How Identity Access Management Can Secure Your Hybrid Workplace in 2024
The rise of hybrid working has given UK SMEs new flexibility, but it’s also brought unique security challenges. With employees working from various locations and devices, securing company resources is essential. Identity and Access Management (IAM) is now a critical tool for managing who can access what data and under what conditions. This approach not only protects sensitive information but also gives employees secure and seamless access. Here’s why IAM is a top priority for UK SMEs in 2024.
Why Identity Access Management is Essential in Hybrid Work
As more employees work remotely, companies face increased cybersecurity risks. According to recent data, a significant portion of UK businesses plan to adopt IAM solutions in the coming months. Here’s why IAM is crucial:
Enhanced Security for Remote Access: IAM provides a central framework ensuring only verified users can access company resources. With more employees working offsite, IAM restricts unauthorised access and helps protect your sensitive data from breaches.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires users to confirm their identity through multiple checkpoints, such as a password and a mobile device. This extra layer of security helps defend against credential theft, which remains one of the leading cyber threats for SMEs.
Role-Based Access Management: IAM allows businesses to customise access based on roles, ensuring employees can only access the data necessary for their tasks. This reduces the risk of internal data leaks and makes onboarding and offboarding employees more efficient.
Key Benefits of IAM for UK SMEs
For SMEs, implementing IAM provides several significant advantages:
Reduced IT Workload: IAM’s self-service capabilities mean employees can handle basic tasks, like password resets, independently. This reduces the load on IT teams, allowing them to focus on threat detection and other high-priority tasks.
Compliance with Data Protection Regulations: Strict data regulations like GDPR require businesses to manage access to sensitive information responsibly. IAM helps SMEs maintain detailed logs of user activities, which is essential for regulatory compliance and reporting.
Scalability: IAM solutions are flexible enough to support a growing workforce, allowing SMEs to maintain security standards as their operations expand.
Practical Steps for Implementing IAM
For SMEs beginning their IAM journey, here’s a simple guide:
Assess Current Access Controls: Evaluate your current IT setup to identify potential access vulnerabilities. Review user roles, device security, and any existing MFA practices.
Select a Scalable IAM Solution: Many IAM providers, such as JumpCloud and Microsoft Azure AD, offer SME-focused solutions that include MFA, password management, and role-based access. Choose a solution that fits your current and projected needs.
Enable Self-Service Portals: Self-service features can allow employees to manage basic access needs, reducing help desk tickets and freeing up your IT team.
Set Up Continuous Monitoring: Use IAM’s monitoring tools to track login activity and flag unusual access patterns that might indicate a security breach. This helps detect and respond to threats in real-time.
Train Employees on Best Practices: Security awareness is crucial in hybrid working. Regular training on IAM tools and cybersecurity best practices helps reduce risks associated with human error.
Why IAM Should be Part of Your IT Strategy in 2024
As UK SMEs face growing cyber threats, robust IAM is no longer optional. By managing access to sensitive information and ensuring only authorised personnel have the ability to interact with critical resources, IAM fortifies your security posture. It also supports secure remote access across various platforms, which is essential in today’s cloud-based work environment.
Secure Your Hybrid Workplace with Techn22’s IAM Solutions
Techn22 is here to help you implement IAM solutions tailored to SMEs. Our IAM offerings can support your business with secure access control, employee self-service tools, and compliance support to keep your data safe. Contact us to learn how Techn22 can help secure your hybrid work environment and support your IT strategy for 2024.