An in-person office, with its high-powered network, makes it possible for digital tools to live up to their promises. And when workers only use approved devices to access a company’s network and data, it’s much easier to maintain cybersecurity

For many, remote and hybrid workplaces have been a blessing. However, for IT staff trying to maintain cybersecurity, as well as any personnel with a poor or unreliable internet connection, remote work can seem like a curse. The explosion of cybersecurity threats in recent years is no accident. Employees are now accessing sensitive data through any number of devices, which may not have been outfitted with proper cybersecurity protection. And while they may prove themselves to be just as dedicated to managing their workload, their home network may not be up to the task.

The Problem With Home Networks

Home networks often aren’t powerful enough to handle a professional workload. Unreliable or slow networks adversely affect the performance of digital collaboration tools and video conferencing platforms.

It’s very difficult for employees to feel that their input is valuable, or enjoy a shared collaboration experience when their network speed may restrict them from participating as easily and quickly as the rest of their team.

A Better Collaboration Tool Can Reduce the Burden

Using multiple online tools simultaneously drains bandwidth. Instead of using many tools to share files, chat, message, and videoconference, Cisco’s Webex offers a one-and-done platform that can do everything extraordinarily well. Your staff will also be able to schedule meetings within the same app, record calls, and gain access to AI-powered transcriptions so everyone can focus on the topic at hand, and no one’s input will be forgotten.

Networks That Can Be Accessed From Anywhere

Cisco Meraki

Perhaps at some point in the not-too-distant future, everyone will have access to an amazingly fast network, with built-in cybersecurity tools that make it easy to access data as well as protect it. However, until that day comes, there’s Cisco Meraki. This powerful network solution enables your business to offer a reliable, cloud-managed, secure network that your employees can access from anywhere.

With just a little bit of IT skill, you can get it set up quickly. And because it’s a cloud-based solution, it’s flexible, reliable, scalable, and future-proof. With this system, switches allow you to add voice, wireless, data, video products, and more. The routers are basically designed to be plug-and-play.

Cisco Business

Smaller organizations that may not have dedicated IT personnel can still access a network with enterprise-level capabilities. Every component of the Cisco Business solution is designed to work seamlessly together and at a smaller price point.

Sophisticated Security Tools

Most IT departments were already suffering from burnout before the pandemic. Once it reached the United States, IT personnel had to scramble to enable remote work. But now that hybrid and remote work is here to stay, it’s time to focus on cybersecurity, without burdening your IT team. Fortunately, Cisco has provided a wealth of tools to make it easier than ever to secure remote workspaces.

Cisco Umbrella

Even when employees are given proper cybersecurity training, it’s getting harder for them to spot a scam. Cybercriminals are gaining more skills, and are designing websites and phishing schemes that appear legitimate. Cisco Umbrella provides a multi-layered defense against threats by preventing devices from connecting to malicious sites. Additionally, Umbrella stops callbacks to command-and-control (C2) servers, malware, and phishing attacks.

Cisco Secure Access by Duo

No one likes having to use multi-factor authentication. But Cisco Secure Access by Duo makes this highly effective practice relatively painless. Users can enroll in minutes, will be properly verified in seconds, and won’t have to enter codes.

Cisco AnyConnect

This handy tool can help you uncover malware and ransomware threats, and allows you to easily approve which devices can access your network.

Cisco Secure Endpoint

Detect, respond, and recover from attacks quickly with this cutting-edge endpoints security solution.

Cisco Secure Cloud Mailbox Defense

Have you migrated to Office 365? You can prevent attacks against cloud-based mailboxes with this mailbox defense tool. It’s amazingly easy to use, and can block advanced threats that Microsoft 365's security doesn’t catch.

How To Save on Cisco Solutions

Many organizations are struggling to prioritize technology upgrades these days, and investing in a suite of new tools may sound like an impossibility. However, as a Cisco Gold Partner, Marco is not only able to provide expert advice on Cisco’s solutions; our team can also provide bundling options to help you save on Cisco’s collaboration, security, and network solutions.