In this day and age, when a cyber-attack happens roughly every 40 seconds, no industry is safe from threats. Every organization, regardless of what it does, faces some level of risk.

That said, some industries are targeted far more than others. Healthcare, unfortunately, is near the top of that list. First, let us explain why that’s the case. Later, we’ll discuss what healthcare facilities and institutions can do to better protect themselves against hacking attempts.

Why the healthcare industry is particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks

The key reason why healthcare is often targeted by cybercriminals is that it deals with highly valuable data. To provide their services, healthcare companies must store and manage large volumes of electronic health records, sensitive patient information, and other confidential files. We’re talking ID documents, Social Security numbers, medical histories, insurance papers, and more. All of those, as you can guess, are highly sought after on the dark web.

And that’s only part of the problem. We also need to consider that many healthcare organizations still rely on outdated computer systems and legacy infrastructure. Yesterday’s technologies simply can’t keep up with today’s cybersecurity threats—and attackers know this all too well.

Add to that the growing number of connected devices used in hospitals and clinics—many of which lack proper security—and you get a large attack surface. In this scenario, every device creates a potential risk that cybercriminals can exploit to break into the system.

The consequences of cyber-attacks for healthcare organizations

Let’s start with this: if sensitive data—personally identifying information, electronic health records, insurance details, and so on—gets leaked, the consequences can be far-reaching. For instance, attackers can use it to file fake insurance claims. They might also get prescription drugs illegally. In some cases, they could even blackmail patients or medical institutions to keep medical records private.

Of course, the impact of the breach on an organization can be profound. It can lead to severe financial losses and big damage to its reputation. Regular and potential customers may lose trust and run off to competitors.

And if you think incidents like this are probably rare, we hate to tell you otherwise. Cyber-attacks on healthcare companies have been on the rise over the last few years.

In 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that the average number of healthcare breaches was two per day. That’s millions of medical records compromised each year. This explains why healthcare organizations cannot afford to rely on half-measures when it comes to cybersecurity.

How to defend against cyber-attacks in healthcare

Just because the healthcare industry is a frequent target for cybercriminals doesn’t mean organizations in this sector should feel helpless. There are plenty of effective strategies and solutions available. If you’re part of this sector, here’s how you can improve your defenses:

Control who has access to electronic medical records

One way to boost healthcare cybersecurity is by adopting the Zero Trust model. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “Never trust, always verify”—that’s what it’s all about. It means you double-check everyone’s identity every time they need to access sensitive resources, even if you’re 100% sure they work at your company. It may sound strict, but it’s one of the best methods to stop unauthorized access.

Also, just because someone is part of the team doesn’t mean they should have unlimited access to all sensitive information. You want to make sure people only access the apps and data they actually need, based on their role and responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to set up proper access permissions for each user in your organization.

Tools like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions can help you put this framework into practice. They let you set up proper identity checks and control access effectively, so employees only reach what they need for their work—and nothing more.

And one more thing. While focusing on digital access, remember to also control physical access to areas where servers and patient records are stored. Limiting this access helps prevent damage to equipment and data theft.

Divide your network into smaller parts

Speaking of controlling access to resources, you can take that concept further by breaking up your company’s network into smaller elements called “segments.” This process is called network segmentation. Basically, by using firewalls, gateways, and internet protocols, you create separate areas of the network for specific user groups to operate in—without giving them access to the other parts.

How does this help? For one, if a security incident occurs, it will be contained within that one particular segment. This means it won’t spread across the entire network. This not only helps you identify and resolve the issue faster but also protects the rest of your IT environment.

Use encryption to protect all patient records

When you encrypt sensitive information like medical research and patient records, you ensure that even if someone gets hold of this data, it will appear as a scrambled mess when they try to open it. All the information stays unreadable until the correct decryption key is provided.

Encryption is especially useful when you’re sharing sensitive information online, particularly between remote sites or workers. To keep data secure in transit, end-to-end encryption is often used. This means the data is encrypted right on the sender’s device and stays encrypted until it reaches the intended recipient, where it’s decrypted.

Because the data remains encrypted throughout its entire journey, even if someone intercepts it while it passes from point A to point B, they won’t be able to read or misuse it. Just remember that this protection requires using strong algorithms like AES-256 or XChaCha20 for encrypting your data—some weaker ones can still be cracked with modern hacking tools.

Get everyone to use only strong passwords

No matter how much you invest in healthcare cybersecurity, all that effort can go to waste if employees are using weak passwords. Verizon reports that web attacks happen mostly due to stolen credentials (77%) and easily guessable passwords (21%). That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone on every team uses strong, hard-to-guess credentials.

