Dual Challenge: Securing Modern Enterprises While Enabling Remote Work

This issue was at the forefront of a recent webinar, ‘Thrive Anywhere: Securing the Modern Enterprise,’ presented by Bhupinder Singh, Vodafone Business’s president of Asia Pacific and Middle East, and Andy Linham, Vodafone Business’s Principal Strategy Manager.

"Balancing security with the need for flexibility in remote work is a pressing concern for many businesses," said Singh. "This is especially critical in the current climate where regulatory requirements are increasing and the demand for advanced technologies is higher than ever."

The Remote Work Conundrum

The rise of remote work has been a significant shift for enterprises worldwide. "Even before the pandemic, there was an increase in flexible, remote working," said Linham. "However, since the pandemic, this trend has surged, particularly among younger generations who value the ability to work from anywhere. This flexibility, while beneficial for employee satisfaction and engagement, introduces substantial risks."

Linham highlighted the vulnerability of accessing corporate data from public locations. "Whether you're in a hotel room, coffee shop, or airport, the risk of data exfiltration is significant. Someone could easily look over your shoulder and capture sensitive information."

Cloud Transition

Another major shift is the move towards cloud-based infrastructures. "For at least 15 years, there has been a gradual migration to the cloud," Linham explained. "Today, many workloads for numerous customers are in the public cloud, which means they are outside your direct physical control. This makes traditional security measures less effective and increases reliance on cloud-based security controls."

This transition has created a "perfect storm" of challenges, including a significant skills shortage in security engineering and the ease with which cyberattacks can be orchestrated. "The availability of threats combined with the lack of trained professionals makes it a difficult time to be a network manager or security professional," Linham added.

Addressing Challenges

To tackle these challenges, Vodafone's Secure Connected Enterprise focuses on flexibility and modularity. "Our solution is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, whether it's implementing a firewall in a cloud platform or assessing the entire network's security needs," Singh said.

Linham also emphasised the importance of user experience and data loss prevention. "Implementing single sign-on (SSO) is crucial. It simplifies access for users and enhances security by ensuring only authorized individuals can access sensitive data," he said. "Data loss prevention (DLP) mechanisms are essential to stop unauthorized data transfers, which can often be as simple as posting sensitive information in an Amazon review."

Value of Secure Internet Solutions

Singh shared compelling statistics to underline the importance of secure internet solutions. "Notably, 70% of companies that invested in secure internet solutions saw a significant improvement in remote work productivity and employee satisfaction," Singh said. Additionally, Cisco reported a 45% increase in operational efficiencies for businesses with secure internet infrastructure.

"Implementing these solutions also helps with regulatory compliance," Singh said. "About 82% of organisations experienced improved compliance and reduced legal risks after implementing secure internet solutions."

"Deploying the best secure technology and partnering with the right technology providers is essential to navigating the complexities of today's digital landscape."

For more insights, register to watch the on-demand webinar here.