Securing the Enterprise Network for Remote Work Environments

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A secure and reliable network has been a top priority for many enterprises as new remote work models are stretching the limits of conventional IT. Now, business networks must reach across expanding network footprints while ensuring work-from-home teams can connect to mission-critical systems and data. Still, with the need for increased agility and data mobility comes another pressing need: network security.

On any given day, data must be thoroughly protected — a mission that becomes increasingly difficult as digital infrastructure grows and evolves. In an era when safety and health often rely on socially distanced work practices, ensuring businesses can operate and communicate safely within their new networking normal is crucial. The good news is that working remotely doesn’t have to be dangerous. So, how can enterprises build end-to-end security that will empower their IT strategy while protecting against any potential incidents?

Securing Data in a BYOD and Home Network Era

With remote work may come BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) solutions and working from home often means networks must be used that are outside those normally employed on-premises. New endpoints mean more potential points of failure and networks beyond the on-premises standard may not have adequate protective systems in place.

To negate these risks, using Two-Factor Authentication is a good solution on the user end for securing endpoints, keeping shared data and applications insulated with an extra layer of security. Furthermore, connections to company platforms and information can be protected using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These technologies have been essential for many businesses due to their ability to encrypt and secure web traffic that is traveling across the internet.

For example, two-factor authentication is a security measure that adds an additional layer of security when accessing your network. For increased security, VPNs allow the anonymization of IP addresses and country locations when surfing the web. There are apps that allow you to connect to different countries depending on the server that is selected.

Other measures for finding gaps in security include internal audits or even external penetration testing, which leverage the help of network experts to uncover misconfigurations or lackluster protective practices. Keeping employees informed, up-to-date, and prepared with all necessary security insights is also key. Policies should be updated to ensure all are using their resources effectively and implementing any necessary measures reliably.

The Foundation for Remote Networking Success

Of course, at the core of keeping networks safe and functional is a robust infrastructure that protects against downtime — hackers and data leakage aren’t the only threats here, and outages or network interruptions can cause their own damages. This means that infrastructure must be capable of supporting expanding footprints and increasing data loads, but it also means that monitoring must be considered. On top of adding any necessary bandwidth or expanding internet services, this evolving infrastructure footprint must be closely watched so that any challenges can be proactively pinpointed and solved.

Although the complexity of monitoring this new network may be at a level that is beyond the realistic capability of the enterprise, there are solutions. To get the best of networking and monitoring and maintenance while keeping cost and complexity to a minimum, many are choosing to outsource. Outsourcing to an expert means getting the best support for IT while keeping internal resources trained on more strategic and growth-oriented priorities. The only question comes down to finding the right trusted partner.

How Data Foundry Makes a Difference

Changing requirements like these and the growing need for a partner that can support enterprises as they pivot are the driving forces behind Data Foundry’s 24x7x365 support, world-class infrastructure, and expert IT management.

Data Foundry focuses on its dedication to customer success because we know that businesses must be able to trust that their network and IT infrastructure are in the best hands — especially during times of disruption. This is why we’ve made network enhancements that help customers to quickly expand internet service and add additional bandwidth. It’s also why we offer 24x7x365 remote hands services that are immediately available for enterprises should the need arise.

Both can be found at our Houston 2 data center, a 60-MW, master-planned data center that’s capable of meeting any and all evolving enterprise needs.

To take a virtual tour of Houston 2, please click here.

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