To make this happen, you can use an advanced business password manager that allows you to enforce a strong password policy. Plus, it can help employees easily create, manage, and securely store strong passwords for all their work accounts. This way, they won’t have to struggle with coming up with long, random strings of characters or keep passwords written down in notebooks.

Add more protection layers to your online accounts

Considering how advanced threat actors’ methods have become for cracking passwords, one thing’s for sure—passwords alone might not be enough to keep work accounts safe. That’s why it’s important to add extra layers of security, like multi-factor authentication (MFA).

By implementing MFA, you require users to prove their identity with something beyond a password. This can be a code sent to their phone or a biometric scan. Access is granted only after that second step is verified. That way, even if someone does get hold of an employee’s password, they still won’t be able to break into their account.

Educate your employees

You can’t expect your team to follow security rules if you don’t explain why those rules exist in the first place.

That’s why investing in cybersecurity training is essential. In these sessions, the team should learn the basics of cyber threats and how to respond to attacks. For example, they should find out what a ransomware attack is, what types of information they can handle online, and what to do if they accidentally click on a phishing link.

By clearly explaining the threats, how they work, and how to avoid them, you greatly increase the chances that employees won’t make the human errors that can lead to security breaches. Also, if you need a knowledge base to refer to, you can check out our Cybersecurity Learning Centre. It covers everything from basic security frameworks to HIPAA compliance.

Update and monitor all software and devices regularly

Most of the software and hardware used in hospitals and clinics receive regular patches and updates, which are specifically designed to strengthen system and device security. With cyber-attacks becoming more and more sophisticated, staying on top of these updates is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect mobile devices and improve IoT security.

Outdated software can create major vulnerabilities and weaken your device posture security. That’s why it’s so important not to skip updates, not even one. It might not seem urgent at the time, but missing that update could leave your systems exposed when you least expect it.

It’s also crucial that you continuously monitor all devices and platforms within your IT infrastructure. Why? To stay aware of everything connected to your company’s network, ensure each one complies with your security policies, and quickly identify any unusual behavior before it leads to potential vulnerabilities.

With NordLayer, you’re covered on key cybersecurity fronts

NordLayer is a toggle-ready network security platform that checks all the right boxes—especially for healthcare organizations looking to strengthen their defenses. In fact, it delivers on many of the key cybersecurity practices we’ve covered in this article.

For starters, it offers a cutting-edge Business VPN to ensure your team can safely access your network from anywhere. But that’s just the beginning. NordLayer also allows you to segment your network and control who can access what, while monitoring user activity. What’s more, it enables you to apply Zero Trust principles, so every user’s identity is checked before each login. It also helps maintain strong device posture security by allowing you to keep tabs on all devices in your network. Throw in multi-factor authentication, DNS filtering, malware prevention, and strong encryption, and you’ve got a tool built for serious protection.

Bottom line? NordLayer is designed to be an all-in-one solution for many of the cybersecurity challenges healthcare companies face. If you’re in the healthcare industry and want to learn more about our product, just contact our team. We’ll be happy to show you what NordLayer can do to protect your organization.

ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2: Which compliance standard is better for your organization? This question often comes up when companies need to prove they take data security seriously, especially in fast-growing or highly regulated industries.

Both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 offer trusted frameworks for protecting sensitive information, but they take different paths to get there.

SOC 2 specifies criteria for how companies should manage controls to protect customer data from unauthorized access, cybersecurity incidents, and other risks. ISO 27001 goes deeper, providing a framework for implementing an end-to-end security system that covers people, technologies, and processes.

Not sure which one fits your business best? You’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll compare ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2, how they differ, what they have in common, and how to choose the right security compliance standard for your organization.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a global standard for managing information security. Created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) outlines how to build a strong information security management system (ISMS). It addresses areas such as risk assessment, access control, and incident response.

The framework categorizes its controls into four key themes: organizational, people, operational, and technological. If your business handles customer data, ISO 27001 demonstrates that you have structured, reliable systems that help keep that information safe.

To get ISO 27001 certification, an accredited third-party auditor must confirm that you meet all the compliance requirements. This certification is a good fit for companies that want to build trust, meet regulatory expectations, and protect sensitive information.

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 stands for Systems and Organization Controls 2. It’s a security compliance standard created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to help companies keep customer data safer from data breaches, unauthorized access, and other cyber threats.

A SOC 2 report proves your company’s security measures are effective. It’s like a trust badge that shows you handle, process, and store customers’ data responsibly and securely.

