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Securing the Hybrid Workforce: The Zero Trust Solution

3 min read

As the traditional office work environment moves more towards remote and hybrid models, it’s crucial for companies to reconsider their current – and possibly outdated – security measures.  

 

When asking themselves how exactly they achieve this shift towards impactful security in a modern hybrid workplace, businesses can take comfort in knowing that the Zero Trust model is most often the answer. Done right, it can be embedded into the business’ DNA, ensuring day-to-day security is supported at a departmental, organisational, and individual level.  

 

So, What is the Zero Trust Model? 

 

Simply put, the Zero Trust Model is a security framework that functions under the idea that no user or device can be trusted – regardless of if they exist within the company network or not. Zero Trust’s dynamism differs from traditional security approaches (think firewalls and other perimeter-based security measures), steering away from danger while always assuming it’s on the horizon. 

 

Zero Trust has three core principles, which Microsoft highlights as being:  

 

  1. Verify explicitly: Always authenticate by the most data points available.  
  2. Use least-privilege access: Keep access to ‘just enough’ and ‘just-in-time’.  
  3. Assume breach: Leverage analytics for visibility and minimise fallout. 

 

Following these three steps consistently will set the impactful foundations for a more secure future – and plenty of peace of mind for the IT team.  

 

Why is it Important in a Hybrid Environment? 

 

An increase of hybrid work over the past few years means that companies are no longer confined by one office building, colleagues are accessing company data right across the globe. This freedom comes with an increased risk of cyber threats and data breaches, thanks to the wider range of devices, locations, and networks under consideration. Add the usual human error and carelessness to the pot and it’s a recipe for disaster. 

 

This latter point is where the Zero Trust model truly shines in a hybrid structure. By educating employees on the mantra ‘never trust, always verify’, individuals are empowered to act as a line of defence.  

 

Meanwhile, Zero Trust encourages IT admins to lock down employee access (‘just enough’ and ‘just-in-time’) to further reduce the likelihood of a data leak or confidential information being accessed. This is especially important when employees are working in different time zones and accessing documents from potential unsecured networks.  

 

Not only can the Zero Trust Model play an important role in secure hybrid working, it also provides further enhancements elsewhere. According to Microsoft, businesses can expect… 

 

  • Improved employee experience and productivity. 
  • Increased organisational agility and adaptability.
  • Strengthened talent retention. 

 

 

How the Zero Trust Model Meets Security Requirements 

 

Zero trust security is a valuable approach for organisations as it enables IT teams to maintain constant visibility and control over all endpoints within their network. This means that regardless of an employee’s location, teams can thoroughly verify each endpoint for potential threats before granting access to the network.

By implementing this model, it’s possible to gain an elevated level of visibility that empowers IT teams to proactively defend against cyberattacks. Unlike other security approaches, Zero Trust emphasises preventive measures over reactivity, allowing organisations – and their people – to stay ahead of potential threats.

As remote work evolves from a temporary solution to a long-term hybrid work model, Zero Trust could very well become the most sustainable option for ensuring ongoing security success. With its comprehensive and adaptable nature, Zero Trust enables organisations to embrace the future of work – without compromising on robust security measures. 

 

As with any journey, the best first step toward Zero Trust implementation is reviewing your current situation. Identify critical assets, security shortcomings, and potential data leaks in Azure and Microsoft 365 with a Surveil Health Check – contact us to get started. 

 

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Multi-Cloud
25th September 2024
By AmyKelly Petruzzella

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