Five Ways in Which the Pandemic Has Changed IT Security

The pandemic has forced large sections of the workforce to work exclusively from home, raising additional concerns about cybersecurity. From greater Zero Trust acceptance to increased risk from phishing, IT security companies are rising to meet the complex security challenges presented by COVID-19.

Safe Remote Work

Most businesses have realized that safe remote work requires investment. VPNs are a critical first step, and IT security companies in Canada did see a huge upswing in demand during the early days of the pandemic. But safe remote work also requires a culture of collaboration and productivity. Employers are now assuming a more active role in shaping employees’ safety with extended policies and company assistance.

Growth of Zero Trust

Zero Trust is no longer optional but essential. By assuming that every network is compromised and every user is at risk, companies can preempt attacks. Today, an IT security services company that recommends Zero Trust architecture can expect increased willingness from clients to implement additional policies and hardware.

Cloud-Based Tools & Datasets in Tackling Cybersecurity Threats

Studies show that companies with greater onsite resources face higher threats than companies that are more cloud-based. As a result, IT security companies face increasing demand for cloud-based services. Going forward, cloud security will remain a critical component in any company’s cybersecurity investments. One silver lining is that cloud-based tools can track and collect a much larger diversity of threat signals, allowing technology and human experts to identify patterns within a larger dataset.

Risk Evaluation and Cybersecurity Strategies

Instead of a one-and-done attitude, companies must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. To be resilient, businesses must consistently evaluate risk as new threats arise. Additionally, many companies report that they did not possess a documented cybersecurity plan prior to COVID-19. A company’s survival depends on its ability to anticipate and defend against risks. Businesses must evaluate potential risk scenarios and create contingency plans in consultation with an IT security services company.

Phishing Attacks in Companies

The theft of personal information is nothing new, but COVID has created even more opportunities for phishing scams. Faced with prevalent video-conferencing and anxious remote workers, IT companies in Canada are now combating enormous increases in malware and phishing attacks. One of the best defenses is skepticism.

Overall, it is clear that the pandemic has changed IT security forever. But some of these changes were far overdue and will help protect users in the future. From secure remote working to increased Zero Trust information architecture, keep an eye on these five trends. IT security is now forever changed, and these five topics point to the IT priorities for the next decade.