The results of a newly released survey, conducted by online assessment company Questionmark, demonstrated that cybersecurity is becoming a serious problem for companies with a hybrid workforce.
One of the biggest consequences of the global pandemic was a new reliance on digital and cloud services, which have an added layer of importance now that more workers than ever will be utilizing hybrid setups. While hybrid environments have a number of benefits, enhancing cybersecurity is certainly not one of them. As more workers shift from office environments to remote setups, maintaining proper security is becoming more challenging as cybercriminals devise new strategies for taking advantage of this new reality.
According to the results of the survey, 73% of employers anticipate a cybersecurity breach. As a result of this high percentage, Questionmark has devised the following questionnaire for businesses to determine how prepared they are from a security standpoint.
- Are the right systems in place? “Are those who manage cybersecurity following good practice? Is there independent audit to review and certify this?
- Do non-technical staff know how to use relevant security technology? Many will have been trained on exactly what to do. But have they retained that knowledge?
- Can workers recognize a scam? Phishing attempts, which encourage victims to click on an innocent-looking but dangerous link, are becoming ever-more sophisticated.
- Do workers have good safety habits? Such as following good password security and avoiding insecure networks.
- Do workers know who to contact if they need help? It used to be easy to sense check a strange email with a nearby IT team member. Is it clear how workers should report concerns when they are not in the office?
A separate study created by McKinsey management consultants found that 90% of global employers will utilize hybrid setups after the pandemic. This huge spike in usage means business leaders must take security much more seriously than in the past, especially now that so much data is controlled through cloud services. Hybrid work can be an excellent option from a productivity standpoint. However, for businesses to avoid any major security setbacks, employers must be absolutely certain that all bases regarding cybersecurity are covered.
“Continued remote or hybrid working represent the future of work. But human error and old habits remain huge issues,” said John Kleeman, Founder of Questionmark “Testing knowledge helps employers ensure they have what they need to stay safe.”
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Edited by
Maurice Nagle