Who benefits from a SOC 2 report?

• Cloud service providers
• SaaS companies
• Digital financial companies
• Healthcare organizations

If you’re in one of these industries, having SOC 2 compliance will give you a competitive edge.

ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2: Key differences

One big difference between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 is how compliance is verified. ISO 27001 gives you an official certification. Pass the requirements, and you’re certified—simple as that.

SOC 2 works a bit differently. You don’t get a certificate. Instead, an independent auditor writes a SOC 2 attestation report, giving their expert opinion on whether you meet the SOC 2 compliance criteria.

So, how do ISO 27001 and SOC 2 differ? Both certification and attestation involve a deep dive by an external auditor. Certification feels more formal, but in some industries, ISO 27001 carries more weight.

Here is a summary of the main differences between SOC 2 and ISO 27001:

Let’s take a closer look at ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2 to understand them better.

Compliance requirements

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 share quite a few security controls, but they don’t ask for the same level of implementation.

Both standards say you need to apply internal controls that are relevant to your business. But ISO 27001 tends to be stricter. You’ll need to meet more criteria and cover a broader set of controls to be fully ISO 27001 compliant.

SOC 2 is a bit more flexible. It’s based on five Trust Services Criteria—but only one (Security) is required in every SOC 2 report. The other four (Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy) are optional, depending on what your company does.

Location: Which standard do your customers expect?

Both SOC 2 attestation and ISO 27001 certification are respected in the security and technology world, but where you do business can influence which one you need.

If your clients are in North America, SOC 2 is usually the go-to. It’s the standard most U.S. and Canadian companies expect.

On the other hand, ISO 27001 is more common internationally. So if you’re working with customers in Europe, Asia, or other global markets, ISO 27001 is likely the better fit.

Timeline: How long does it take to get compliant?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 differ not only in what they ask of you but also in the amount of time it takes to complete.

So, if your organization needs to demonstrate compliance quickly, SOC 2 Type 1 offers a faster path. However, for clients who require long-term assurance of your security practices, SOC 2 Type 2 or ISO 27001 may provide the depth and credibility they expect.

Audit process: What to expect with ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2

Both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 follow a structured process. You’ll need to define your security goals, run a gap analysis, implement key controls, collect documentation, and set up a system for ongoing improvement.

The difference lies in who audits you.

• ISO 27001 requires an accredited certification body to certify your compliance.
• SOC 2 must be audited by a licensed CPA firm.

Renewal timelines also differ:

• SOC 2 Type 2 reports are valid for 12 months, typically renewed every year.
• ISO 27001 certificates last for three years, with annual surveillance audits and a full recertification audit in year three.

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 focus on core principles like data security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Both require organizations to implement strong security measures and undergo independent audits to prove it. In fact, there’s up to 80% overlap between the two frameworks, so working toward one puts you well on the way to meeting the other.

While neither is mandatory, getting certified or attested shows clients and partners that your data protection practices are trustworthy.

ISO 27001 and SOC 2: Which one is right for you?

Choosing between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 depends on your goals, clients, and the maturity of your current information security setup. Both standards help service organizations demonstrate strong, reliable security practices, and each is designed to meet different business needs.

When to choose ISO 27001

Go with ISO 27001 if you’re building an information security management system (ISMS) from the ground up. This standard is globally recognized, making it ideal if you work with international clients or want to show that your data protection measures meet global expectations.

• It’s a great fit for organizations looking for a structured, long-term approach to security.
• Stakeholders and partners often view ISO 27001 certification as a strong signal of trust.
• It’s more rigorous and requires more resources, but it builds a robust foundation.

When to choose SOC 2

SOC 2 is a better option if your organization already has an ISMS and wants to validate its controls. It’s especially relevant for service organizations that operate primarily in North America.

• SOC 2 offers more flexibility, letting you focus audits on specific Trust Services Criteria.
• It’s a lighter, faster, and often more cost-effective route for companies that want tailored insights into their information security practices.
• It’s a strong choice if you need to meet client demands without committing to global certification yet.

When to choose both

For some organizations, the best answer is both.

Use ISO 27001 to establish a robust, globally recognized information security management system. Once that’s in place, conduct regular SOC 2 audits to keep improving and get detailed feedback on how well your controls work.

Together, ISO 27001 and SOC 2 give you full-spectrum credibility, offering both the structured foundation and ongoing validation your clients expect, no matter where they are. It’s a smart move for growing companies that take data protection seriously and want to stay competitive in multiple markets.

Choosing between ISO 27001 and SOC 2 isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It really depends on your goals, resources, and where your clients are.

