Page 26 - Cyber Defense eMagazine for July 2020

Is the New Normal Workspace Secure?

Remote working has accelerated the need to better secure endpoints everywhere

By Simon Townsend, CMO, IGEL

Just a few years ago we were predicting Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) would soon have its day as
enterprises were looking for a way to keep up with the BYOD, multi-device, and user mobility movements.
It was time to rethink the ‘desktop’ from a fixed-location to a fluid endpoint that could be anywhere – one
which could exist as any device, and increasingly delivered virtually. Fast-forward to today and the
COVID-19 crisis, and the need to adopt a more modern approach to managing and securing the endpoint
has become painfully clear.

Enterprises have had to pivot overnight to a workforce sheltering in place with people working remotely
on a variety of devices that may or may not have been up to date on security protocols. With evidence
mounting that companies like Twitter are blessing working remote as a regular option going forward,
there are a few conclusions: 1) the workspace has to be digital since people are using multiple devices,
on site or remotely, 2) endpoint security needs to embrace this new work model and close all security
gaps, 3) DaaS and the cloud will become even more important to deliver consistent, secure user
experiences, and 4) Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) continues to be an optimum strategy for
maintaining system integrity from endpoints to the data center or cloud.

VDI and DaaS Up to the Task

New pressures on IT teams in response to the evolving COVID-19 recovery are not going to come with
bigger budgets or more staff. The increased need to improve security and ensure any asset used

Cyber Defense eMagazine –July 2020 Edition 26
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