Interview
growth of Microsoſt as a serious security player in almost all of the key security categories, a trend that we have capitalised on. Acquiring and retaining talent has probably been our biggest
challenge. What we do requires trained and experienced people who are in high demand and it’s definitely been an employee’s market for the last few years, although we expect this to change a little over the coming year. Te high inflation we’re currently seeing has also been frustrating for both ourselves and our customers, particularly with exchange rate fluctuations as we deal with a number of USD-denominated vendors with prices changing almost daily in some cases.
Can you tell us how mobile workplaces have evolved over recent years from your point of view? Our mantra has always been that work is an activity, not a place and that has never been more true. Covid-19 accelerated hybrid and remote working practices by at least five years almost overnight. Organisations had to find new ways to make company data and applications available to employees without sacrificing security or breaching compliance requirements. For many, this highlighted just how unsuited their existing technology stack was for this kind of working model. Employees now expect the same simple, consistent experience
regardless of the device type or network they are using. Te expectation is that technology will be ‘enterprise secure but consumer simple’. As a result, we see a strong market dynamic in the direction of the Digital Employee Experience (DEX), which can encompass everything from how employees are on-boarded, the choice of device they have, how their security works, how easy or hard it is to access the data they need to do their job and how easy it is to get help when they need it. At the same time, CISOs and CIOs need more visibility and control
than ever to help face a growing range of threats. CWSI’s expertise is in balancing these needs to deliver the optimum digital workplace.
Can you tell us more about the cloud space and how CWSI is evolving this offering by enabling organisations to thrive and stay secure in a cloud-first, mobile-first world? Te way we work has changed forever. Te traditional perimeter has disappeared, and approaches to the cloud and cyber security must evolve. CWSI has enabled and secured mobile workers since the first smartphones and tablets were introduced to the business market. We have an unrivalled understanding of modern mobile operating systems - how to secure them, and how to integrate them with today’s cloud-based infrastructure and applications - and are uniquely placed to enable customers to get ahead and stay ahead in the modern workplace. In 2022, CWSI announced that we will reduce over-permission
risks for businesses in the UK and Ireland with the launch of Microsoſt Entra Permissions Management. CWSI is one of the first Microsoſt partners to provide the solution, which we’re introducing in response to increased multi-cloud adoption among our customers. In an increasingly mobile-first world, hackers are now targeting
mobile devices, where smaller screens and distracted users mean a much higher chance of success. We leverage our specialist expertise to design, deploy and manage a range of solutions from industry leading global soſtware providers, and continue to scale new and existing
50 | May 2023
channel partnerships. We are focused on helping clients to create workplaces where employees can work productively, securely, and privately from anywhere, on any device and on any application.
As modern security is no longer just a ‘nice to have’, how are you supporting your partners to optimise their security infrastructure? We intentionally focus on providing modern security solutions, partnering with market-leading soſtware vendors, to help clients to get secure and stay secure. We provide and manage security solutions for customers that fit the modern workplace. Our innovative managed tools such as Microsoſt Defender for Endpoint, UEM controls, and managed EFOTA for Samsung Android all enable organisations to stay ahead of the ever-evolving curve. Regular updates and patching on mobile devices are key to ensuring
that these critical infrastructure assets are protected and organisations need to ensure they can meet patch deadlines and upgrade their estates within an appropriate timeline. However, patch management on mobile operating systems can be difficult and requires a blended strategy of enforcement and compliance using UEM tools and vendor capabilities – and that’s where we come in. Remember; a small device can be a big threat. Treat detection, and especially early detection, is critical in today’s
uncertain and ever-changing IT landscape. With the increasing volume and sophistication of cyber threats, it’s essential to identify and act accordingly before data can be compromised. Te support of a managed security service provider can help to mitigate these risks.
How can companies look to continue to safeguard themselves against adversaries in a space that is constantly evolving and experiencing new threats? Organisations of all sizes in all industries are on high alert. With cyber threats and technologies evolving at pace, it can be difficult to keep up, and we would advise customers to remain proactive in the face of growing threats. Social engineering is on the rise and employee awareness training
is paramount in identifying and combating phishing threats. Data loss due to malware or ransomware triggered by fraudulent emails is a growing concern for organisations in the decentralised workplace, and it’s evident that employees are the weak link in the security chain. It’s essential that training is kept up-to-date. Administrators of IT infrastructure such as networks, user endpoint
devices, servers and security systems must also be appropriately trained around cyber security and risk management. In 2022, we announced that we have become one of the first
Samsung Knox Managed Service Providers (MSP) in the UK and Ireland. Tis service will enable customers to leverage Samsung mobile technology within their own organisations, providing a unique level of control with the day-to-day running of the platform managed by CWSI’s mobility experts. Tis provides peace of mind and frees up customers to focus on their core tasks and own clients to save time, increase productivity and, ultimately, grow their business. Effective security policies will contribute to organisational success
and shouldn’t hamper or hinder productivity or growth. Enlisting the services of a third-party provider will provide peace of mind that all bases are covered in an ever-changing IT landscape, and support oſten overstretched internal teams.
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