How NordLayer helps you stay ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliant

Whether you’re building an ISMS from scratch or fine-tuning existing controls, NordLayer supports your compliance journey. We have security solutions to meet both compliance standards.

• Access controls: Network Access Control (NAC) solutions like Cloud Firewall and Device Posture Security help manage access to sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access your network.
• Encryption: NordLayer encrypts traffic in transit using the AES-256 and ChaCha20 algorithms to help you meet the data security standards required by both frameworks.
• Secure access to data in the cloud: Whether you’re using AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Entra ID, we help secure your cloud environments with Site-to-Site network connectors and SaaS security solutions.
• Network visibility: With event logging, real-time monitoring, and device posture monitoring, NordLayer helps you monitor network access and maintain audit logs for up to 60 days.
• Threat prevention: NordLayer’s Threat prevention features help restrict access to untrusted websites and users, detect and stop malicious downloads, and prevent potentially harmful malware or other cyber threats from infecting your devices.

NordLayer is designed for modern, fast-growing organizations that want flexibility without sacrificing control. Whether you’re pursuing ISO 27001, SOC 2, or both, we support your compliance journey.

Contact our sales team to find out how NordLayer can help you achieve your goals.

ISO 2700 vs. SOC 2: Frequently Asked Questions

SOC 2 vs. ISO 27001: Which makes more sense for your business?

SOC 2 is great if you work mostly with U.S. clients and want a flexible audit. ISO 27001 is better for global businesses needing a structured security system. Pick the one that fits your goals, or go for both.

Can a company become ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliant at the same time?

Yes, it can. These two security standards share a lot, especially when it comes to information security controls and data protection. Combining the processes can save time, reduce duplicated effort, and give your business a stronger, more unified approach to service organization security.

When might ISO 27001 not be enough?

ISO 27001 may fall short if clients specifically require a SOC 2 report, or if you need detailed, customer-facing proof of control performance over time. In U.S. markets, SOC 2 often holds greater practical relevance.

How to achieve SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance?

Start by defining your security goals, conducting a gap analysis, and implementing required controls. For ISO 27001, work with an accredited certification body; for SOC 2, use a licensed CPA firm. Maintain continuous monitoring and documentation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Use it at your own risk and consult a licensed professional for legal matters. Content may not be up-to-date or applicable to your jurisdiction and is subject to change without notice.

If your business has multiple locations, you probably want them all to stay connected, right? You need information to flow smoothly between sites, without any hiccups. But it’s not like you can achieve that by just plugging in a few cables. It doesn’t work like that.

What you need is to set up—that is, digitally build—a robust and secure network that can connect multiple offices without ever putting your company’s data at risk. That’s where a VPN enters the scene. Let’s show you how you can use it to create a secure connection between your sites.

Why companies need to connect multiple offices securely

It doesn’t matter if your company connects just two offices or a dozen—once you’ve got one network linking multiple locations, someone might be looking for a way to get into one site and use it as a gateway to others.

That is, if your connection isn’t properly secured, cybercriminals could potentially break into your internal systems from any of the connected sites. Even if not, they might try to intercept sensitive data as it moves between locations. Either way, it could lead to stolen customer information, leaked intellectual property, or exposed communication like internal emails.

And that’s not all. A weak connection between company offices can open the door for malware or ransomware to spread. Just one compromised location can put your entire network at risk. That kind of breach can bring all your operations to a halt and cost you a lot of time and money.

Last but not least, there’s compliance. As you know, many industries have strict data privacy rules—like GDPR, HIPAA, and many others. So, if your office-to-office communication isn’t well protected, you could end up not being compliant with the regulations, which can lead to fines, legal issues, or damage to your reputation.

Most people think of a VPN—short for Virtual Private Network—as software that hides their device’s IP address and keeps their internet activity private. And that’s true—but VPNs can do more than that. For example, employees can use them to connect securely to their company’s internal network.

So, how does it work from the user’s perspective? This is done using a VPN client—an application that allows your device to connect securely to a VPN server. But instead of connecting to a public or random server, you’re connecting to your company’s own virtual private network.

Of course, that VPN server isn’t open to just anyone. The company must first give you access rights or configure your account to allow VPN access. Then, each time you try to log in, you’re verified, usually through authentication methods such as passwords, TOTP (time-based one-time password) codes, or magic links.

Once you’re authenticated, the VPN client and the company’s server create an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internal network. This allows you to safely access files, apps, and other internal systems—just as if you were in the office, connected to the company Wi-Fi.

