In the COVID-19 era, our day-to-day now takes place around kitchen tables, in bedroom corners, and make-shift basement offices – all spaces not intended for long-term work. This change in environment introduced a closet-full of new challenges.
While our new desks lacked physical amenities, our Wi-Fi networks and personal devices lacked the security that came with standard business infrastructure. The former is inconvenient, the latter could be catastrophic.
The pandemic spawned an uptick in targeted virtual attacks from hackers around the globe. A recent survey conducted in the U.S., U.K., Singapore, and Italy revealed that 91% of cybersecurity professionals said attack volumes have increased as more employees work from home, and 92% reported cyberattacks related to COVID-19 malware.
With more people working from home on less secure networks, this isn’t a surprise. However, it is something companies must address immediately to make long-term remote work a viable option.
Organizations must implement comprehensive security architecture that’s tailored to employees’ new environments. That’s why we’ve built a diverse set of security components into Sutherland Anywhere, designed to meet employees where they are.
To achieve this customized, advanced protection, we constructed our architecture based on four must-have principles:
1. Always Verify, Never Trust
Lacking physical access to employees, businesses must ensure people are who they say they are. That’s why Sutherland Anywhere verifies every user, account, and device prior to obtaining access to company infrastructure. It employs Windows NT Username and password and Duo Token for multi-factor authentication (MFA) across the system, as well as custom shells that check for updates, firewalls, and virus protection on each launch. Plus, with 24/7 SOC monitoring and a centralized desktop, application, and contact center environment, it offers maximum control and visibility.
For businesses that face high security requirements, Sutherland Sentinel AI® offers in-depth monitoring capabilities to keep accurate track of employee actions at any given time.
2. Keep Workspaces Locked Down
Endpoints – otherwise known as our personal technology devices – are the gateway to crucial business data. Securing them is paramount.
The Sutherland platform delivers robust endpoint security to ensure consistency and control across the business. The system locks down personal devices with a client-locked secure shell, enabling data viewing only so that printing, local storage, and copy and paste functions are blocked for end-users. With centrally-managed device security, Sutherland Anywhere delivers registered and authenticated endpoint protection to reduce the risk of user-related vulnerabilities.
3. Establish a Need-to-Know Principle
To collaborate remotely, employees need to be able to share documents and data with each other safely and effectively. That means transfers must be more secure than ever before, which is why our solution includes data leakage prevention techniques and ensures data is encrypted end to end.
4. Foster a Security Culture
Effective digital security goes beyond implementing strong software. Organizations must foster a security-first culture, one characterized by ongoing awareness training for both staff and leadership. Companies should launch awareness campaigns, execute phishing simulation drills, require new hire security training and refresher courses, and drive ownership and accountability in every person across the organization. When it comes to security, the right technology can only go so far. So, ensuring responsible and consistent practices is vital.
Security = Viability
COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the Future of Work. But it could also be the impetus for the way organizations view and invest in security technology moving forward. A remote-first work environment offers a unique set of benefits, but without proper security they cannot be realized. As we confront the realities of our new working world, companies must embrace a security-first approach to ensure the safety and productivity of both employees and the business as a whole. With security as a backbone, businesses simultaneously future-proof their workforce while paving the way for better customer experience.
To learn more about how you can build a secure remote operation, get in touch with our experts today.
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Doug Gilbert serves as Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer. With an extensive background in product development and technology transformation, Doug has a proven track record of revolutionizing operations and enhancing customer experiences through AI and machine learning. He leverages his expertise to drive innovation and deliver measurable business outcomes. As a seasoned leader in digital transformation, Doug plays a pivotal role in Sutherland’s solution architecture, leading the development of the company’s digital product and platform portfolio.
