The shift to a work-from-anywhere model has redefined how organizations manage cybersecurity. Employees frequently moving between corporate and non-corporate networks are creating visibility and control challenges for IT and security teams, making it harder to diagnose and remediate issues while minimizing cybersecurity risks.

These challenges are exacerbated by diverse environments that include a wide range of hardware, networks, security tools, operating systems (OS), and patch levels.

The Complex Landscape of Endpoint Management

1. Operating Systems and Versions

According to the 2023 Resilience Index, more than 80% of enterprise devices run Microsoft® Windows® OS, predominantly Windows 10. While this might seem uniform, IT practitioners face a daunting reality:

• 14 versions of Windows 10.
• Over 800 builds and patches in active use.

Keeping endpoints up-to-date in this fragmented ecosystem is a significant challenge.

2. The Application Overload

The average enterprise device has 67 installed applications, with 10% of devices running over 100 applications. Managing this diverse software ecosystem—keeping apps updated, patching vulnerabilities, and ensuring compliance—further strains IT and security teams.

Unsurprisingly, it takes:

• 149 days for small companies.
• 151 days for medium and large enterprises.
• 158 days for very large organizations.

…to patch their operating systems, leaving endpoints exposed for months.

The Illusion of Security

To address emerging threats, organizations often add more security tools, resulting in an average of 11 security applications per work-issued laptop. While these tools—Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), anti-virus, etc.—are essential, they can create vulnerabilities if not functioning as intended.

Common Risks Include:

• Tool Decay: Security tools becoming inactive or malfunctioning due to software collisions, unintentional deletion, or malicious actions.
• Lack of Visibility: According to the 2023 Resilience Index, 25–30% of devices had unhealthy security controls.
• Outdated Remote Access Tools: These lifelines for remote workers were either not installed or not updated to the required versions on 30% of devices, exposing organizations to unnecessary risks.

Organizations need more than tools—they need assurance that tools are functional, healthy, and capable of defending against threats.

The Importance of Cyber Resilience

Cyber resilience is defined by MITRE as the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions or attacks. Traditional security measures are no longer sufficient to protect systems, data, and networks.

The goal of cyber resilience is to ensure that adverse events—whether intentional or accidental—do not compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an organization’s operations.

Best Practices for Cyber Resilience

To achieve cyber resilience, organizations must adopt strategies that ensure consistent visibility, control, and adaptability. Key practices include:

1. Maintain Trusted Connections with Endpoints

• Continuously monitor endpoint hardware, OS, applications, and gathered data.
• Ensure always-on connectivity to detect unsafe behaviors or conditions.
• Enable rapid OS reimaging in case of ransomware attacks.

2. Monitor and Repair Misconfigurations

• Regularly assess the health of IT and security controls.
• Automate repairs whenever possible to address misconfigurations proactively.

3. Enforce Dynamic, Contextual Network Access Policies

• Analyze device posture, application health, network connection security, and user activity.
• Grant access dynamically at the endpoint rather than through centralized proxies.

4. Monitor Network Connectivity and Security Posture

• Enforce acceptable use policies through dynamic web filtering.
• Reduce exposure to threats by monitoring network connections in real time.

Why Cyber Resilience Matters

The work-from-anywhere model has blurred traditional security boundaries, making cyber resilience a necessity. By focusing on visibility, adaptability, and proactive management, organizations can:

• Strengthen compliance and security postures.
• Ensure secure, reliable network access for employees.
• Enable employees to work confidently, regardless of where risks emerge.

📢 Ready to build cyber resilience into your operations? Visit our website to explore actionable strategies for improving visibility, enhancing endpoint security, and adapting to today’s complex digital environment.

The future of work demands resilience—start building yours today!