Today, the network perimeters are no longer defined inside out. Instead, they are defined prominently from the outside-in strategy. This is due to changes in the way the employees and the customers are accessing the applications.
Accessing the applications and the services start from the users and the devices. These are located outside the conventional on-premises network boundaries. Certain factors drive such changes. It includes the latest business models that require remote working and access. By embracing the revolutionary distributed edge computing services, the threat to security is enhanced.
After the COVID-19 crisis, this threat has become more evident. Businesses and enterprises reacted and established specific guidelines. They instantly executed remote adaptive access to ensure continuity of business operations worldwide.
With a rise in threats, businesses need a defensive security stratagem at the edge. The new approach should be easy and adaptable with convenient integration. It must emphasize the ways of connecting entities without damaging the security posture. Therefore, upgrading and updating your edge security strategy is necessary to enhance the remote working model. While minimizing risk-based actions, adopt actionable protection that permits sovereign access capabilities.
Not sure why your business needs to adapt to such changes? Continuing reading and unlocking an effective edge security strategy can help you ensure trusted remote work.
Is remote access a risk?
Over the past few years, remote connectivity allowed new devices to connect with it, such as smartphones and tablets. Hence, it proved to be an authentic way to enhance workmate’s productivity and efficiency. Remote access works just fine irrespective of the location where it is being operated. However, it has also introduced higher risks, leaving the data vulnerable to thefts and security breaches.
Before work from a home model, remote working was different. However, today with small devices, consumer-based activities have increased exponentially. Now there are various streaming services, gaming societies, and other social networking sites.
This change in browsing habits is pushing cybersecurity towards the edge. As a result, the devices are getting more exposed to threats leaving them vulnerable and defenceless.
Remote working is increasing access to malware-associated websites. This leads to the risk of compromised security to all the devices connected. Let’s explore three steps to ensure trusted remote work.
1. Going towards advanced security
You certainly need to rethink the new and latest form of defensive strategy. Why? Because enterprise networks are continuously changing and evolving. Due to different and unique conditions, remote connectivity architecture is now a necessity. With a progressive strategy, you can introduce an extra layer of security and defence mechanism. The new system can include the three most essential components:
- Risk-based signals,
- Data and the indicators
- Defensive actions.
With these components, you can combat the protection challenges and fill the gaps.
There is a dire need to create a balance between usability and security. Within a controlled environment, you can leap into a successful and productive business.
The concept of reacting to the observed signals allows the security teams to understand and scrutinize risky conditions. Without analyzing the root causes of anomalous and dangerous behavior, the success of a business isn’t possible.
Hence, it is necessary to consider connecting the signals with practical tools. Tools such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) allow you to make more accurate business decisions.
When SIEM incorporates into your signal-based risk score, you can determine the protective actions whenever required.
2. Syndicate your approach
Deterministic actions along with nondeterministic steps are essential to be combined to form a defensive strategy. These actions determine the level of the risk associated with the remote device and its users. By streamlining the process, you would be able to adopt the best effort to manage the risks.
The actions must be able to retrieve your remote accessibility infrastructure. This will minimize the risk and shrink the malware attack surface with limited functionality. Such actions promise that user access is given. However, it limits all the risks associated with it. Therefore, it can also reduce the possible dangers.
This trade-off between usability and security depends on the policies of the enterprises. It is crucial to understand how sensitive the security risks are. Another essential thing is to undermine adaptive access. The changes are based on the risk related to connected users and their devices. By considering this, it can reduce the overhead of managing the devices, the users, etc.
3. Minimize security risks
The ultimate target of adopting advanced architecture is to minimize security risk. A fundamental principle in the defensive edge strategy is to ensure a continuous authentication mechanism. It minimizes malware attacks, as the connectivity is for specific enterprise applications. It’s not covering the entire network in contrast to the conventional access solutions such as VPN, which caters to the all-inclusive enterprise network.
The bottom line
It is well known that the enterprise perimeters and connectivity locations are changing continuously. Therefore, the defensive mechanism should also be altered and modified to fit the needs and desires. The change must include an enhanced protective new layer of defence, focusing on users and devices. It is up to you to evaluate the associated risks with connected users and allow an adaptable defensive strategy to combat.
Customized cybersecurity services can help you build a digital infrastructure suitable for remote working. Tkxel provides security audit and compliance services, helping you identify the loopholes in your existing digital infrastructure. Let’s talk and find new solutions for your enterprise. Drop a line today!
