End-user security awareness training is crucial for teaching employees about cyber threats. These include phishing attacks and the importance of password security. The need for this education is on the rise. There has been a 29% increase in cyber attacks in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023.

Training methods vary, including interactive webinars, gamified modules, and simulated phishing exercises. Each method is suitable for different organizational needs. This guide will discuss what security awareness training involves. It will also cover why it’s necessary and how IT admins can implement it effectively.

What is end-user security?

End-user security involves measures and practices to protect an individual’s computer, data, and network access. It guards against cyber threats and unauthorized access attempts. This security includes password security, antivirus software, and firewalls.

End-user security specifically targets risks arising from human error and individual behaviors. These can lead to security breaches. Unlike network security, application security, information security, and operational security, end-user security focuses on the human factor. This is often the weakest link in corporate security.

The need for end-user security

The need for end-user security is quite obvious and naturally fundamental. Any business that relies on digital resources must prioritize it regardless of size or industry. Implementing security awareness training helps prevent unauthorized access. This access could lead to data breaches, which are costly and damaging to a company’s reputation.

Without end-user security, businesses are more vulnerable to malware and social engineering tactics. While it is impossible to completely protect end users from a social engineering attack, conducting effective security awareness training programs can greatly reduce these risks. These threats often target end users who may not be aware of the sophisticated methods used by cybercriminals.

Organizations without training may see a 30% increase in malicious link clicks. The cost of implementing strong end-user security measures is usually less than the losses from a cyber-attack.

Common threats that end users are facing

End users often represent the front line in cybersecurity, yet they are also the primary targets for many cyber threats. This vulnerability can expose entire networks to significant risks if organizations don’t manage it properly. Here’s a breakdown of the common threats that end users encounter.

• Social engineering: tactics that manipulate users into providing confidential information or making security mistakes. It’s a significant threat because it relies on human error, which can never be eliminated.

• Phishing attacks: deceptive emails or messages that trick users into revealing sensitive information. It’s the most widespread form of social engineering.

• Malware: malicious software that an attacker installs on a user’s device without their knowledge. It can steal data, spy on activities, or gain unauthorized access to networks. It can silently cause widespread damage to an organization or the whole supply chain.

• Ransomware: a type of malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom to restore access. Ransomware attacks often lead to significant financial losses and operational downtime. In 2023, the average cost of each ransomware attack was over $5 million. In total, businesses paid more than $1 billion in ransoms in 2023 for the first time, and experts predict that 2024 will present even greater challenges.

• Zero-day exploits target unknown software vulnerabilities before fixes are available. End users often suffer from these exploits, as they frequently use vulnerable software. For example, the WannaCry ransomware exploited unpatched Windows systems, impacting users worldwide. Regular updates and patches are crucial for protecting end users.

• Password attacks: attempts to crack or steal passwords to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. They can lead to breaches of multiple accounts if users reuse passwords.

• Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks are when attackers intercept and possibly alter the communication between two parties. MitM attacks also can lead to data theft.

• Wi-Fi eavesdropping: intercepting and monitoring data transmitted over poorly secured Wi-Fi networks. This type of attack is serious because it can lead to data breaches of sensitive personal and business information.

• Drive-by downloads: unintentional download of malicious software to a device, which often occurs when visiting an infected website. The seriousness of these threats lies in their stealth and the ease with which they can infect a system.

• USB attacks deliver malware through USB devices. These attacks bypass network security and affect the physical security of systems.

Various cyber threats target end users in different ways. However, social engineering is the most common threat. It affects nearly everyone at some point. Complex threats like zero-day exploits happen less often than phishing attacks.

End-user security might not fully prevent sophisticated zero-day exploits. Fortunately, these are rarer than phishing attacks. So, organizations can enhance their security by focusing on phishing awareness training. This significantly strengthens their defense against the most prevalent cyber threats.

Why you need security awareness for your business

The short answer is: you don’t want a devastating cyber attack on your business. Such an attack could cost a huge amount of money or even ruin the business. But let’s break this down into several parts.

