2020 was the year in which huge amounts of the US and global workforce moved to work remotely, and this has put a big strain on managed corporate systems. Statistics reported by Stanford found that, with 42% of workers now remote, there has been a surge in demand for technology that can help connect these workers to the business, and each other, in a secure manner. Linux has long provided the basis upon which the most flexible and secure of work systems operate; the OS is once again providing solutions in this most modern of eras.
The Managed Systems Problem
Having employees clustered in the same place, using workplace (or workplace-approved) tech is a great way to create security assurance – regardless of the platform.
Taylored Systems, an IN-based business technology firm, have long espoused the benefits of this business model, as it allows for the highest level of security protections – structured cabling and server management included.
With workers now remote, TechRepublic have highlighted the risks posed to businesses from their employees working away from the central hub. Linux systems are in the perfect position to counter this threat and prevent cyber risks from turning into a problem for businesses.
The Linux Benefit
As a result of the remote working frenzy, there have been overtures from many tech companies aimed at providing assurance to businesses. The launch of a bespoke VPN from Microsoft is the most blatant show of this, but there could be a better system available to businesses with a change of OS to Linux.
TechCrunch have highlighted some of the best platforms for Linux when it comes to remote working, but there’s a common theme – the open source history of Linux has lent itself to a greater level of security assurance that can be conducted on a minute-by-minute basis, rather than waiting for proprietary updates from the ‘big’ tech players in the IT industry.
While this also sometimes demands a higher level of expertise, that expertise can be gained from using outside parties.
Third Parties
The main criticism leveled at Linux is that it can be prohibitive to first-timer users – though, given how the technology has developed, it’s arguable that Linux has never been more accessible.
Despite this, many businesses simply do not have the time or expertise to devote to full level IT operation; indeed, SmallBizGenius report that up to 65% of small businesses already outsource, or intend to outsource, their cloud security and other network considerations. In these situations, Linux is providing a no-brainer platform, as experts can be hand-picked to manage the network and its software.
For that reason, Linux will continue to make a strong case at the very top of the business cybersecurity industry. It provides a level of assurance that other companies simply cannot match, and expertise within the industry is both unmatched and capable of taking the initiative. As long as Linux stays open-source and rapidly patched, it will be a vanguard for remote working.