Security In The Digital Workplace: Why a Firewall Is Not Enough

Security in the digital workplace: why a firewall is not enough “Something is wrong here” – when this sentence is mentioned, it is usually too late. The systems no longer react, data is gone, and the processes are disrupted. Attacks on passwords, devices, and entire networks are increasing and becoming more diverse. Due to digitization and strong networking, companies are increasingly at risk.

Rapid Digitization Projects Focused On Accessibility – Not Security.

“Correct data are worth their weight in gold” – unfortunately, this also attracts various dangers. Not only the data-holding systems but also the corresponding processes must be secured.

In some cases, projects that were carried out very quickly against the background of home office constraints due to Covid-19 have exacerbated problems that have already been caused by technical trends such as more and more end devices (smartphones, tablets – but also intelligent devices of the “Internet of Things” IoT) and the development of Overall systems became clear through more and more networked services.

Classic approaches to safeguarding central company networks fall short since essential sources, goals, tools, and users are located outside of the company’s premises. More and more communication channels with options for data exchange (e.g., cloud-based exchange directories, collaboration services) increase the risk of unwanted information transfer or manipulation.

The Damage Is Not “Annoying” – it Jeopardizes Its Operations.

Companies and their data and processes are confronted with many attacks at very different levels. Viruses, worms, and Trojans can copy, change or, for example, use encryption to block data from being used by your employees.

Network attacks block the accessibility of online offers. And the users themselves often unintentionally and unconsciously share valuable knowledge about too many paths with too many people involved. The consequences are often drastic:

• Loss of information (deletion or blocking of access): Users and systems cannot continue working, business processes (including deliveries and accounting) cannot be carried out
• Manipulation of information: Incorrect results are produced through falsified data, which changes operational processes and tactical and strategic decisions. Another attack is often initiated through manipulation (e.g., redirecting fake pages with additional malware).
• Data leakage to unauthorized persons: In addition to the violation of data protection and damage to the image, direct damage, e.g., through identity theft and the unauthorized use of account data, etc., can occur.

All of these dangers directly impact current operational processes and indirectly on future business relationships with customers and partners. Furthermore, negative effects on employees due to uncertainty and lower productivity must be considered.

Security As An Essential Part of The Digital Workplace

In the model of the Digital Workplace, security is a separate block that includes the various measures to protect the storage and management of content, secure use, and the targeted identification and authorization of users: inside and systems for controlling access and communication.

But security also has a clear organizational component. The consolidation of information in processes and dashboards must be planned and controlled in a targeted manner. This proportionality through the clear application context not only supports security but also facilitates access to relevant content for users.

For implementation and operation, change management and training measures convey how to use the tools and an awareness of the targeted, safe and responsible handling of information.

This means that security must also be taken into account when formulating the digital workplace vision, as this sets essential parameters and framework conditions. Digital information and processes are the backbone and essential work equipment in the modern world of work, and therefore, they must also be comprehensively protected.

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