"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/","name":"Pendulum IT","description":"A Global IT Supplier for Global Companies","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#organization","name":"Pendulum IT","url":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blue-with-grey-font-and-white-background.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/blue-with-grey-font-and-white-background.png","width":2000,"height":1198,"caption":"Pendulum IT"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a00c51457d0d615ada77e1a5014abc03","name":"Fiona Sherwood","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54468c95389789e5895b8c413a100f55?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54468c95389789e5895b8c413a100f55?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Fiona Sherwood"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/374"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=374"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/374\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pendulum-it.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}