As organizations continue to shift and settle into remote or hybrid work models, the need for reliable, secure IT systems has never been greater. Remote infrastructure management (RIM) has become a key player in maintaining these models and ensuring that employees stay connected and protected from ever-growing cyber threats, wherever they log on from.
Let’s take a look at the role of RIM in supporting your remote workforce—and why it plays such an important role in your cybersecurity.
Remote Work: Current Stats
What’s the current status of remote work? These stats (compiled from the U.S. Career Institute and Flowlu) show the steady increase we’re seeing in remote or hybrid work models, as well as the inclination many employees have toward working at home:
- It’s predicted that by the end of this year, about 32.6 million people in the US will be working remotely—that’s about 14% of the US adult population and 22% of the worldwide workforce.
- 95% of employees want to be offered some form of remote or hybrid work.
- 98% of those who already have these options want to continue working from home for the rest of their careers.
- 16% of businesses in the US are completely remote, with a significant number of other companies offering hybrid options.
Remote Infrastructure Management & Cybersecurity
It’s safe to say that remote work has become a workforce norm. Because of this, it’s crucial for businesses to have a solid plan to manage the technological and cybersecurity challenges that working from home presents. This support must come from a centralized point of control that can handle the varied locations of devices and users.
Many businesses turn to remote infrastructure management (RIM) systems for this support and security. With RIM, you can monitor, manage, and secure your organization’s IT infrastructure from an off-site location and ensure uniformity, safety, and access across all of your networks, hardware, and software.
Why It Matters: The Security Risks of Remote Work
Remote infrastructure management is absolutely essential for any organization hoping to offer remote or hybrid work options because it makes it possible to overcome the wide array of cyber risks presented by long-distance employees.
Unsecured WiFi Networks
Remote employees often connect to public or poorly protected networks that are unencrypted, leaving sensitive data vulnerable to interception. RIM combats this by enabling virtual private networks (VPNs), adding encryption layers, and increasing protection around corporate databases.
Personal Hardware
Personal devices often lack sufficient security protocols or run on outdated software, leaving them exposed to attacks. Unauthorized parties may also get a hold of remote employees’ devices and have access to company resources.
Careful mobile device management (MDM), authentication requirements, endpoint security methods, and more are needed to keep devices secure.
Lack of Advanced Monitoring
Without robust monitoring tools in place, detecting and responding to cyber threats in decentralized workplaces can be nearly impossible. Threats can sneak in unnoticed, slowly infiltrating your systems and stealing data. Advanced monitoring systems that can reach across networks, locations, and devices are needed to keep your infrastructure secure.
Larger Attack Surface
When employees work remotely, the number of endpoints, access points, and locations significantly increases, creating a larger attack surface for potential breaches and overwhelming traditional IT systems.
RIM centralizes all the resources needed to manage these endpoints, allowing you to implement uniform security measures and keep track of your attack surface effectively.
Phishing Scams
This classic ploy is especially relevant in remote work environments because scammers will often pose as admin or tech support, requesting sensitive information or manipulating users into clicking malicious links.
With advanced spam filters, additional protections, and employee training through an RIM plan, however, businesses can effectively sidestep the huge risks presented by phishing.
Reduced Employee Training
Between personal devices, unsecured WiFi networks, login regulations, and more, remote employees need detailed training to help them stay on track with best cybersecurity practices. Since they don’t have as many opportunities to complete these trainings in person, you can use training modules, videoconferences, and other methods to help them stay safe and up to date.
Prioritize Cybersecurity for Your Remote Workforce with AIS
These strategies are helpful, but they’re most effective when implemented by a cybersecurity provider who knows your business and your systems. When you partner with AIS, your safety and success will always be the number one priority, and your unique goals and needs will always guide our technology plans for you. You won’t find a better choice for a personalized, secure approach to remote work and cybersecurity. Chat with one of our team members to get started on your remote infrastructure management today.