Technology is transforming the way we work, creating digital workplaces that connect a highly mobile workforce. To support and enable the digital workplaces of today, organizations rely on tools and technologies designed to enhance communication and engagement, drive productivity and innovation, increase employee engagement, and improve efficiency.
As the digitalization of workplaces continues to expand, so does the potential for cyber threats. The increasing digital footprint of enterprises is creating new attack vectors for cybercriminals intent on infiltrating networks and systems to steal sensitive data and disrupt business operations.
The digital workplace is here to stay and so are threat actors. As such, cybersecurity is a vital component for safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance while enabling digital workflows and processes.
While every digital workplace is different, using a unique mix of tools and technologies to connect and support a mobile workforce, best practices for effectively securing the digital enterprise are largely the same.
What makes a digital workplace secure? The answer is that the most secure digital workplaces are built with:
Encryption
Encryption protects sensitive data at rest and in transit. This technology changes plain text into ciphertext that can’t be read or used without the proper encryption key. Using encryption, enterprises can protect sensitive business information from unauthorized access or theft. Encryption is one of the best ways to prevent data breaches by making information useless to bad actors if they gain access to it.
A strong security measure designed to safeguard data integrity and confidentiality as it moves between devices and over networks, encryption is also a vital security practice for helping organizations adhere to data protection and privacy regulatory requirements such as GDPR and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Robust security policies
Developing a robust workplace security policy is critical for helping enterprises mitigate the cyberthreats that lurk in the digital workplace. These policies should ensure that access to sensitive data is limited and provide protocols for secure data handling and storage. Robust security policies should also clearly specify which devices, tools, programs, and apps can be used in the workplace.
Regular cybersecurity training
Regular cybersecurity training is a must for employees who are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Research by Fortinet found that 81% of organizations faced malware, phishing, and password attacks last year which were mainly targeted at users.
With regular training, employees can become a powerful defense against cyberthreats. Cybersecurity training should educate employees on the importance of using strong passwords and regularly changing them, how to recognize and avoid phishing and social engineering scams, and the importance of adhering to security policies and promptly reporting any suspicious activities. Regular cybersecurity training is also an effective way to keep employees updated on evolving security best practices and threats to help them more successfully detect and avoid digital workplace cyber risk.
Secure, compliant mobile messaging technology
Mobile messaging and engagement platforms are foundational to the digital workplace. They keep distributed teams connected, productive and engaged with omnichannel technology designed to enable work from anywhere digital workplaces.
Not all mobile messaging platforms offer the security and compliance features enterprises need to protect data security and privacy in the digital workplace. To build the most secure digital workplace, enterprises need a cloud-powered mobile messaging solution that features industry-leading end-to-end encryption, full IT control, guaranteed compliance, and no data collection ever. The right technology for the digital workplace of today and tomorrow – NetSfere – does all this while providing a convenient and frictionless way for employees to share ideas, files, and data without compromising enterprise security or compliance.
Zero trust architecture
The zero trust framework mandates identity verification and authentication for all users and devices. Enterprises should adopt zero trust to enhance data protection, usability, and governance in the digital workplace. As part of zero trust, enterprises should implement strong identity and access management including multifactor authentication and biometric technologies such as facial recognition. By implementing a zero trust approach, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized access, strengthen data protection, and enhance overall security.
To build the secure digital workplace of today and tomorrow requires a comprehensive approach that includes encryption, robust security policies, regular employee cybersecurity training, a secure, compliant mobile messaging platform like NetSfere and a zero trust architecture.