Minimize financial risks

Phishing campaigns are the starting point for about 90% of cybersecurity attacks. These lead to data breaches. These incidents can be extremely costly, and the average cost of data breaches is growing every year. The tools for cyber-attacks are also becoming less expensive. A well-structured security awareness training equips employees with the skills to identify and prevent such attacks. This can potentially save the company substantial sums in lost revenue and recovery costs.

Protect your company’s reputation

A single data breach can significantly damage your business’s reputation. This leads to a loss of customers and partners who value data security. For example, the case of 23andMe, which severely damaged its reputation after exposing the DNA data of its customers, underscores the risks. It remains uncertain whether the company will fully recover.

By integrating a comprehensive security awareness program, your business is committed to data protection. This can help maintain customer trust and business relationships.

Comply with regulations

Many industries face strict data protection regulations that charge significant fines for non-compliance. A proper security awareness training program teaches employees to handle sensitive information. This helps them comply with regulations and avoid costly legal issues. It includes finding new partners that value robust cybersecurity like ZTNA.

Reduce human error

Most security breaches come from human error. Implementing ongoing security training can greatly reduce these risks. Programs should cover password security, mobile device safety, and phishing attack recognition. Employees also learn about identity and access management. They become cautious about the data they share.

Secure the supply chain

If your business is part of a supply chain, a breach can impact more than your company. It can affect larger, critical businesses and have unpredictable consequences. A robust security program prevents employees from becoming the weak link in the chain.

Security awareness training can save a lot of money and even your business. It prevents financial losses, protects your reputation, and ensures legal compliance. It also reduces human error risks and secures your supply chain role.

For IT administrators, investing in effective training enhances business security and stability. This investment pays dividends by safeguarding against evolving threats.

How to implement end-user security awareness training

Implementing end-user security training is straightforward but needs careful planning and updates.

Here are the key steps:

1. Assess risks. Start by identifying the specific threats your organization faces. These include phishing attacks, malware, or data breaches. Determine which data types and behaviors are most at risk. A SaaS cloud company might be vulnerable to customer data breaches. A manufacturing firm might be exposed through third-party vendors. List the most at-risk data and common compromise methods like social engineering.

2. Define objectives. Clearly outline the goals of your security awareness training program. Instead of the generic ‘be safe online,’ specify the behaviors and skills employees need to develop. If your company faces diverse cybersecurity attacks, goals might include recognizing signs of a phishing attack and managing password security and access securely. This approach ensures that the security training is focused and measurable.

3. Choose the right approach. Select training materials and platforms that suit the learning styles and technological skills of your workforce. An interactive quiz with real-life scenarios is often a good choice because it is gamified and relatable. If your team prefers traditional methods, like reading printed materials in Times New Roman on A4 paper, opt for that approach. Choose tools that ensure information is not only presented but retained.

4. Develop a training schedule. Establish a regular training schedule to maintain ongoing security awareness. Start with mandatory cybersecurity awareness training for new hires, then incorporate monthly security tips via newsletters and weekly reminders on Slack. This helps keep remote employees engaged and aware of the latest cyber threats.

5. Incorporate engaging content. Use a variety of videos, real-life case studies, interactive quizzes, and gamified elements to make learning both engaging and memorable. This variety helps prevent the training from becoming just another checkbox exercise and enhances employee awareness.

6. Conduct phishing simulations. Challenge employees with simulated phishing attacks to provide practical experience identifying suspicious emails. For example, in the NordLayer office, QR codes occasionally appear that lead to a page warning against following unknown QR codes.

7. Measure training effectiveness. After training sessions, assess their effectiveness using quizzes, feedback forms, and by monitoring changes in employee behavior. This is crucial for understanding the training’s impact and identifying areas for improvement. Without this evaluation, programs might become outdated and ineffective.

8. Update and iterate. As cyber threats evolve, so must your training program. Regularly review and update the training content to include recent cyber incidents and emerging threats, ensuring the program remains relevant and effective.

