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Virtualization, BYOD prompt more investments in cybersecurity
One major advantage of the smartphone revolution is that it has allowed more freedom for IT system administrators to remotely manage networks as well as grant employees access to their personal devices for work. Yet, bring-your-own-device flexibility contains many risks that often leave personal and enterprise data vulnerable to data security threats. To address these issues, a new report found that businesses plan to invest more in computer security over the next year.
According to the report, the idea of employees working within a centrally located office is becoming outdated. Helping to fuel this notion are new technology developments like remote access that support a more distributed working environment where end users have the power to work flexibly, openly and more productively.
The world marketplace is accelerating at a staggering rate that requires real-time access to information for businesses to remain competitive. Among the report's findings, respondents said that after network performance, increased security threats are the most significant challenges they will face over the next 12 months. Not surprisingly, 60 percent of enterprises listed improving IT security as one of the main spending priorities over the coming 12 months.
"There is overwhelming support for greater remote working, and it is encouraging that businesses are taking measures to protect important information and help maximize data security," Ian Foddering said in Infosecurity.
As a result of the paradigm shift in where and how employees work, the security landscape will change in a dramatically similar way. Within the next three years, 76 percent of companies said operations in their organization will be structured on the basis of work efficiency rather than location. Investments in technology support this, with almost 80 percent of enterprises more likely to have deployed collaborative software, network performance management, and have invested heavily in remote access technology.
Additional studies confirm more IT expertise needed
Fortunately, the importance of IT security has not been lost among professionals. A report prepared by Booz Allen Hamilton found that BYOD, cloud adoption, social media, and software development have bolstered the demand for IT professionals with enhanced security knowledge and flexibility in keeping networks safe.
With the growth in the number of platforms and ways in which a user can access a network also comes an increased number of potential vulnerabilities. However, the report illustrated that IT departments are already taking steps to address the challenges created by mobile proliferation and better safeguard their company's digital assets.
Encryption is a great first start to keeping data safe. Stop by Thawte today and find the right SSL certificate for you.
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