The shift to remote and hybrid work has exposed businesses to new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, making robust protective measures essential. By adopting zero-trust models, advanced PAM solutions, and employee training, organisations can safeguard sensitive data and mitigate financial risks.
14 January 2025 – As businesses increasingly embrace remote and hybrid work structures, cybercriminals are seizing opportunities to exploit security gaps in these decentralised environments. Keeper Security, a leader in zero-trust and zero-knowledge Privileged Access Management (PAM) software, is urging organisations to adopt stronger cybersecurity measures to protect distributed workforces and sensitive business data.
“Remote and hybrid work environments are here to stay,” said Darren Guccione, CEO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. “Organisations must proactively secure their on-premise and remote digital environments to prevent breaches, protect sensitive data, and maintain trust with customers.”
New Risks in a Decentralised Work Era
The shift to remote work has exponentially expanded the attack surface for businesses. Employees frequently rely on personal devices, home networks, and cloud-based services, which often lack adequate security measures. Cybercriminals are exploiting these vulnerabilities, targeting unsecured networks and endpoints.
Insider threats, both accidental and intentional, further compound the risks. Phishing scams, weak passwords, insufficient monitoring, and a lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) make organisations more susceptible to breaches. With the average cost of a data breach now reaching $4.88 million globally, the financial risks are substantial.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Challenge
Experts advocate for a multi-layered cybersecurity approach to counter these threats effectively:
- Zero-Trust Security Models: Verifying every access request, regardless of origin, to prevent unauthorised access.
- Enhanced Credential Management: Securely storing, rotating, and managing passwords and passkeys to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Access Control: Limiting access to sensitive systems based on employee roles.
- Employee Training: Educating staff on recognising phishing attempts and maintaining good security hygiene.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Using tools to track network activity and detect suspicious behaviour promptly.
Innovative Solutions for Enhanced Protection
Keeper Security’s advanced PAM solution, KeeperPAM, offers robust features to address these challenges. Its Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Just-In-Time (JIT) access ensure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive systems and data. The solution also includes real-time monitoring and auditing capabilities, helping organisations identify potential threats and maintain compliance with international security standards like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001.
A Wake-Up Call for Businesses
The remote work revolution is here to stay, but so are the associated cybersecurity risks. Organisations must act swiftly, leveraging advanced tools and comprehensive strategies to mitigate threats and safeguard their digital environments.
As highlighted during Home Office Safety and Security Week, the stakes have never been higher. By investing in secure practices and cutting-edge solutions like KeeperPAM, businesses can protect their distributed workforces and sensitive data while maintaining resilience in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
