Today’s world is powered by technology.
Most day-to-day business operations are underpinned by online systems and digitally stored data. And, with over 60% of the UK’s workers on a hybrid working schedule, reliable access to these applications from anywhere, anytime is paramount.
But the modern world holds many threats that can disrupt these remotely accessible networks. Cyber attacks are becoming more and more of a reality for many sectors, including in Critical National Infrastructure. A recent report from NCC Group shows that 34% of all cyber attacks in July were on Industrials, which has the ability to cause mass issues when disrupted.
When assessing their resilience against operational threats, businesses need to look at their network infrastructure and its capabilities. As industries continue to embrace digital solutions and services, access to secure, reliable, and flexible connectivity is becoming crucial for businesses that want to keep up with innovation whilst negating potential risks.
The growing risk of cyber attacks
Digital transformation offers businesses a myriad of benefits. The adoption of technology such as AI, robotics, and cloud computing is improving the smooth running of many organisations, from small businesses to global enterprises. Over the past 18 months, the number of people who use Microsoft Copilot daily in the office has doubled, utilising the AI agent to prioritise inboxes and manage branding in PowerPoint. Another game changer for data accessibility is cloud computing, which allows global businesses to store critical business data somewhere that can be accessed remotely.
But with new technology comes new risks, and digitalisation opens businesses up to be the victim of cyber attacks. According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, half of UK businesses experienced a cyber security breach in 2023. This can cause immediate disruption of critical business processes and put sensitive data, such as client information, at risk.
Cyber threats are a risk to all types of organisations and at every level. Supply chains, where banking and payment data are processed daily, are at risk of coming to a halt if they experience a cyber attack. Industries such as transport can find themselves facing massive cyber threats which affect their systems, as TfL experienced recently. The attack saw customer data such as names, addresses, and bank details being externally accessed – a worrying reality for companies with customer communities big and small.
The good news is that businesses can take these steps to protect themselves. By adopting resilient network solutions, they are able to mitigate the risks of cyber attacks and ensure continued access to the business critical data they need to operate.
The different ways to build a robust network
When deciding how to future-proof their networks, it’s essential that businesses assess the best method for them. Forward thinking organisations, that are keen to keep up with new technologies, could significantly benefit from considering how their connectivity needs might change or grow over time.
Adopting solutions such as Security Service Edge technologies and Secure Access Service Edge can provide businesses with the scalability and security they need to grow whilst remaining safe from cyber threats.
- Security Service Edge Technologies
When accessing websites, as well as public or private applications it’s essential that businesses are confident this access is secure. Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies such as Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) can support this. CASB provides compliance, risk scores, and reputation to the cloud applications it identifies. It also prevents damage by identifying malware and blocking inappropriate apps before they can cause disruption within a business’s processes.
Another technology that contributes to SSE is Data Loss Prevention (DLP). This service acts as a layer of protection against data exfiltration – when data gets transferred from one place to another without authorisation. DLP also detects cloud malware and can eliminate infected files which could put sensitive data at risk.
- Secure Access Service Edge
To increase layers of security even further, SSE technologies can be combined with SD-WAN. The result is a converged network and security solution which is referred to as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). SASE ensures that all of business’ endpoints are managed with the same networking policies and security as their on-premise infrastructure, even though their locations might be different.
As a cloud architecture model, it merges policy enforcement and security monitoring with integrated network controls. By allowing authentication and data access as needed, it brings network and security together to become one single service.
Cloud storage is already one of the strongest data protection options, but implementing the latest advancements is the only way to ensure the safest protection. Once SSE and SASE technologies are enabled only the right people can access critical business data anytime, anywhere, providing the flexibility and safety needed for successful innovation and growth.
Building resilience into businesses
Guaranteeing that every new technological step is safeguarded with a resilient network will allow organisations to confidently step into the future whilst protecting themselves against a changing cyber-threat landscape.
Constant vigilance will ensure that businesses are one step ahead of the risks that can threaten their networks and cause disruption. Adopting SSE and SASE technologies will enable safe and reliable data access. This centralised control and built-in security at scale is essential, allowing businesses to run their day-to-day operations smoothly.
To ensure your business is prepared for future disruption risks, start evaluating your business’s network today.
About the Author
Ian Cairns is Sales Director at TalkTalk Business. TalkTalk Business is one of the UK’s leading B2B telecoms providers, with over 25 years’ experience delivering a full range of business-ready communications products and services, spanning internet access, data and voice. From corner shop to corporations, we’re proud to serve businesses of every shape and size, standing united with our customers to deliver trusted service and innovative solutions. Our mission is simple: to empower UK businesses in exceeding their ambitions.
Featured image: Adobe Stock
