As the world continues to move increasingly online, data security has become a major issue. With more and more sensitive information being stored and transferred digitally, IT professionals must stay informed on the latest data security trends and predictions. For hybrid work, in particular, data security is paramount. While IT teams were once tasked with keeping their organisation safe, now that the working boundaries have blurred with a hybrid set-up creating more challenges. So what can we expect from hybrid work and data security in 2023?
What is data security?
Data security refers to the practice of protecting sensitive or confidential information from unauthorised access and misuse. Protecting information from malicious actors and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations is important. In some cases, data security can even help to increase customer trust by demonstrating that a company takes its customers’ data seriously.
Data security benefits include increased customer trust, improved compliance with regulations, and enhanced reputation. By protecting sensitive data, companies can ensure that it is not misused or accessed by unauthorised users.
What is hybrid work?
Hybrid work is the combination of remote work (working from home) and onsite work (working in an office). It has become increasingly popular since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers numerous advantages, such as cost savings and increased efficiency.
However, there are also challenges associated with hybrid work. These include security threats, communication issues, as well as decreased collaboration among employees. Moreover, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different devices used in a hybrid work environment.
Data security predictions for hybrid work in 2023
Data security is essential for any business that relies on digital information transfer and storage. For hybrid work environments, this is especially true. Here are some data security predictions for 2023:
Encryption
Encryption is a must for any organisation that wants to protect its data from malicious actors. Encryption helps to ensure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information. This is especially important in hybrid work environments, where multiple devices are used by different people. Going into 2023, we expect encryption to become increasingly important.
Firewalls
Firewalls are a crucial component of any data security strategy and are especially important for hybrid work environments. They should be set up to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic and block any malicious activity.
Moving into 2023, experts predict that 99% of firewall breaches will come through misconfigurations rather than flaws – so bolstering these firewalls with training will become vital for increasing security protection.
Multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a useful tool for ensuring that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information. This can be implemented through the use of passwords, biometrics, or even physical tokens. We can expect organisations to increase the use of multi-factor authentication throughout 2023, as we already see this across many platforms as consumers.
Data segmentation
Data segmentation is an important part of any data security strategy and can help to protect both corporate networks and individual users in a hybrid work environment. It involves separating sensitive data into different segments and granting access to only those who need it.
Access control
Access control is a key element of any data security strategy and should be used to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information. This can be done through user authentication, user authorisation, and privilege management.
Monitoring activity
Monitoring activity can help to identify any suspicious behaviour or malicious activity on a network or device. This should be done regularly in order to keep track of who has access to what information and detect any potential threats before they become a problem.
Human factor
Employee awareness is key when it comes to data security. Employees should be trained on how to protect sensitive information and how to identify any potential threats. Additionally, they should be encouraged to report any suspicious activity or suspected breaches immediately.
Real-time prevention
Real-time prevention methods such as behaviour analytics and AI-driven threat detection can help to prevent malicious actors from gaining access to sensitive information. These tools should be used regularly in order to ensure the safety of corporate networks and individual users alike.
Mobile app security
Mobile apps are becoming increasingly popular for both personal and business use, but they also pose a security risk if not properly secured. Mobile app developers must take steps to protect their apps from malware, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and other potential threats.
Protecting organisations in 2023
Data security is essential for any business that relies on digital information transfer and storage, especially in hybrid work environments. As we move into 2023, IT professionals should consider the above data security predictions in order to protect their organisations from malicious actors.
Implementing these strategies can help to ensure customer trust and compliance with relevant regulations while also providing peace of mind for employees working remotely or in an office setting.
If you need more support in protecting your organisation from data security threats, TSG Training offers a range of classroom, virtual, and online training options to bolster
your security skills. Browse
our range of courses today here or if you prefer,
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