Why Cyber Security needs to be at the forefront of your business operations.

There has been so much disruption for businesses as a result of the pandemic, so business leaders have rightly been focused on crisis management and steering their way through to recovery in their markets.
As we climatise back to some resemblance of normality, businesses are focusing on their operations, however this has resulted in a key area of consideration being overlooked; protection of data, assets and reputation whilst you establish the way your teams are now working.
Some businesses may be considering allowing their teams to work fully remotely with no return to the office, or more likely, you may be supporting a combination of working from home and in the office, allowing a ‘hybrid’ work pattern. This means that considering your businesses cyber security will be even more important and form an integral part of the plan in your overall operations.
Cyber Security should be at the core of all your business planning for a post-pandemic team. Many companies have come to realise the importance of providing a secure and safe environment and now many are realising how their teams are compromised on their home networks which are capable of malicious attacks remotely.
These concerns in Cyber security are well founded. Forbes noted recently that 88% of companies across the world, had experienced phishing attempts in 2019 and 68% of leaders feel that Cyber Security risks are on the increase. So, there are critical considerations that business leaders have for a post pandemic world.
The working world is now hybrid
Hybrid working is now a flexible working arrangement where employees are given the freedom to be in the office or working from home. However, this widely recognised change in the working environment accentuates the technology pitfalls within your business. So, whilst you may have had to consider the systems your teams are using, Cyber Security concerns should be at the core of all of this change.
A flexible, hybrid team adds complexities into the intricacies to your IT operations. Your data is vulnerable as your teams move between private home and office networks. So, if you IT solutions are outdated and your IT policies weak, then your business is already compromised.
Creating a secure hybrid workforce
It is imperative that your business now has to consider the implications to your cyber security so that you can protect your IT infrastructure. There is not one way to do this-your business is unique, so every business needs to reflect on your individual requirements and gaps in your IT policies and cyber solutions. However, there are some key things that you can implement immediately when building your cyber security plans:
Implement ID-management strategies:
Hybrid working creates greater issues for IT teams as your teams use their personal networks to connect to work related resources and use various digital tools to work. Some of this is impossible for your IT teams to manage which exposes many entry points for unauthorised users and security threats. Therefore, consider implementing Identity- management strategies to ensure that your teams can work within your business perimeters so that wherever they work, they are protected and secure from cyber attacks at all times
Do you have VPN?
A Virtual Private Network encrypt all the user’s data and is an imperative solution for your home working teams. VPN essentially creates a data tunnel from your office location to your employee’s location wherever they are and is the most practical solution to address any of your business cyber security concerns. This means your teams can access data in your office and retrieve it at home in a secure way without any compromise in security.
Promote Cyber Security in your business
To minimise risk in your data in a hybrid working environment, you should consider promoting a culture within your business, where your teams place cyber security at the forefront. Providing training raises awareness and reinforces your policy. Ultimately every level of job needs to consider security in the context of how, where and when their businesses operate. Especially as customers are demanding seamless interactions, you need to install frameworks that establish robust protection and cyber security principles within your teams.
Do you need support in establishing the cyber security policies you need to implement? Then Contact Mode today for a free consultation.
Forbes noted recently that 88% of companies across the world, had experienced phishing attempts in 2019 and 68% of leaders feel that Cyber Security risks are on the increase.
The working world is now hybrid
Hybrid working is now a flexible working arrangement where employees are given the freedom to be in the office or working from home. However, this widely recognised change in the working environment accentuates the technology pitfalls within your business. So, whilst you may have had to consider the systems your teams are using, Cyber Security concerns should be at the core of all of this change.
A flexible, hybrid team adds complexities into the intricacies to your IT operations. Your data is vulnerable as your teams move between private home and office networks. So, if you IT solutions are outdated and your IT policies weak, then your business is already compromised.
Creating a secure hybrid workforce
It is imperative that your business now has to consider the implications to your cyber security so that you can protect your IT infrastructure. There is not one way to do this-your business is unique, so every business needs to reflect on your individual requirements and gaps in your IT policies and cyber solutions. However, there are some key things that you can implement immediately when building your cyber security plans:
Implement ID-management strategies:
Hybrid working creates greater issues for IT teams as your teams use their personal networks to connect to work related resources and use various digital tools to work. Some of this is impossible for your IT teams to manage which exposes many entry points for unauthorised users and security threats. Therefore, consider implementing Identity- management strategies to ensure that your teams can work within your business perimeters so that wherever they work, they are protected and secure from cyber attacks at all times
Do you have VPN?