Overall, this project requires a team, but the investment is worthwhile because it significantly reduces the likelihood of successful cyber-attacks. Remember, no organization is too small for an attack; it can happen even to those who have previously been attacked.

How can NordLayer help?

NordLayer does not offer cybersecurity training but enhances security through robust network protection. After implementing your security awareness program and educating employees, consider the next step of securing your network. NordLayer specializes in network protection solutions, crucial for controlling who can gain access to sensitive areas. This is particularly beneficial for teams that are working remotely, ensuring that computer security is maintained across all connections.

NordLayer also helps IT admins achieve cybersecurity frameworks like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), complementing your employee awareness efforts. With plans starting at $7 per user per month, NordLayer offers an affordable way to bolster your security posture. For guidance on the best plan for your needs, please contact our sales team.

Maintaining secure network connections is paramount when our lives merge with technology. However, striking an optimal balance between security and performance remains a complex task, especially in our fast-paced business environments.

At NordLayer, we understand this complexity, which is why we’re excited to introduce our VPN split tunneling feature—a cutting-edge solution that empowers organizations with granular control over their network traffic.

Split tunneling allows you to specify which traffic should traverse the secure VPN tunnel and which can access the internet directly. By “splitting” the traffic based on user-defined rules, you can tailor your network security approach to meet your organization’s unique needs.

Our VPN split tunneling functionality offers a tailored approach to traffic management, enabling you to selectively encrypt and route specific data streams while maintaining optimal speeds for non-sensitive traffic. This innovative feature provides a fresh approach to network security, paving the way for enhanced productivity, flexibility, and peace of mind.

How does VPN split tunneling work?

Traditional VPN connections route all internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, providing robust security but potentially impacting performance for certain applications or services. VPN split tunneling breaks free from this one-size-fits-all approach by enabling you to specify which traffic should traverse the secure VPN tunnel and which can access the internet directly.

The process is remarkably straightforward: IT administrators define rules based on IP addresses, subnets, domain names, or even specific applications. By tailoring the rules to the organization’s needs, they can determine which network resources require the added protection of encrypted tunneling. This granular control ensures that mission-critical data associated with specific applications remains secure while other traffic, such as regular web browsing, flows uninterrupted. This optimization of network performance reduces potential bottlenecks, enhancing the user’s experience.

VPN split tunneling with NordLayer

At NordLayer, we’ve made it our mission to simplify the implementation of advanced networking solutions. Our VPN split tunneling feature easily integrates with our existing suite of products, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience.

To harness the power of VPN split tunneling, simply navigate to the “Network” section of the NordLayer Control Panel, select the desired server, and configure the split tunneling settings. Here, you can input the specific IP addresses or subnets you wish to route through our secure VPN servers, ensuring that only designated traffic utilizes the encrypted tunnel.

You also have the option to enable URL-based split tunneling directly from the Control Panel. Go to “Settings” and choose “Browser Extension Settings” to add specific domains you want to exclude from the encrypted VPN tunnel. This allows certain internet traffic to bypass encryption for optimized performance while maintaining security for other resources.

With our Core and Premium subscription plans, you gain access to this feature, unlocking new realms of network control and optimization. Premium subscribers can further leverage the Site-to-Site and Cloud Firewall capability, allowing secure access to private network subnets through the NordLayer gateway.

Differences between URL-based and IP-based split tunneling

While VPN split tunneling is not a novel concept, NordLayer’s implementation stands apart, offering a flexible split tunneling solution with both URL-based and IP-based filtering options. This dual approach addresses the needs of modern organizations by allowing customized network security configurations.

URL-based split tunneling

URL-based split tunneling for the Browser Extension allows you to create exceptions by excluding specific domains from the encrypted VPN tunnel. This method is ideal for scenarios where you want to bypass VPN encryption for certain domains to optimize the internet performance while keeping the security for organizational resources.

