3 Ways Hybrid Workforces Can Benefit from a Zero Trust Approach
Hybrid workforces are becoming more common because people want flexibility and adaptability. In fact, 77% of knowledge workers now work in a hybrid model, which means a lot of companies have employees working from different locations. While this way of working has its perks, it also brings cybersecurity challenges because old security methods don't work well anymore. To keep data safe on different devices and networks, companies need a new way of thinking about security. This is where the zero trust approach comes in, with its core idea: "never trust, always verify."
Zero trust is a security model that assumes no user, device, or individual should be trusted automatically. Instead, everyone and everything trying to access company information must prove they are safe. Zero trust helps keep companies secure and also offers other benefits. Here's how:
Keeps Data Safe
Despite improvements in cybersecurity, cyberattacks are still increasing. A report called "The State of Data Security in 2023 and Beyond" found that 41% of companies had a security breach in the past year. This shows how serious cyber threats still are. While cybercriminals get better at what they do, the market for cybersecurity solutions has also advanced, leading to the development of zero trust.
Zero trust acts as a strong defense against data breaches by enforcing strict rules and checking every access request. Whether it's someone trying to access data or an application, everything is seen as a potential threat and must be verified before access is given. This approach lowers the chances of data breaches and creates a culture where everyone is aware of security risks. Evaluating every access request ensures only the right people can touch important company data, minimizing the risk of attacks.
Improves Employees’ User Experience and Accessibility
While security is very important, today's workers also need an easy and smooth experience, especially when working remotely. Zero trust helps balance these needs by changing how security is managed. Companies can use tools like Remote Browser Isolation or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) to let employees access data securely, no matter where they are or what device they're using.
Remote workers, who often have trouble accessing data and applications safely, now have reliable and secure options. Zero trust ensures that teams can work effectively from anywhere, without losing performance or ease of use.
Simplifies Security Management and Creates Operational Efficiency
Managing hybrid workforces can be a challenge, and companies need to focus on being efficient. Zero trust helps by simplifying security management. It automates tasks and grants access based on set rules. This means companies can easily follow security policies and laws while saving their IT teams time.
With predefined identities, roles, and criteria like date, time, location, network, and device status, companies can ensure compliance with security policies. At the same time, this approach frees up IT teams to work on other important projects, making the organization stronger and more resilient.
Getting Started with Zero Trust
Implementing zero trust in any organization isn't easy and needs a careful, step-by-step approach. Here are the key elements to consider:
A Dedicated IT Team
The first step is to create a core IT security team that will lead the zero trust implementation. This team is responsible for making sure that all steps of the process align with the company’s goals and security objectives.
A Comprehensive Plan
The second step is to develop a detailed plan guiding the zero trust implementation. This includes assessing current security, identifying gaps and risks, and creating a roadmap for applying zero trust principles. The plan should also outline the timeline, budget, and metrics for the project.
The Right Solutions
The third step is to choose the right zero trust solutions that fit the company’s needs and existing infrastructure. Considering solutions like remote browser isolation or DaaS is recommended because they meet the needs of a distributed workforce and provide a consistent user experience.
Defined Identities and Roles
The fourth step is to decide who and what can access your company's resources. A good zero trust application allows security professionals to set predefined identities, roles, and permissions for users and devices. It also checks whether they follow security rules all the time and blocks any unauthorized actions.
While these steps serve as a helpful guide for implementing zero trust security, it's important to note that security strategies should be tailored to fit each organization. So, while the slogan "never trust, always verify" is a good start, companies need to adapt it to their specific needs.
