Shifting To A User-Focused Security Model | Avast

In the first installment of this series, we focused on why traditional security solutions and methods are unable to address the new problems facing the modern SMB. In this article, we will take a look at new trends and predictions for 2021, examine why SMBs need to replace their outdated security models in light of these trends, and discuss how the drive towards converged cloud services gives MSSPs new opportunities to embrace ongoing revenue from cloud-based solutions.

Trends and predictions for 2021 and beyond

2021 is a time for SMBs to recover, adapt, and evolve. They will move beyond reactive mode to focus on empowering and operationalizing their remote workforce. Cybersecurity must be quicker, smarter, and more reliable than ever before to enable and empower SMBs to tackle the new challenges they face in 2021 and beyond:

1. The remote workforce is here to stay

With millions of people now working remotely, statistics show that both employees and SMBs are ready for the “new normal” to become the “normal.” Empowering and securing this growing remote workforce will be a top priority for SMBs.

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Further reading:
Remote working challenges: How business owners can cope
Leaning in to successful and secure work from anywhere
Benefits and risks of remote work for businesses

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2. Companies will continue to accelerate digital transformation

SMBs will focus on empowering the remote workforce with new tools and experiences to support business outcomes and improve collaboration, productivity, and the user experience. As SMBs continue to accelerate their adoption of mobile, BYOD, IoT, and more, they will need agile, flexible, and scalable security models that can support this ongoing growth and change.

3. Security is at the top of the 2021 agenda

Within this new digital landscape, SMBs are more vulnerable, with 43% of all cybersecurity attacks now targeting small businesses. Security is a top priority in 2021, with SMBs willing to make the investments necessary to securely operate a digital business.

A user-focused security model

SMB network security must go well beyond the four walls of the office to embrace every user, every device, anytime, anywhere. The need for effective, affordable, and responsive security methods are driving solutions toward converged cloud services.

MSSPs have an opportunity in 2021 to grow and establish new security solutions for SMBs that combine cloud-based components, such as secure web gateways and advanced endpoint security. MSSPs can support businesses in providing recommendations on the latest security technologies, like cloud-based security, and managing their entire infrastructure – driving ongoing revenue from cloud-based solutions while enabling SMBs to focus on what matters most, their business.

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To learn more about the trends and opportunities for MSSPs in 2021 and beyond, read our latest white paper: 2021: Network Security Market Trends and Predictions.