IP-based split tunneling

On the other hand, IP-based split tunneling, our newly released feature for desktop and mobile apps, takes a more targeted approach. Instead of excluding domains, it allows you to include specific IP addresses or subnets for encryption through the NordLayer VPN tunnel. It provides less sensitive web browsing traffic to bypass encryption while keeping the protective layer on through the use of NordLayer’s Secure Internet Access features, such as DNS Filtering by Category and ThreatBlock.

This granular control enables you to pinpoint the exact network resources that require the heightened security of encrypted tunneling, while all other traffic traverses the internet directly.

Together, these two methods create NordLayer’s comprehensive VPN split tunneling feature, providing unprecedented flexibility in tailoring your organization’s network security posture. By combining URL-based and IP-based split tunneling, NordLayer enables you to customize your network security posture according to your organization’s specific needs and use cases.

Benefits of VPN split tunneling

The advantages of implementing NordLayer’s VPN split tunneling are multifaceted, catering to the diverse needs of IT administrators, end-users, and the organization as a whole.

• Selective encryption for resource access: By encrypting only the traffic destined for specific resources, IT administrators maintain optimal performance for non-sensitive data streams, ensuring critical resources remain secure

• Increased flexibility for network access security: IT admins can choose whom to grant access to specific resources

• Better VPN and internet performance: VPN split tunneling helps when users experience latency or disruptions by optimizing traffic flows

• Optimized bandwidth usage: Some traffic bypasses the corporate network, reducing VPN congestion and improving overall performance

• Enabling access to restricted sites: Certain websites like financial services or government portals may block VPN connections, but VPN split tunneling allows making exceptions while keeping other traffic secure

For IT administrators

Enhanced control over network traffic allows tailored routing policies based on organizational priorities. Additionally, streamlined management from the Control Panel provides the flexibility to configure the feature to suit the organization’s unique requirements.

For end-users

Improved productivity stems from encrypting only selected sensitive traffic, reducing potential latency and performance bottlenecks. VPN split tunneling also increases flexibility and freedom to access organizational resources or specific domains or applications without compromising speed or user experience.

For organizations

Optimized network efficiency results from selectively routing traffic through the VPN tunnel, reducing congestion and optimizing bandwidth usage. Furthermore, elevated security and risk mitigation are attained by directing critical internal systems through a VPN while allowing web browsing traffic to bypass encryption.

Should you use NordLayer’s VPN split tunneling?

The answer to this question lies in your organization’s specific needs and priorities. If you’re seeking a solution that strikes the perfect balance between robust security measures and uninterrupted performance, NordLayer’s VPN split tunneling is an invaluable asset.

This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, where employees require seamless access to both corporate resources and the open internet. By selectively encrypting traffic to internal systems and applications, you can maintain a high level of security without sacrificing productivity or user experience.

Additionally, VPN split tunneling can be a game-changer for businesses operating in regulated industries or those with strict compliance requirements. By granularly controlling the flow of sensitive data, you can ensure adherence to industry-specific regulations while optimizing network performance.

Take control of your network traffic with NordLayer

In the realm of cybersecurity, where threats evolve and network demands surge, mastering the delicate balance between security and performance becomes paramount. NordLayer’s VPN split tunneling feature empowers organizations to take control of their network traffic, ensuring sensitive data remains secure while maintaining optimal speeds for non-sensitive activities.

Embrace the power of VPN split tunneling and experience a new level of network control, flexibility, and peace of mind. Don’t settle for compromise—choose NordLayer’s VPN split tunneling to level up your network security and performance. Reach out to our team and discover how this innovative solution can transform the way you approach network management.

Together, let’s redefine what’s possible in the world of secure networking.

As cyber threats grow more advanced and frequent, protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure remote access are top priorities. Reports show that cyber-attacks are increasing in complexity and number, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

IT administrators face challenges such as budget constraints, the need for easy-to-use solutions, scalable systems, and reliable customer support. To address these issues, many companies offer solutions that replace or improve traditional VPNs with more secure options.