Key benefits of using a VPN to connect multiple locations securely

We’d go as far as to say that once a business grows beyond a single headquarters, setting up office-to-office VPN connectivity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Why? Because it brings so many benefits to how teams work and collaborate that it becomes an operational necessity.

Here are a few key advantages of connecting your offices through a VPN:

• Secure data sharing: By creating encrypted VPN tunnels between your offices, you ensure that sensitive information remains protected during transfer from one location to another.
• Consistent access to company systems: Employees in different locations—including remote workers—can securely access shared systems, services, and data as if they were all working side by side.
• Reduced costs: Rather than paying for expensive dedicated connections between offices, a VPN allows you to safely use the public internet at a fraction of the cost.
• Improved access management: When you connect multiple offices with a VPN, your IT team can easily manage network resources, monitor activity, and enforce strict security policies—all from one central place.
• Controlled access: VPN gateways let you restrict which parts of the company network employees can access, making sure that everyone can only reach the resources they’re authorized to use.
• Better collaboration: When teams can share data easily and safely across locations, working together between offices just gets smoother and more productive.

Choosing the right VPN setup for your company

Decided to connect multiple offices with a VPN? Great! Now, the next step is figuring out how to set it up. There are two main options to consider: site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN.

Each of those meets different needs and works in different ways depending on your company’s size, structure, and how your teams connect to resources. So, the setup and management will look different based on which route you take. Because of that, it’s worth taking a little time to learn about both before making a decision. Here’s what you need to know.

Site-to-site VPN

Like its name suggests, Site-to-Site VPN is about connecting entire office networks that are in different physical locations.

The way it works is by using routers or firewalls at each office, which are set up as VPN gateways. These VPN gateways encrypt and decrypt data as it travels between offices. So, data is technically moving over the public internet, but it goes through a secure tunnel from start to finish, which keeps it protected while in transit.

Once configured, these site-to-site VPN tunnels are either always active or automatically turned on when needed. As a result, devices at each location can see and access each other’s resources as if they’re on the same local network—even though they’re actually miles apart.

Remote access VPN

Remote access VPN allows individual users to connect to your company’s private network from any location.

So, unlike a site-to-site VPN, which connects multiple office networks together, here each employee’s device uses a VPN client to log in and create an encrypted connection to the company’s VPN server. Once that connection is established, the user gains access to the company’s digital resources. However, administrators can—at any point—control exactly what the user can see and do by using access controls, network segmentation, firewalls, and other security tools.

As the name implies, this setup is best suited for remote work, where employees are spread out around the world but still need secure access to the same company systems, data, and tools to do their jobs effectively. This setup can also be used to connect employees from different offices, treating each office as a remote site.

Best practices for configuring office-to-office VPN

Setting up a secure connection between offices looks different for every company—after all, no two companies have the same number of offices, countries, devices, or systems. But there are a few key things every company should do when setting up this kind of connection, and they are:

• Properly configure all VPN gateways: Set up the right IP addresses, routing rules, and firewall permissions to make sure data travels securely between locations.
• Use strong encryption: Ensure data is encrypted while in transit using up-to-date algorithms like AES-256 or XChaCha20.
• Implement authentication methods: Use techniques like multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only trusted users and devices can connect.
• Monitor your VPN setup at all times: Watch out for unusual activity or connection problems to catch potential threats before they escalate.

How Nordlayer can help secure your company network

As you’d expect from a truly advanced network access security platform, NordLayer brings the best of both worlds with a secure access service edge (SASE) solution that enables the creation of a hybrid setup combining site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN.

That’s right! With NordLayer, you can create an encrypted connection between your branch offices (Site-to-Site VPN) while also making it possible for individual users to securely connect to your company’s private network (Business VPN)—simultaneously, with advanced access controls for each VPN connection.

With such flexibility, along with features like Always On VPN and support for Zero Trust policies, NordLayer makes it easy to connect multiple offices without compromising your team’s workflows.

Today, when you rarely see someone without a mobile device in hand, the line between personal and professional devices is blurrier than ever. From checking emails to joining video calls, employees increasingly expect the freedom to use their own devices—smartphones, tablets, and laptops—to access corporate resources. This Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend isn’t going away anytime soon, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work.

While a flexible device policy can boost productivity and employee satisfaction, it also introduces serious security and privacy challenges for organizations. Without proper controls, personal devices can become weak links, exposing companies to data leaks, malware, or unauthorized access.

That’s where structured guidance comes into play. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a framework for securing mobile device usage in enterprise settings. In this article, we’ll explore how NIST helps businesses implement robust BYOD security practices while still balancing the flexibility modern work demands.

