The rise of remote work and BYOD has brought about a new era of flexibility and productivity. However, this shift has also expanded the attack surface for cyber threats, making robust cloud security measures more critical than ever. As a Managed IT Service Provider, we understand businesses' unique challenges in safeguarding their data in this evolving landscape. 

Keep reading as we explore how remote work and BYOD can elevate cloud security risks and provide actionable insights to help you handle these risks effectively.

Challenges BYOD and remote work bring to Cybersecurity

The shift towards remote work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies has undeniably boosted productivity and flexibility. However, this new way of working also introduces a complex web of cybersecurity challenges. For example, about 70% of businesses with 5000 employees believe remote work makes them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. 

When employees access company data and systems on personal devices, it significantly expands the potential attack surface. The intersection of BYOD and remote work amplifies vulnerabilities for companies in the following ways:

• Loss of Control and Visibility: IT teams can manage a diverse assortment of personal devices with varying security configurations, making it challenging to enforce uniform security policies and maintain visibility into potential threats.
• Vulnerable Network Access: Remote employees connecting through unsecured Wi-Fi networks or personal devices create entry points for cyberattacks, exposing company data and systems to interception and compromise.
• Shadow IT and Unauthorized Apps: Employees using unsanctioned applications or cloud services on personal devices can circumvent security measures, creating blind spots for IT teams and increasing the risk of data breaches.
• Expanded Attack Surface: The proliferation of remote devices and BYOD significantly broadens the potential attack surface, providing cybercriminals with more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to company networks.

These pain points highlight the urgent need for companies to implement stronger cybersecurity measures, including aggressive identity and access management.

Balancing remote work and BYOD with cloud security?

With all of these risks involved, IT teams need to work with other departments to effectively balance the benefits of remote work and BYOD with the need for robust cloud security. Fortunately, companies can implement a multi-layered approach that includes:

• Diverse Authentication Controls: Implement controls allowing authorized individuals to access specific resources. This includes multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and role-based access controls.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM): Deploy MDM solutions to manage and secure employee-owned devices, enforcing security policies and enabling remote data wiping in case of loss or theft.
• Security Awareness Training: Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing and avoiding phishing scams, using strong passwords, and securing Wi-Fi networks.
• Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection: Implement constant monitoring and threat detection solutions to identify and respond to potential security breaches in real-time.

Advantage Technology: Leveraging IAM solutions to mitigate cloud security risks

At Advantage Technology, we specialize in implementing powerful IAM solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses embracing remote work and BYOD. Our team of experts understands the intricacies of cloud security and can help you navigate this dynamic environment. By partnering with us, you can fortify your defenses against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats. 

With today's evolving cyber threats and increasing reliance on cloud-based services, businesses must protect their critical data. We will work with you to establish a secure foundation for your remote workforce. Contact Advantage Technology today, and let us help you safeguard your cloud environment with IAM cloud computing solutions.