Since the start of the pandemic, enterprise security has only become more complicated. From employers embracing hybrid and remote work environments to the challenge of creating a consistent work experience that balances connectivity and performance with cyber security concerns, there is a lot for network and security teams to consider.

Even as the changing times have demanded more from these teams, the impact has been a faster migration to the cloud and progression of broader digital transformation plans. It’s been a positive development, and the benefits are worth the effort required to address enterprise security and connectivity demands. Here are three trends to watch:

A Focus on Endpoints

The exponential increase in the number of devices used by employees has driven both advances in real-time data collection and productivity while creating new cyber security challenges. From remote workers accessing network resources with personal devices to the explosion of the Internet of Things, there are a lot of endpoints to manage.

This also introduces new areas of vulnerability, resulting in gaps in cyber security that hackers see as low-hanging fruit. Enterprise security will need to prioritize solutions that offer high visibility and a streamlined approach to management that equips them to monitor traffic and quickly identify threats.

Integration

With so much focus on ensuring security requirements are met while meeting performance specifications for cloud-based solutions, there is an increasing push toward integrating security and network functions.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is the dominant technology approach at the moment, with combined services for several networking and cyber security features that are delivered via the cloud. It offers a single dashboard for managing connectivity and security in a unified tool.

You can also expect to see the role of artificial intelligence (AI) increase in automation for security systems. Monitoring and response through AI and machine learning (ML) will allow for threats to be detected and mitigated without staff involvement.

A Change in Approach

Not every cyber security concern can be solved with an innovative enterprise security solution. Employee errors, failure to adhere to password policies, device theft, and loss all contribute to significant cyber security issues. Employee training that focuses on the importance of multi-factor authentication, the hallmarks of a phishing email, and how to report them can go a long way in protecting data and systems.

Companies can also move from a reactive security stance that hackers appreciate to one that is proactive and assumes attacks rather than expecting to avoid them altogether. Malicious actors prey on companies’ false sense of security, especially that of small businesses believing they are too small for a hacker to bother infiltrating. Instead, small businesses are seen as low-hanging fruit with the potential to access larger business partners.

Is your company ready to upgrade your network but unsure about the steps you should be taking to address endpoint security? Contact us at Independent Connections for assistance in choosing the enterprise security solution that offers the protection your business needs without compromising the user experience.