This article compares various remote access solutions, highlighting their features, strengths, and drawbacks, with a focus on ease of use, scalability, and customer satisfaction.

Disclaimer: This article is based on third-party reviews and open-source online information accessed between June 6 and 10, 2024. NordLayer is not responsible for data accuracy, as competitor information is subject to change. The competitor information was gathered through manual research, including feature comparisons and product analysis.

Twingate overview

Twingate is a remote access solution that focuses on a Zero Trust model. It allows organizations to secure access to private apps, sensitive data, and environments both on-premise and in the cloud. Twingate aims to replace traditional VPNs with a simpler and more secure alternative that fits today’s work-from-anywhere needs.

Twingate capabilities

1. Provides Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) tools to authenticate every user and device before granting network access.

2. Supports clients on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

3. Connects up to 100 local networks, depending on the plan.

Strengths of Twingate

1. Offers ease of use through a simple setup.

2. Ensures security by providing encrypted user access.

3. Provides flexibility by allowing detailed control over access management and network routes.

Limitations of Twingate

1. Needs better organization and more features in the admin interface for improved usability.

2. Offers a limited set of features and integrations that may not meet advanced needs.

3. Lower plans lack support; only enterprise offers priority.

4. Focuses on ZTNA; may not cover long-term, complex needs.

5. Full tunnel support is still under development, which may limit functionality.

6. Does not offer separate VPN subnets.

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from VPN review sites such as Gartner, Capterra, and G2, along with user feedback from Reddit and TrustRadius, accessed on June 6, 2024.

Now, let’s look at Twingate alternatives.

1. NordLayer

Overview of NordLayer

NordLayer is a network protection tool developed by Nord Security, the creators of NordVPN. It helps businesses work safely and flexibly by using Secure Service Edge (SSE) and Zero-Trust frameworks. It integrates with Azure AD, Okta, Google Cloud, OneLogin, and Amazon AWS.

NordLayer capabilities

NordLayer secures network connections for businesses. It creates safe connections to the internet, company networks, and cloud resources, supporting compliance and flexible working.

1. Zero Trust Network Access. Provides secure access by verifying each user and device.

2. Secure internet access. Protects employees who travel by securing remote access through public Wi-Fi. It blocks threats, allows geo-specific content, and ensures privacy.

3. Network and resource access management. Manages access to company resources, connects remote devices, and supports hybrid resources.

4. Achieving compliance. Monitors VPN activity, manages user access and encrypts data from untrusted networks.

5. Integration with identity providers. Works seamlessly with existing identity provider systems.

6. Scalability. Supports unlimited users and adapts to different business needs.

Strengths of NordLayer

The NordLayer website states that the solution is easy to use, offers powerful security features, and works efficiently.

1. Modern network security. Developed with NordVPN’s standards for today’s businesses.

2. Easy integration. Installs quickly with existing systems without extra hardware, and scales easily.

3. Robust SSE framework. Combines ZTNA, SWG, and FWaaS into a powerful cloud-native service.

4. High server speeds. Provides strong connections with fast loading speeds, up to 1Gbps.

5. Quantum-safe encryption. Uses AES-256 and Chacha20 technologies for top-level security.

6. Seamless integration. Works with identity providers like Google Workspace, Okta, Entra ID (Azure AD), JumpCloud, and OneLogin.

7. 24/7 support. Offers round-the-clock assistance and dedicated account management.

8. Unique technologies. Includes NordLynx, browser extension, and Smart Remote Access for efficiency.

9. Diverse VPN protocols. Supports OpenVPN (UDP & TCP) and NordLynx for various needs.

10. Money-back guarantee. Offers a 14-day money-back promise.

Uniqueness of NordLayer

NordLayer stands out with unique elements tailored to IT admins who prioritize ease of use and speed. Here’s what makes NordLayer different:

1. Browser extension. Secures web access easily.

2. NordLynx VPN protocol. Offers the fastest VPN protocol made by NordLayer.

3. ThreatBlock. Blocks malicious websites and threats.

Limitations of NordLayer

1. Lacks API access for custom integrations.

2. Does not integrate with SIEM solutions.

3. Requires a minimum purchase of 5 licenses.

NordLayer provides a comprehensive remote access solution with secure access and flexible network management. It is a strong competitor among Twingate alternatives for securing a remote workforce.