A Virtual Private Network encrypt all the user’s data and is an imperative solution for your home working teams. VPN essentially creates a data tunnel from your office location to your employee’s location wherever they are and is the most practical solution to address any of your business cyber security concerns. This means your teams can access data in your office and retrieve it at home in a secure way without any compromise in security.
Promote Cyber Security in your business
To minimise risk in your data in a hybrid working environment, you should consider promoting a culture within your business, where your teams place cyber security at the forefront. Providing training raises awareness and reinforces your policy. Ultimately every level of job needs to consider security in the context of how, where and when their businesses operate. Especially as customers are demanding seamless interactions, you need to install frameworks that establish robust protection and cyber security principles within your teams.
Do you need support in establishing the cyber security policies you need to implement? Then Contact Mode today for a free consultation.
Forbes noted recently that 88% of companies across the world, had experienced phishing attempts in 2019 and 68% of leaders feel that Cyber Security risks are on the increase.
You may be interested in
Businesses are losing money and jeopardising security to IT sprawl and quick fixes, says Espria
IT Leaders must take action on unchecked technology sprawl and shadow IT that are draining budgets, increasing cyber risks, and complicating their digital environment. According to a recent study, budgets towards insider risk management have doubled in the past 12 months, with 81% of business leaders looking to secure their internal business infrastructure as geopolitical tensions escalate and remote workforces become the norm. ‘Digital transformation ushered in new possibilities and solutions for computing, but it also introduced a potential for sprawl that burdens IT teams everywhere,’ said Brian Sibley, Virtual CTO at Espria. ‘When faced…
Espria launches Espria Connect, enhancing Microsoft Teams with Advanced Unified Communications
The new product, Espria Connect, isn’t just another telephony solution. It’s a game-changer, offering a cost-effective, scalable, and secure telephony solution for SMBs, mid-market and enterprise customers. Combining the power of Microsoft Teams with Cloud-Based Unified Communications, Espria, the leading managed services provider, is excited to introduce Espria Connect. This powerful solution streamlines business communication infrastructure and addresses the growing demand for a unified communication solution that supports hybrid work environments. Designed for businesses of all sizes, Espria Connect allows users to manage voicemail, make and receive calls, and access a diverse range of other…
Reimagining education: How AI is changing the way we teach, learn, and collaborate in schools
Technology has long been used by educators to support teaching and operations, facilitating staff with a wide range of platforms and resources. A particular tool that has sparked both controversy and curiosity is the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI). A study by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, found that most teachers are reluctant to use AI for pupil learning with 84% of educators not changing the way they assess their students’ work. This comes after Ofsted recently launched an independent review on the use of AI in schools and how to develop the understanding of…
Espria launches CSP renewal assessment service
Leading managed service provider launches new service to address the costs associated with software sprawl, helping to drive down OpEx as businesses increasingly feel the financial squeeze. Espria, a leading digital solutions provider, has launched a free M365 Licence Assessment programme to help businesses save costs by reviewing existing licence estates and identifying those licences not in use or no longer being utilised. With Microsoft recently changing how they sell and structure licenses, businesses must now reassess their current M365 licenses, looking for ways to reduce costs and keep the capabilities they need as they…
Your guide to leveraging NCE pricing to get the best value
Renewing your Microsoft Licensing Agreement is an opportunity to align your IT strategy with your business goals. It allows you to take advantage of the latest technologies, optimise costs, and ensure compliance with industry standards. While this might seem straightforward at first glance, to achieve the best value and biggest discounts, it’s often more complex than it appears and navigating the renewalprocess requires careful planning. In this Blog we will walk through what you need to know about the new Microsoft Licensing rules,when to get the best value from your renewal, and how to review…
Loving your customers with AI, cybersecurity and peace of mind with MSP support
2024 has marked a massive shift for SME IT needs, as creating an appropriate and optimised business strategy has become an increasingly difficult challenge for business owners and IT operators nationwide.