What is NIST, and why does it matter for BYOD

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a U.S. government agency that develops standards to enhance innovation and security. For cybersecurity professionals, NIST is best known for its SP 800-series, a comprehensive library of documents that offer best practices and guidance on topics ranging from managing cyber risks to implementing Zero Trust architectures.

When it comes to device BYOD strategies, NIST SP 800-124 Revision 2 (Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices in the Enterprise) is especially relevant. This document provides specific recommendations for securing both corporate and personal devices that access organizational resources.

Why is this important? Because BYOD isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategic decision with significant security and privacy implications. Using recognized government security guidelines helps ensure your device policy is built on a solid foundation of proven, scalable practices.

Common BYOD risks in the workplace

Despite the benefits of BYOD—flexibility, cost savings, and improved user experience—it also exposes organizations to new vulnerabilities. According to research, improperly managed BYOD programs are a leading cause of corporate data breaches.

Some of the most pressing BYOD security risks include:

• Unsecured networks: Employees often connect to public Wi-Fi, putting sensitive data at risk
• Device loss or theft: Individual devices may lack encryption or remote wipe capabilities
• Lack of visibility: IT teams can’t monitor every device without an endpoint management strategy
• Malware exposure: Users might download malicious apps or fall victim to phishing schemes
• Shadow IT: Employees may install unauthorized apps that access business data

Without controls, BYOD can quickly turn into a security blind spot. That’s why following structured guidance is essential.

Securing BYOD the NIST way: Practical safeguards that work

The federal cybersecurity framework not only outlines the problems but also provides actionable solutions. Its recommendations help mitigate BYOD security risks using layered defenses tailored to mobile and personal device usage.

Here’s how to align your BYOD strategy with NIST SP 800-124 Rev. 2:

Device provisioning and onboarding

Before granting access, enroll personal devices into a secure environment. Provisioning includes verifying the device, applying configuration settings, and installing required security software. This baseline ensures devices meet your organization’s minimum standards before they connect to sensitive resources.

Access controls

Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) so users can only access what they need. Layer in multi-factor authentication (MFA) and contextual access policies based on user location, device health, or risk score. This helps limit exposure in case of compromise.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Use an MDM or endpoint management platform to maintain visibility and control. Features should include pushing security updates, enforcing policies, and the ability to remotely lock or wipe compromised or lost devices.

Data encryption and remote wipe

Ensure all data—in transit and at rest—is encrypted. In case of loss or theft, remote wipe capabilities help prevent data leaks from individual devices.

App vetting and restrictions

Use application allowlisting or vetting processes to control which apps can be installed. Block access to risky third-party tools or personal cloud storage solutions that may leak corporate data.

User training and awareness

Educate employees on security risks, phishing threats, and proper usage. Secure behavior is as critical as secure technology.

Continuous monitoring and threat detection

Implement real-time monitoring for suspicious activity and enforce compliance dynamically. Continuous risk assessment and monitoring allow you to respond quickly to emerging threats.

Enterprise browser

Consider using an enterprise browser—a managed, secure browser that offers isolation from local device risks. It provides a consistent security perimeter, especially in high-risk or unmanaged environments.

NIST-aligned best practices to strengthen your BYOD program

Let’s break down some of the above recommendations into best practices based on trusted security benchmarks:

1. Establish a clear BYOD policy

Before launching a BYOD initiative, create a policy that outlines acceptable use, privacy expectations, and security requirements. Employees should know what’s monitored, what’s protected, and what’s off-limits.

2. Segment network access

Create separate network segments for personal and corporate devices. Limit the blast radius in case of compromise by applying Zero Trust principles.

3. Mandate security configurations

Require security settings like screen locks, disk encryption, automatic updates, and antivirus or malware protection software. MDM tools can enforce these settings across devices.

4. Leverage enterprise identity solutions

Integrate identity providers (IdPs) and context-aware authentication to maintain control over who accesses what. Tie access to risk signals and real-time analysis.

5. Monitor device compliance

Regularly audit personally owned devices for compliance. If a device is jailbroken or out of date, automatically block it from accessing company resources.

Why NIST BYOD strategies just work

When you align your BYOD policies with NIST, you get more than just peace of mind. You build a security framework that scales, complies, and supports business growth.

Here’s what you gain:

• Stronger data protection: Encryption, MDM, and vetted apps minimize the chances of data breaches—even if a device is lost or stolen.
• Simplified compliance audits: If you’re in a regulated industry (HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS), NIST-aligned controls help you demonstrate proper security and privacy safeguards.
• Remote work enablement: Employees can work from anywhere without putting your infrastructure at risk. BYOD becomes an asset—not a liability.
• Lower security overhead: Standardizing on NIST controls reduces ad hoc fixes and cuts down on incidents and response times.