NordLayer reviews

NordLayer receives positive reviews for its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities like Cloud Firewall (FWaaS).

NordLayer is rated 4 out of 5 on TechRadar, 4.5 out of 5 on Gartner, which is the most authoritative source for technology reviews and insights, and 4.3 out of 5 on G2, a popular platform for user reviews and ratings of software products.

NordLayer pricing

NordLayer offers several pricing plans. All plans support server speeds up to 1 Gbps, Shared Gateway locations in over 30 countries, and automatic user logout after a set time. Features like ThreatBlock,  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Always On VPN, and Single Sign-On (SSO) are also available for all plans. You can choose from VPN protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN (UDP), and OpenVPN (TCP). There is also a 60% discount for nonprofit organizations.

NordLayer requires at least 5 users per organization.

2. Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81)

Overview of Harmony SASE

Harmony SASE aims to simplify secure network, cloud, and application access for today’s mobile workforce. Its mission is to transform traditional network security into a unified approach based on the SASE framework.

Harmony SASE capabilities

Harmony SASE provides a variety of capabilities that are important for modern network security and access.

1. Easy setup and configuration

2. Reliable customer support

3. Solid performance and speed

4. Comprehensive access auditing

Strengths of Harmony SASE

Customers value Harmony SASE for its user-friendly nature.

1. Simple and adaptable solution

2. Quick deployment

Limitations of Harmony SASE

Users have expressed concerns about various limitations of Harmony SASE.

1. Premium feature availability

2. Customer support data access

3. Limited country options

4. Higher cost

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information from VPN review sites such as Gartner, Capterra, and Cybernews, along with customer feedback on these platforms, accessed on June 10, 2024.

3. Tailscale

Overview of Tailscale

Tailscale is a modern VPN service that creates secure private networks using the open-source WireGuard protocol. It forms a distributed mesh network, allowing direct communication between devices.

Tailscale capabilities

Tailscale’s main feature is its mesh network, which allows direct communication between devices.

1. Mesh network for direct communication between devices

2. Lightweight encrypted connections created by WireGuard.

3. Magic DNS provides easy-to-remember domain names for devices in the network.

4. Access control lists (ACLs) centralize policy management

Strengths of Tailscale

Customers find Tailscale to be a user-friendly solution that offers several benefits.

1. Ease of use

2. Scalability

3. Cost-effective options

Limitations of Tailscale

Users have expressed concerns about issues such as data safety and the Tailscale feature set.

1. Privacy concerns arise because it logs certain device metadata and is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country.

2. Limited global reach lacks a global network of servers for geo-unblocking content.

3. Dependency on third-party authentication requires external identity providers for authentication.

4. Lack of full VPN features includes missing features like public IP masking and comprehensive geo-unblocking.

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the Tailscale website; VPN review sites such as Capterra, TechRadar, and vpnMentor; along with user feedback from Reddit, accessed on June 6, 2024.

Choosing the right solution depends on your company’s size and needs. Each Twingate competitor offers different features and capabilities. NordLayer, Harmony SASE, and Tailscale provide secure access for a remote workforce, supporting Zero-Trust Network Access and robust security policies.

Evaluating these Twingate alternatives will help your business ensure secure access, support zero-trust principles, and maintain strong security policies for your remote workforce. Check out the Decision Maker’s Kit, a free tool from the NordLayer team, which helps you build a strategy for selecting the best solution for your organization and guides you through the process from start to finish.

CyberCare is a beacon of customer support and stands tall with its roots firmly planted in customer experience excellence. With offices in Lithuania and Ukraine, the company’s workforce of 400 employees embraces a hybrid model. CyberCare succeeds in a culture of quality and flexibility, serving millions worldwide.

