While 2021 is on the horizon, companies are still battling against the challenges 2020 brought with it. COVID-19 led to unprecedented situations, including shelter-in-place orders that made remote work practically mandatory.
COVID-19, Remote Work, and the Rise of Cybersecurity
COVID-19 is nothing short of a crisis, and it isn’t over yet. Many areas are seeing resurgences, and that trend may continue for several months, if not longer.
As a result, remote work is going to be part of the new normal for the long-term. Even if companies are in areas where reopening is an option, at least a portion of their workforce may stay at home at least part-time in the name of safety.
The swift transition to telecommuting was necessary, though it also introduced a significant amount of risk. Many organizations had to implement new technology solutions with little planning, ensuring their employees could remain productive from home. They may not have been able to take security threats into full consideration at the time.
However, that isn’t the case today. Not only are businesses learning about the threats that emerged during COVID-19, but they also must combat them immediately. Otherwise, their systems will remain vulnerable to attackers, particularly if a significant portion of their workforce continues to work remotely.
Attacks were on the rise during 2020, mainly due to the situations created by the coronavirus. That means, for many, 2021 will be the year of cybersecurity. Companies are going to have to examine their solutions, identify vulnerabilities, and shore up security measures.
How to Boost Your Cybersecurity in 2021
Companies are going to need to invest if they want to make cybersecurity a priority. Along with implementing traditional cybersecurity solutions, businesses also need to review their choices made during the early days of the pandemic. In some cases, rapid deployments of new tech resulted in vulnerabilities, which can’t remain as we move forward.
Any risks need to be identified, ensuring they can be addressed through the appropriate means. In some cases, this may mean investing in new solutions, allowing subpar options to be replaced with stronger ones on the cybersecurity front.
Additionally, companies will need to bring in cybersecurity talent to meet the demands of the coming year. There is a known skills gap in this arena, so competition for great candidates is fierce. However, without those professionals, making a company’s cybersecurity goals a reality may be incredibly difficult, if not outright impossible.
At The Squires Group, we understand the challenges facing companies in the coming year. If you need top cybersecurity talent on your team, the staff at The Squires Group can help. Contact us to learn more about our services today.
