GLOBAL security leader Forcepoint described the current cybersecurity environment as perilous, as cybercriminals have upgraded their skills to pursue their criminality. “We are living in dangerous times as cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated,” Brandon Tan, Forcepoint Asia Pacific sales engineering director, told journalists in an online briefing on March 29 during the launch of the cloud-based Forcepoint ONE, the industry’s first “easy button” for securing enterprises with hybrid workforces.
The Forcepoint ONE all-in-one cloud platform simplifies security for both traditional and remote workforces, allowing users to gain safe, controlled access to business information on the web, in the cloud and in private applications.
As organizations prepare for the realities of a post-pandemic world, Tan pointed out that one of the biggest concerns is addressing the cybersecurity concerns of remote work. He noted the shift to work-from-home setups have allowed employees to use their own networks to complete tasks—and sometimes their own devices. In return, Tan noted the setup could present myriad risks. In the event that they encounter any technical problems, he expressed concern because the IT department can do only so much for them.
Gartner recently surveyed organizations and found that 47 percent would allow employees to work remotely full-time once the pandemic is over. Additionally, 82 percent of organizations said employees could work from home at least once a week.
A study by Velocity Smart Technology Market Research Report 2021 found that 70 percent of remote workers experienced IT problems during the pandemic, and 54 percent waited up to three hours to resolve the issue.
These numbers are only a small part of the total of potential security breaches waiting to happen. In short, he said data security is a critical issue that needs to be addressed now.
“The Philippines continues to rank among the top countries in social media and internet usage, making it an ideal setting for hyperscalers, telecommunications infrastructure and services. Early this year, a Singapore-based company announced that they will put up the largest hyperscale data center campus in the Philippines to be located in Cainta, Rizal,” said Pam Angeles, Forcepoint country sales manager, in the press briefing.
“Data privacy is becoming more important as the digital landscape evolves. The business value of data security is seen in many ways, such as reducing sales delays, mitigating losses from data breaches, enabling innovation, increasing efficiency, building trust with customers, and making their company more attractive,” Angeles added.
Angeles urged organizations that offer remote working opportunities to beef up their data security measures to protect sensitive information. Although organizations may have managed to avoid a data breach, she warned that one mistake can lead to a disastrous cyber attack that can cost millions.
Forcepoint ONE, by leading user and data protection cybersecurity company Forcepoint, offers industry-leading security from a single console. Businesses and government agencies of all sizes find its security features simple and easy to use, beginning with understanding company needs and removing data security complexity so businesses can focus on their success.
Built on a Zero Trust model, Angeles said Forcepoint ONE is verified inside and outside of the perimeter to keep attackers out and sensitive data in.
“We cannot know what the future brings in the current environment, but we do know that employees need to have the ability to work from anywhere, and businesses must continue to implement digital transformation strategies if they are to remain innovative and deliver new services,” Tan explained.