How NordLayer supports secure BYOD (and what’s coming next)

NordLayer is built to make modern work environments secure—even when employees use their own devices. Our platform helps organizations adopt BYOD without compromising visibility, control, or data security.

Here’s how we support your journey:

• Contextual access controls: Define who gets access, from where, and under what conditions—whether it’s a laptop or a smartphone.
• Network segmentation & traffic encryption: Isolate sensitive environments and secure connections using VPN tunnels and malware protection.
• Easy integration with MDM and identity platforms: NordLayer integrates seamlessly with your existing stack, making it easy to enforce security rules for individual devices.

And we’re not stopping there. Soon, we’re launching NordLayer’s Enterprise Browser, designed to extend your secure perimeter to unmanaged personal devices. It offers Zero-Trust-based session control, policy enforcement, and granular visibility into browser-based activity—all without compromising the end-user experience.

In summary, BYOD doesn’t have to mean “bring your own danger.” With NIST as your compass and tools like NordLayer in your stack, you can empower remote workers, protect your data, and build a future-proof security strategy.

Sorry to break it to you, but if you’re running a startup—even just a small one—you’re up against the same cyber threats as large enterprises. In fact, you might be at more risk than any of those big corporations. Why’s that? Because bad actors know most startups don’t have advanced security measures in place. And that makes them more attractive targets.

Studies show that 43% of cyberattacks focus on small businesses. And yes, most startups fall into that category—so you need to defend yourself. How do you do that? First, let’s discuss what cybersecurity challenges you’re up against, then help you find the right tools and strategies to protect your startup.

Key takeaways

• All startups face serious cybersecurity challenges like data breaches, ransomware, and phishing.
• Startups can improve cybersecurity by using tools like VPNs or ZTNA solutions, firewalls, and threat protection platforms.
• A small startup can boost its cybersecurity for around $2,000, using just the basic tools and strategies.
• NordLayer offers many top cybersecurity solutions in one product, letting startups focus on growth safely.

Why do cybercriminals target startups so much?

It’s pretty simple—cybercriminals assume startups don’t have the time, budget, or resources to build strong cybersecurity defenses. More often than not, they’re right. That’s why startups tend to be much more vulnerable than large enterprises, which usually invest heavily in the latest cybersecurity solutions like endpoint protection, threat detection, and intrusion prevention systems.

And then there’s the payoff. For bad actors, breaking into a startup’s systems can be like discovering a goldmine. Once they get inside, they might:

• Steal your ideas and try to sell them to your competitors
• Put your customer data for sale on the dark web
• Lock up your systems and demand a ransom to unlock them

All of this can earn them a lot of money while putting your funding at risk and slowing down your growth before you even get started.

To sum up, attackers see startups as easy targets with weak security, and they know there’s big money to be made when they successfully attack them.

Cyber threats all startups must face

Like we said in the beginning, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a small startup or a big corporation. In the end, you’re facing the same cybersecurity challenges. And unfortunately, there are many you need to watch out for. Let’s go over the biggest cyber threats you should be aware of.

Ransomware attacks

Okay, picture this: you go to work, open your laptop, and try to pick up where you left off, but… your files won’t open. You try a few times, but nothing works. Next, you get an email saying that if you want your files back, you’ll have to pay—and it won’t be cheap. That’s basically what a ransomware attack looks like: bad actors break into your system, encrypt your files, and demand a big payment to decrypt them.

Even if you decide to pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee that attackers will actually restore your access. And while you wait for them to do so, your startup could be dealing with production downtime, potential loss of intellectual property, exposure of sensitive customer data, or legal issues due to a lack of regulatory compliance. It’s really hard to find a silver lining in this scenario.

Data breaches

Probably one of the biggest nightmares for any business is finding out that its sensitive information has been compromised. Unfortunately, this happens more and more often, with the average cost of a data breach now being almost $5 million.

Therefore, your startup should be prepared for cybercriminals targeting your customer data, intellectual property, or any other sensitive information that could land you in trouble if leaked. Because if they pull it off, the results can be devastating. We’re talking stolen employee identities, costly legal fines for failing to comply with regulations, your operations coming to a grinding halt, and more.

Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are scams designed to trick people into giving away sensitive information, either personal or related to the company they work for. These attacks often come as fake emails, suspicious text messages, or websites that look like they come from a legitimate source.

