In today's digital age, cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses of all sizes. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must our defenses. One tool that's helping businesses bolster their cybersecurity are Virtual Desktop Services, alternately called Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solutions. But what is Virtual Desktop Services, and how can they help protect your business from cyber threats? Let's break it down.
DaaS, allows users to access a full Windows 10 desktop environment from anywhere, using any device. Think of it as your computer desktop, but hosted in the cloud. This means you can access your files, applications, and resources no matter where you are, as long as you have an internet connection. But beyond its convenience and flexibility, Azure Virtual Desktop also offers several key cybersecurity advantages.
Centralised Security Management
With DaaS, all your business data and applications are stored in Microsoft Azure's cloud, not on individual devices. This centralization allows your IT team to manage and monitor security across the entire organization from one place. It's like having a security command center, providing a bird's eye view of your business's digital landscape. This makes it easier to spot and respond to potential threats.
Enhanced Data Protection
Since data is stored in the cloud rather than on local devices, there's less risk of data being compromised if a device is lost or stolen. Imagine if a laptop containing sensitive business data got lost. With Azure Virtual Desktop, that data remains safe in the cloud. Additionally, Azure uses encryption to protect your data both when it's sitting idle (at rest) and when it's being sent or received (in transit).
Compliance Made Easy
Compliance with data protection regulations can be a headache for many businesses. Azure Virtual Desktop can help ease this burden. Microsoft Azure, the underlying platform of the desktop, complies with a wide range of international and industry-specific compliance standards, such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. This means you can rest easy knowing your cloud-hosted data is handled in a manner that meets stringent regulatory requirements. As well as platform compliance, additional security can be easily applied to the desktop itself to help achieve standards including Essential 8 from the ACSC and others.
Regular Updates and Patch Management
Keeping software up-to-date is a crucial part of cybersecurity. With DaaS, Microsoft and Sentrian take care of this for you. Microsoft regularly update the Azure platform with the latest security patches, helping to protect your business from new vulnerabilities. The user desktops are centrally patched by Sentrian for both Windows and your applications. It's like having a dedicated security team constantly reinforcing your digital walls.
Multi-Factor Authentication and Identity Protection
Desktop as a Service uses Azure Active Directory for authentication, which supports multi-factor authentication. This is like having a double-lock system for your data. Even if someone knows your password, they'll need a second form of verification to access your data. Azure also has advanced threat detection capabilities to identify suspicious activities and enforce conditional access policies allowing you to create specific rules for who can access your desktops, from where and at what time.
Desktop as a Service is not just a tool for remote access and flexibility; it's a powerful ally in the fight against cyber threats. With Microsoft and Sentrian centralising security management, enhancing data protection, simplifying compliance, automating updates, and bolstering authentication, Azure Virtual Desktop can significantly increase the cybersecurity of your business. Remember, in the digital world, staying secure is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Get in touch with us for a chat about how we can help you deploy a Virtual Desktop solution, quickly, easily and without spending the earth.
If you would like to learn more, take a look at our Virtual Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solution that can be tailored to your business needs or get in touch with one of our experts today.
