Monthly Archives: July 2022

Consider Desktop as a Service to Take Advantage of Cloud Offerings

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Out of the many cloud offerings on the market, Desktop as a Service (DaaS, for short) is a convenient way for your company to access computing resources virtually. Without the need for expensive infrastructure and in-house IT expertise, your workers have a variety of computing resources at their fingertips. Not only that, your company can save costs by paying just for the resources you use. Read on to learn more about Desktop as a service, and how to determine if this service is right for you.

 

The Benefits of Desktop as a Service

 

First of all, what is Desktop as a service? It is a cloud computing offering in which a third-party provider, such as Microsoft or Google provides virtual desktops via an Internet connection. The provider manages backed equipment and processes(servers, databases, etc.), taking that responsibility off the client’s hands. Small to medium-sized businesses wanting flexible, scalable and secure computing pay a periodic subscription-based amount based on the computing resources used. Desktop as a Service is flexible because users are provided an up-to-date operating system and productivity applications on log in. What’s more, companies can access a virtual desktop remotely and share applications and their data with other employees without effort.  

 

Business Advantages of Desktop as a Service

 

Desktop as a Service first of all offers the primary benefit of having a provider manage and maintain the operating system and applications, along with software and security updates. All that your company needs is an internet connection to enjoy the benefits of virtual desktops. Computing resources available from anywhere, anytime. Resources can be scaled up and down according to demand, and number of users; users can be added individually without the company having to buy licenses up front and in bulk. 

 

For example, businesses with call centers can easily deploy or decommission machines for adjustments in seasonal demand. Even companies with legacy systems can use desktop as a service, giving their machines more life by putting the DaaS operating system on the current machines. Or else, they can move a legacy system to the cloud. Security is also enhanced, even with remote users connected, because of full encryption at the browser level and data and applications staying in the cloud. Business continuity also is easier, because outsourcing the security functions can help safeguard data from potential loss in a disaster. All this, for a flexible subscription-based price per month or per year. 

 

While Cloud service providers offer varying levels of analytics, data storage and other features for desktop as a service, they can help your company experience the flexibility, scalability and security associated with cloud computing. For help in evaluating your company’s needs, contact your trusted technology advisor today. 

Getting Started with Zero Trust

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Treating even employees like possible intruders may seem harsh. Yet, with so many devices connected to cloud services and the Internet, “zero trust” may be the best way to keep your company safe from cyber attacks, as it can verify each and every request for access and give workers the resources they need for their roles. Read on to learn more about how zero trust can keep your network secure while keeping you productive. 

 

The Need for Zero Trust

 

With innovations like cloud computing come issues involved in protecting digital assets (data, applications, and more). More devices connected to the cloud (via the Internet) and also to business networks, causes the attack surface to expand. No longer can businesses assume that the security perimeter exists within company boundaries. People can connect anywhere, anytime, with the surge in remote work during the last couple of years. “Zero trust” is a way of verifying each and every request for access, and is vital to protecting a company’s digital assets. With millions of dollars and weeks of time needed to heal a breach, zero trust can save your company money, time and even reputation. 

 

Principles of Zero Trust

 

According to the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency article, zero trust is “access to an information resource (data, applications, services) for a specified period of time, with the least possible privileges.” A primary principle of zero trust is verifying each and every access request. Questions asked involve the identity of the request, the health of the device the request comes from, and the role of the entity requesting access–so you know who’s trying to access your network.  Even legitimate actors are asked to go an extra step, providing a one-time code, for example. This multi-factor authentication is a good first step toward zero-trust. Even after verification, users may be allowed access only to certain parts of the network (least possible privilege), in order to carry out their duties. These multiple, granular verifications have the additional benefit of gathering intelligence about requests to the network, in order to detect anomalies and possible intrusions by malicious actors.

 

Zero trust, even with its suspicious connotation, may be what companies need in order to protect their networks against cyber attack. For help setting up zero trust for your organization, contact your trusted technology advisor today.