The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as businesses adopt new working cultures and transform meeting rooms into collaboration spaces of the future.
As cyber threats continue to escalate, organisations must reassess their security strategies to safeguard their operations, assets, and reputations.
The paradigm is shifting from viewing security merely as a cost centre to recognising it as a fundamental business driver.
Ensuring the security of the workplace of the future requires a holistic and proactive approach as businesses grapple with new hybrid working cultures.
Companies Must Prioritise Cybersecurity Expertize
In recent years, there has been a notable shift in how businesses perceive cybersecurity.
No longer confined to the realm of IT departments, cybersecurity is increasingly being recognised as a strategic imperative that permeates every facet of business operations.
Corporate boards are prioritising cybersecurity expertise among their members, understanding that effective governance in this area is vital for protecting valuable assets and maintaining trust with stakeholders, according to RingCentral CISO Michael Armer.
“From securing valuable IP to privacy and trust issues to reputation management, cybersecurity has evolved into a board-level issue,” he said.
“While not every board will look to include a dedicated cybersecurity expert, we will see boards collectively turning to individuals with the requisite security and risk expertise to provide much-needed oversight.
“As cyber threats evolve in sophistication, businesses must ensure that their leadership teams possess the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate this complex landscape.”
From a Cost Centre to a Business Driver
This shift in stance has triggered a change in how enterprises view cybersecurity.
Security has traditionally been viewed as a necessary expense rather than a strategic investment. However, this mindset is rapidly changing as organisations realise the profound impact that security can have on their overall business performance.
“IT and security teams will become increasingly enmeshed with business operations as companies embrace the concept of security as a strategic component of their business,” Armer said.
“With security so tightly intertwined in every aspect of operations, business leaders are only beginning to understand that it can no longer be treated as a separate entity.
“This is the year where the companies that recognise that the business of security is also business itself will be rewarded.”
As security becomes synonymous with trust and reliability, businesses prioritising cybersecurity will mitigate risks and foster stronger relationships with their customers and partners.
Embedding Security in Company Culture
Of course, it’s not enough for security to be embedded at the top of an organisation. This newfound respect for security’s importance must trickle down to the entire workforce.
One of the most effective ways to fortify the workplace of the future against cyber threats is by embedding security within the company culture.
Employees are often the first line of defence against cyber attacks, making comprehensive training programs essential. From recognising phishing attempts to understanding the importance of strong password management, employees must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate potential risks.
“Training employees against phishing attacks is vitally important for business protection,” Armer said.
“These attacks attempt to steal user data like credit card and login details. Protection can be achieved by teaching employees to protect personal details, check domains and emails, and always be cautious.”
By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and accountability, organisations can empower their workforce to proactively protect against threats, thereby strengthening the company’s overall security posture.
Adopting Zero Trust and Trusted Tech
To secure the workplace of the future, organisations must take a proactive and multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity, Armer said.
The CISO picked out three technologies that can help organisations in the battle against bad actors
This includes:
- Integrating Zero Trust Practices: Adopting a Zero Trust model, which treats every access attempt as potentially malicious, can significantly enhance security in an increasingly distributed and varied work environment. By implementing multi-factor authentication and strict access controls, organisations can minimise the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.
- Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN): As remote work becomes more prevalent, VPNs offer a secure means of connecting to corporate networks and accessing sensitive data. By encrypting internet traffic and masking users’ IP addresses, VPNs protect against eavesdropping and unauthorised interception, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transmission.
- Adding a Layer of Protection with the Cloud: Leveraging cloud-based storage solutions can enhance data security by centralising storage and implementing robust security measures. Organisations can mitigate the risks associated with local storage devices by storing data on secure cloud servers, such as hacking, loss or theft.
Securing the workplace of the future requires a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
By prioritising cybersecurity experience, embedding security in company culture, and adopting advanced security practices, organisations can mitigate risks and ensure the resilience of their operations in the face of evolving cyber threats.
As technology evolves, businesses must remain vigilant and adaptable, continuously updating their security strategies to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
By investing in cybersecurity today, organisations can build a strong foundation for a secure and prosperous future.
To find out more, visit RingCentral.
