Everything's mobile -- especially today, when running a business is harder than ever -- and responsiveness is everything. Staying ahead of the curve means workers may need to operate in 'always available' mode, relying on their phone for business-related tasks, regardless of where they may be. This creates additional exposure, and attackers have not relented: They see opportunity in times of turmoil and double down to maximize the value of their exploits.

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) face additional challenges. Securing the workplace itself is hard when budgets often can't accommodate security expertise, and qualified staff are impossible to source in intensely competitive hiring markets. And when business can be conducted anywhere, off-network protections aren't really optional; they need to be an integral part of any sound security strategy. This complicates the picture even more for SMB owners and managers.

The results of a June 2019 Technology and Small Business Survey published by the National Small Business Association illustrate these points:

  • 62% of small-business owners said cybersecurity is very important; an additional 33% said it is somewhat important; only 5% said it is not important at all
  • Only 25% of business owners said they understand how to handle cybersecurity issues
  • 52% are very concerned their business could be affected by a cyberattack; 44% are somewhat concerned; 35% reported they'd already been victims of a cyberattack
  • The average cost associated with a cyberattack, not including stolen money, was more than $5,000

The results of another survey -- this one conducted by the SMB Group, a small business consultancy -- amplify the importance of mobile. They found mobile is a key enabler for SMBs, with 75% investing in or planning to invest in mobile technologies.

These business, market, and security trends create opportunity for internet service providers and mobile network operators. SMBs need security solutions that are compatible with their unique needs and constraints, and providers are well-positioned to deliver. Providers have a trusted contractual relationship with contacts and billing connections. They may also already act in an advisory role by providing ongoing IT guidance, or they are positioned to reach out and establish that relationship. Providers also have the networks and expertise to deliver and manage security services at scale, to offload overstressed business managers.

Akamai SPS Remote is a cloud-based service that equips providers to address SMB security markets. It's an extension of SPS Secure Business, which protects workers from phishing, bots, and malware everywhere they roam. SPS Remote positions providers to:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to protecting their subscribers
  • Differentiate their services beyond speed and reliability
  • Develop branded offerings to meet new market opportunities

SPS Remote puts providers in control. Marketing teams define the business model and monetization, and SPS Remote is a turnkey solution that allows them to quickly create an app that fully reflects the brand.

Akamai SPS Remote uses smart DNS resolvers to protect users by blocking DNS queries to malicious destinations. It's a lightweight and effective way to deter phishing, prevent infections, and block bot activity. SPS Remote detects when a device is not using a secure SPS resolver and automatically connects to one. This extra layer of security is designed to ensure that users still get security protections when they are on Wi-Fi or any untrusted network. Any acceptable-use policies a business manager has created will be applied, as well. There's no perceptible difference in latency, so internet access does not appear to be slower.

SPS Remote makes it simple for end users. It's a lightweight client they obtain by clicking on a download link. A provider-branded app is installed on their mobile device (soon it'll be available for PCs and Chromebooks, too). The app authenticates them against Akamai-hosted infrastructure, and they click through a few simple steps to register and activate it. Then they're ready to roam!

For more details on SPS Remote and other SPS services, and how they can help you demonstrate commitment, differentiate services, and develop opportunities take a look at the SPS page on Akamai.com.

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Akamai Technologies Inc. published this content on 30 November 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 30 November 2020 15:38:03 UTC