How SASE addresses challenges with hybrid work

A vital part of the modern workforce is the ability to work remotely. However, managing the associated cyber security challenges can be challenging. Businesses must adopt modern network architectures and solutions that prioritise accessibility and security.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a solution that enables businesses to embrace remote work while continuing to protect their networks and data from various cyber threats. In order to understand how SASE works, we first need to understand why hybrid work is so challenging for IT teams and businesses as a whole.

SASE addresses particular challenges by offering a secure way of working remotely without jeopardising the security of your business. IT teams are confronted with the challenge of providing employees with a secure hybrid work environment as more enterprises embrace remote work. SASE is an approach to implementing network security that can assist businesses in embracing remote work.

What is SASE and how does it address the challenges of hybrid work?

SASE is a network architecture that prioritises security and accessibility. Since it is cloud-based, all business applications are accessible to employees from anywhere they choose to work. SASE uses a single, integrated platform to secure both on-premises and cloud applications, so it addresses key challenges with hybrid work:

• It allows IT teams to focus on securing applications instead of securing networks and data centres.
• It simplifies management by centralising all infrastructure components in one location (the cloud).
• It provides visibility into all components of the hybrid environment, from on-premises applications to cloud services.

SASE is an effective network solution for large businesses or businesses with remote workers due to these key features. Employees require consistent access to various programmes and business software in the modern era of hybrid work in order to effectively collaborate and communicate.

Why is effective network security key for enabling hybrid work?

Many enterprises have adopted hybrid work models to enable employees to work from anywhere, at any time. While this approach has numerous advantages, it also poses some unique challenges for IT departments and cyber security professionals. The following are the two of the most common challenges:

1. More employees working remotely - Employees working from home still need to have access to corporate resources, like email and files. If they can't trust that these resources are secure while they're accessing them on their own devices, they may not be as productive or even decide not to take advantage of the opportunity at all.
2. More devices that access corporate resources - To be effective with hybrid work models, IT departments must make sure that users can access all necessary applications and data wherever they are, without having too many security requirements imposed on them. For example, having additional layers of authentication when using mobile apps or software-as-a-service (SaaS) products from other companies outside your company.

This is not to imply that cyber security should be scaled back. Rather, the network and cloud servers must be easily and securely accessible by employee devices. Security protocols likely need to be modified if they inhibit performance and productivity.

How to improve data security in a hybrid work environment

By implementing the following processes, a company can improve the security of its data. They must first identify and classify sensitive data. This process involves identifying and classifying data that could be exploited to compromise the security of an organisation or its operations.

The next step is for IT teams to define a security control framework for hybrid environments. This framework should clearly outline what is needed for securing the information at rest, in transit and in use. It should also include guidelines for implementing these controls across all business units, including IT teams and other key stakeholders such as legal and compliance teams.

This will ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them in terms of handling data within their departments, supporting them to take the appropriate precautions when dealing with outside parties like vendors who might not have access to all secure channels.

Companies should implement SASE security in addition to other measures such as encryption and anti-malware to protect their data. These security tools must support multiple devices in the hybrid environment and offer centralised management capabilities.

Finally, it's essential to create awareness of the risks of using non-secure channels, such as unencrypted email attachments, in order to educate employees about the potential consequences of any breaches. Implementing this user awareness training at every level of the hierarchy and across the entire organisation is essential.

SASE security can help enterprises embrace remote work

Kenyan enterprises should consider SASE security to protect their data and infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated future cyber attacks. This is especially relevant in the age of remote and hybrid work environments.

This is just one of the many ways that IT teams can address the growing challenge of hybrid work; SASE is a powerful tool that enables organisations to reap the benefits of remote work without compromising their security. For more information or to get a quote for our network and security services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.

SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.

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