The hybrid work model is already incorporated into our society and has brought with it more flexibility and efficiency for organizations, however this ease has also resulted in new challenges, especially for cybersecurity.
After all, in this work model, people spend the day with connected devices from different places, such as in the office, at home, or even in public environments.
As a result, endpoints have become even more vulnerable to attacks, so ensuring their protection is essential to prevent data leaks, unauthorized access, and the spread of malware within corporate networks.
However, how to protect such a diverse and dynamic environment? This scenario requires effective solutions and strategies to mitigate risks and ensure security, after all, the protection of devices needs to work regardless of where the work is being carried out.
How has hybrid work amplified endpoint attacks?
The change in the way we currently work has brought with it a significant expansion of the attack surface, that is, the vulnerable points that can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Among the main targets, enterprise endpoints stand out as critical points of exposure.
This happens because when people switch between different networks and devices, such as:
Home networks;
Public Wi-Fi;
Mobile hotspots.
Endpoints now operate in less controlled environments than traditional corporate networks, increasing the risk of cyberattacks, such as malware and ransomware.
In this way, devices connected to insecure networks can be infected and later contaminate the company's network, in addition, the lack of strict control on personal devices facilitates the interception of credentials and improper access.
Another very common risk caused by hybrid work is targeted phishing, because remote employees are more susceptible to these attacks, especially when they use endpoints outside the organization's protected environment.
In addition, the diversity of devices, which includes everything from laptops to smartphones and tablets, makes the task of securing all endpoints even more complex.
After all, many companies face difficulties in maintaining software updates, implementing protection solutions, and enforcing consistent security policies in these environments.
Thus, it is necessary to have a careful and strategic eye to protect endpoints and prevent them from becoming vulnerable, because hybrid work is indeed an ease but can also become a risk.
What are the main challenges in endpoint protection?
Many organizations have no control over how many endpoints they have on their networks and whether they are actually protected. It is precisely in this vulnerability that the danger lies, becoming a gateway for criminals.
This is because home networks without proper security settings and public Wi-Fi facilitate data interception, while the use of personal devices, often unprotected or outdated, further increases the risk of intrusions.
Therefore, this change in the location and work tools requires a new approach to protection, where it is necessary to identify the challenges and implement effective solutions to ensure the security of data and corporate infrastructure.
Connections on insecure networks
Hybrid work brings flexibility to people and with that, they end up using home or public Wi-Fi networks to access corporate systems.
These networks may seem harmless, but they often have inadequate security settings or are completely unprotected, public Wi-Fi, in particular, presents a high risk as it can easily intercept data.
In addition, as much as home networks are more secure than public ones, they often have weak passwords or routers without the necessary updates, making them vulnerable to attacks.
In this way, the lack of control generated by these networks creates breaches in the organization's security, offering serious risks that are often difficult to track or even avoid.
Human errors
Access to endpoints can turn people into a vulnerable link in the organization's security.
This is because many cyberattacks directly exploit the human factor, using social engineering tactics to induce behaviors that compromise the integrity of the company's entire infrastructure.
It is necessary to understand that even with advanced protection solutions, a single human error is enough for a cybercriminal to gain access to an endpoint.
In addition, people often take actions without knowledge, which can compromise security, such as changing device settings, disabling firewalls, or lowering protection levels to make it easier to access certain websites or applications.
Employees can also disable security tools, such as antivirus or monitoring systems, because they think they are hindering the device's performance.
And in many cases, downloading unsafe files from unknown sources, opening loopholes for malware.
These actions are very dangerous and they all have something in common, the lack of knowledge about digital security, which often happens due to lack of knowledge or an attempt to streamline tasks.
However, this behavior of people makes it difficult to maintain a safe environment and creates gaps that cybercriminals easily exploit.
Remote Device Updates and Maintenance
The decentralization of the work environment, with devices connected in different locations and networks, creates a series of complications for IT teams, who need to ensure that each piece of equipment is properly protected.
That's because, software updates not only introduce new features but also fix known vulnerabilities.
In this way, outdated systems become a gateway for cybercriminals, who often exploit loopholes to install malicious software, steal information, or gain unauthorized access to the corporate network.
As a result, without physical supervision, the uniform application of security policies and the rapid resolution of technical problems become complex.
After all, this lack of centralized control increases the likelihood of vulnerable devices being connected to the corporate network, amplifying the risks to the overall infrastructure.
In addition, the variety of endpoints requires a multifaceted approach to managing these updates, after all, each type of device has specific update cycles and requirements, making it difficult to create a single and efficient process.
How to overcome these challenges?
Overcoming security challenges in hybrid work requires an approach that combines technology, effective policies, and people's awareness.
It is necessary to understand that connections in insecure networks, human errors, and difficulties in updating and maintaining devices are three critical points that, if not treated properly, can compromise the protection of the organization.
As far as insecure networks are concerned, to overcome this challenge, it is essential to implement the use of VPNs, in addition, it is important to educate people about the importance of setting up home networks with strong passwords and updating routers regularly.
The human factor is another major challenge, because many cyberattacks, such as phishing and ransomware, exploit people's lack of attention or knowledge.
And the solution lies in an ongoing digital security education program, with attack simulations and phishing campaigns, these actions help to make people aware of the dangers and improve their reactions to fraud attempts.
PhishX is your ally in combating these challenges
PhishX is a strategic partner for organizations in securing endpoints and mitigating the challenges of hybrid work.
Our solutions are designed to provide an integrated approach to cybersecurity awareness, covering everything from protecting against insecure connections to mitigating human error.
To combat the risks associated with connections on insecure networks, PhishX offers solutions that increase the security of digital interactions.
Through technologies such as advanced threat analysis and the integration of continuous monitoring tools, we help companies identify and neutralize suspicious activity.
In addition, our awareness campaigns educate employees on good security practices, such as using VPNs and setting up more secure home networks, significantly reducing the risks of exposure.
Social engineering and human error are challenges that PhishX tackles with a strategic focus on training and awareness.
Our platform is designed to engage people in dynamic educational experiences, such as personalized phishing simulations and microlearning programs. These initiatives empower people to recognize threats and act proactively, decreasing the risk of being compromised by cyberattacks.
We work hand-in-hand with organizations to tailor our tools to their specific needs, ensuring that each company can address the challenges of hybrid work effectively.
Our mission is to protect not only endpoints, but also companies' data and reputation, allowing them to focus on their business goals with complete peace of mind.
With PhishX, organizations find a complete security ecosystem that combines technology, education, and intelligent monitoring to overcome the challenges of today's landscape.
We are committed to being the line of defense that companies need to thrive in an increasingly digital and connected world. Contact us and learn more!
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