Learn more about best practices in IT security.
Organizations today are experiencing a fundamental transformation in how people work. Technological change (new devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), the cloud) intersects with fundamental changes in business, compliance, and the people who make up today’s workforce. Together, this transformation introduces many amazing opportunities – but also a number of risks.
In the first half of 2018, over 4.5 billion data records were compromised, a 133% increase in stolen records over the same period in 2017. Malicious outsiders represented 56% of breach sources, with social media moving into the lead as the top threat vector for the compromise of personal data. 2018 also reflects a significant shift in the compliance landscape, with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into effect on May 25, 2018, putting greater pressure on organizations to re-focus on data security. In fact, a recent IAPP survey found that 56% of companies are far from compliant or will never fully comply with GDPR requirements.
As we head into 2019, let’s take a look at the security best practices for today’s (and tomorrow’s) technology landscape:
Unified Visibility
As the number of endpoint devices has grown, so too has the number of management tools. Most organizations run a variety of point solutions targeting only certain aspects of endpoint management (e.g. lifecycle, deployment, ITAM) – and such tools may only target a single operating system. Complex device management led to poor visibility. Today’s unified endpoint management is less about devices and apps – and more about relationships between users, devices, apps, vendors, service providers, and the company. Using a single tool, IT teams have an easier way to see and manage security functions for what is otherwise a complex set of relationships.
Deeper Authentication
We all know that usernames and passwords are just not cutting it. Many solutions today are moving toward hardware authentication or two-factor authentication to bypass the human element that breaks even the most well-planned password policy.
Automated Security
When it comes to data security, automation of key processes provides a greater left of oversight. Detect and block unauthorized access to your network or deploy a critical security patch, ensuring no device is missed.
Self-Healing Security Layers
Research has proven that more security layers do not add more security. Instead, ensure that critical security layers automatically repair and reinstall if they are removed, corrupted, or maliciously attacked.
Recognizing Shadow IT
Employees want an easy way to get what they need to be productive, leading to the installation of apps and services that are unmonitored by IT, application bloat, license inefficiency, and data security risk. Gartner predicts that 30-40% of IT spending in large enterprises is “Shadow IT.”
Business-led IT decision making can help boost productivity, adding value when and where it is needed. However, it’s important to support business-level IT decision making in a way that mitigates risk and reduces operational inefficiencies. Self-service IT can help provide employees with the apps they need, without compromising security, compliance, or admin privileges.
Cloud-Based Security
As Gartner recently noted, cloud-delivered security is more agile and scalable, often delivering new services faster than on-site alternatives. Engaging cloud-based partners allows your organization to focus on your work while still delivering the latest hardware and software innovations.
At FileWave, these trends in best practices are part of our lifestyle. Our software’s robust toolset will empower your staff to institute better IT security practices throughout your organization at all levels.
Contact us to find out whether FileWave is a fit for your team. Request your 30-day free trial now.
