In the last ten years, computing has become much more mobile. The shift to remote workers, cloud-computing, smartphones, and the Internet of Things has created a new paradigm. It’s now possible to work from anywhere on earth with no issues whatsoever.
But this connectivity comes with a significant downside. There was a dramatic increase in cybersecurity risks. The traditional fortress-based network security is no longer enough. The same perimeter no longer exists.
In this new world, the data is king. So organizations must move forward and shift to maximize cloud-based cybersecurity solutions.
The Rise Of Further Connectivity
Enterprises have used LAN and WLAN for four decades now. But 5G, with its immense potential for high-speed connectivity, is here. And it doesn’t have expensive network installation and maintenance costs. It will create even more fluid workplace environments.
The fifth-generation cellular network will speed things up. It will connect not only people but also machines and objects. Improvements in efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness will further cement that cloud-centric era. Now combine 5G with bring-your-own-device policies and remote workforce. Traditional network security will no longer apply to the internet-powered organization.
Embracing New Solutions
Security is no longer pre-packaged into hardware or software solutions. It should come as no surprise that as data has moved into the cloud. The most advanced cybersecurity techniques have too.
Cloud-based providers offer a range of services. They include secure web gateways, data loss prevention, SSL inspection, VPNs, and others. It’s essential to have the latest security tools to manage both local as well as virtual machines in the cloud.
Sandboxing In The Cloud
In the data-centric world, few things are more critical than sandboxing. Sandboxed solutions allow single files to operate in controlled, limited environments. Here, organizations can analyze behavior tracking suspicious activity. In this confined state, it is possible to identify and confirm whether files are benign or malware.
Before sandboxing alone was not adequate. It did attempt to create separate ecosystems. Yet often, sandboxes permitted the entry of malicious files before a complete analysis. Thus, malware often found its way onto systems before analysis would have revealed the dangers the given file contained.
Cloud sandboxing is more effective at neutralizing these threats. It also uses big data and performance resources to create immediate protection once threats are confirmed.
Cybersecurity As The Essential Business Priority
Business is data. Data is business. Digital transformations are the key to beat the competition in any sector. The internet will only increase in its importance for businesses. In this environment, data breaches may only be a matter of when not if. Thus, cybersecurity must be an essential focus for all companies.
Modern cybersecurity scales beyond traditional network security. Legacy methods are not only costly but no longer effective; cloud and mobility security solutions must replace them.
Beyond the web-based firewall, organizations must adapt these strategies:
- Embrace a data-centric approach. Data is king. But not all data has the same value. Companies need policies for data governance, organization, and protection. Accessibility and focus on authentication, design, and encryption are vital for securing resources.
- Secure networks and remote workers. Businesses shift to using remote-based approaches. Thus, securing all employees’ network connections is pivotal. Enterprise-grade VPNs like NordVPN Teams ensure a smooth and secure data flow.
- Integrate Advanced Authentication. Passwords don’t do an excellent job of protecting security. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the easiest way to create better authentication. It goes beyond email/SMS OTP codes. Include biometric methods, authenticator apps, and multi-person approval for the highest-level transactions. Slowing down a little in this area can prevent a costly data breach.
- Invest in Employee Education and Training. Too many breaches occur because employees fall victim to social engineering attacks. They click infected links, download malware, don’t secure devices, and make other mistakes. Investment in training reduces such risks. It also creates the necessary communication. And you’ll need that to mitigate the damage a cyber-attack inflicts if systems do become infected.
Beyond The Perimeter Into The Data-centric Era
There’s no better time than the beginning of the decade to re-evaluate shifting business and security trends. Cloud-based solutions offer organizations an unprecedented number of new advantages. But they do come with some vulnerabilities.
Now’s the time to assess these risks and begin moving to a new security paradigm. It has the flexibility to adapt to new challenges and create the protection necessary to grow into the data-driven era.