Darius Dagys, Head of Business Development, pilots the organization’s journey of supporting diverse cybersecurity products by leading external partnerships and automation internally. Operating with client data and handling user requests, the company understands the importance of employing the right tools to make work and security effortless and efficient.

The challenge

On a mission to secure client data effectively

For CyberCare, the security of customer data is non-negotiable. As a company that prides itself on providing superior customer support, it became evident that an enhanced security framework was imperative.

The quest wasn’t sparked by a singular incident but by a continuous commitment to uphold the highest standards of data security and privacy.

CyberCare combines various technologies and solutions to achieve the best results. However, when they found themselves in need of a network security tool, the team looked for something to ease their daily tasks, maintenance, and configuration to integrate into the existing technology stack smoothly.

Simple integration and high-security standards led the lookout for a new tool. The challenge was unique as the customer support software vendor secured part of the client data. For complete protection, CyberCare needed to ensure that access to the network is secure from its side as well.

The solution

A simple and effective way to add another security layer

The pivot from previous VPN tools to NordLayer wasn’t a leap in the dark but a calculated step toward fortified security. NordLayer, with its robust VPN services, offered the perfect armor to shield the valuable data entrusted by clients.

Eliminating the complexity and creating shortcuts in user management and network controls streamlined the processes of the CyberCare security team.

The most important thing is that NordLayer complemented already existing tools in use, such as SSO integration and the customer support solution Zendesk.

Why choose NordLayer?

The choice was clear and devoid of lengthy deliberations. NordLayer promised simplicity, efficacy, and unwavering security.

It stood out as CyberCare needed to navigate cyberspace, ensuring data remains inviolable confidently.

One of the criteria for selecting NordLayer was its adherence to security standards. Aligning with compliance requirements gives a stronger foundation to a company like CyberCare to be sure all is well on all fronts.

Strategic integration of NordLayer and Zendesk to efficiently protect customer data

Who? Dual synergy

CyberCare employs both internal policies and external tools to manage sensitive data. They emphasize selecting partners like Zendesk, known for its commitment to security and ensuring compliance with the latest standards.

Why? Strategic alignment

Zendesk was chosen for its status as a leading CRM platform, ease of use, and significant investment in security. This partnership was based on the need for a CRM that matched CyberCare’s security requirements and business operations.

How? The process

CyberCare leverages NordLayer to ensure that the login process to Zendesk is encrypted and secure. With NordLayer, they assign fixed IPs, meaning Zendesk can be accessed securely via these IPs. This setup guarantees that both the traffic within Zendesk and the access to it are encrypted and safeguarded.

What? The usage

The integration is seamless for employees who log into Zendesk through NordLayer without navigating complex security measures. This not only simplifies the process but also enforces a high level of security by default.

The outcome

An intuitive tool you can forget about

The integration of NordLayer into CyberCare’s operations marked a new dawn. With NordLayer’s intuitive design and features like 2FA, SSO, and static IPs, CyberCare not only safeguarded its data but also streamlined access and management processes.

As for the tool implementation, NordLayer didn’t require long preparations and complicated setups. Simple, from start to finish, the deployment and solution adoption in the team was as smooth as it gets.

The simplicity of NordLayer’s VPN solution meant that employees could focus on their tasks without the distraction of complex security protocols.

Pro cybersecurity tips

Have you ever thought about your top cybersecurity hygiene actions you perform daily? It’s a good question to ask yourself for a self-check because maybe today is the day you start acting a bit more secure than yesterday.

If you don’t know where to start or want to compare your habits with other professionals, here are Darius Dagys, the Head of Business Development and AI at CyberCare, the top favorite tips everyone should consider.

In essence, the collaboration between NordLayer and Zendesk within CyberCare’s operations showcases a forward-thinking approach to data security, emphasizing ease of use without compromising on stringent security measures. This strategic choice not only aligns with their internal policies but also reinforces their commitment to protecting sensitive customer information.