Attackers often create a sense of urgency to pressure people into clicking a harmful link, downloading infected files, or entering their login details. If someone falls for it, threat actors can access company systems, steal valuable data, and use it to make money illegally.

Human error

Everyone makes mistakes. But when one mistake hurts the whole company, things get serious fast. Studies show that human error is behind a huge number of cyber-attacks. Some research even suggests that up to 95% of data breaches start with an employee’s mistake.

Sometimes, all it takes is one person clicking on a malicious link in an email they thought was legitimate—and suddenly, it’s a domino effect as system after system gets compromised.

Insider threats

Of course, security incidents caused by employees aren’t always accidental. There are situations where a person on the inside deliberately opens the door to cybercriminals—that’s what’s known as an insider threat.

Why would anyone do something like that? It could be for money, out of spite, or just to cause chaos. It’s like that quote from The Dark Knight: “Some people just want to watch the world burn.” The important part is that insiders can abuse their access rights to steal or leak sensitive data—or even sabotage your startup’s operations.

Weak passwords and credential stuffing

Studies show that people’s password habits are far from being great, with many using weak passwords like “123456” for both personal and work accounts. This suggests that your employees’ passwords might not be as strong as you think.

And it doesn’t stop there. A lot of people reuse passwords across different accounts. Why’s that a problem? Well, if one of their other accounts gets hacked and their credentials are compromised, cybercriminals might try using the same credentials to break into your startup’s systems (it’s called credential stuffing).

As you might guess, many people both use weak passwords and reuse them across accounts. And when that happens, it’s easy to see how your company could be walking a fine line between staying secure and facing a serious cybersecurity threat.

Best practices for improving cybersecurity for startups

Considering all the cyber threats, it can be tough to figure out reliable cybersecurity for startups. The good news? There are plenty of tools and strategies that even small businesses can use to protect themselves effectively. Here are a few things worth adding to your startup’s security game plan.

Adopt a Zero Trust strategy

“Never trust, always verify.” That’s the core idea behind the Zero Trust model. In simple terms, it means you shouldn’t assume anyone or anything trying to access your network is trustworthy—not even people who are part of your company.

Instead, every person and device must be thoroughly verified each time using strict user authentication and real-time network monitoring. Only then can you be sure no outsider sneaks into your digital environment.

Limit access to your applications

The technologies that help bring the Zero Trust model to life are called Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions. They help you control access to specific applications and services, isolating users from resources they don’t actually need.

Someone should only get access to specific apps after their identity, context, and compliance with policies have been carefully checked. This way, you lower the chances of unauthorized access and ensure the right employees can get to the right resources.

Implement a strong password policy

This one’s really simple—if you know that people use weak passwords at work, then you need to prevent that at your startup. There are security measures available today—like NordPass, for example—that allow you to create password policies that you can roll out across the entire company.

Once that’s set up, anyone trying to get away with a weak password will be automatically stopped. That simple step can make a big difference in keeping your startup’s passwords strong.

And if your team starts complaining about having to deal with long, complex passwords, you can get them to use a password manager to generate strong passwords and manage them with ease.

Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Strong passwords are a great start, but they’re not enough to keep your startup safe today. You need extra layers of protection on your business accounts. That way, even if your credentials leak, cybercriminals can’t access your digital systems.

One way to do this is by setting up MFA. This will require anyone trying to log in to provide additional proof of identity beyond just a password. It could be a code sent to their email, a time-based one-time password from an authenticator app, or even a biometric scan, like a fingerprint or face recognition.

Some methods are more secure than others, of course, but the point is simple: with MFA, entering a password is not enough for somebody to get in.

Use firewalls to protect your network

For those who don’t know what firewalls are, they’re cybersecurity solutions that monitor incoming and outgoing internet traffic in real time. Then, based on a preestablished set of rules, they decide what’s safe and what’s not. So, if something suspicious—or downright dangerous—shows up, they block it before it can infiltrate your network.

Additionally, you can use firewalls for network segmentation. That is breaking your company network into smaller blocks called “segments” and controlling how traffic flows between them.

So, for example, you can give certain employees access to just one part of the network, without exposing the rest of it. That way, if a threat slips through, it’s more likely to stay contained in that one area instead of spreading to other parts.

Create an incident response plan

What would you do if someone attacked your company? How would you stop the damage from spreading? Where would you even start fixing what’s already broken? These are the questions you need to answer before anything happens. That’s exactly what an incident response plan is for.

The key is having clear, step-by-step instructions so everyone in your company knows what to do during a cyber-attack. With an incident response plan in place, you can act quickly, minimize damage, and keep your team calm. After all, you don’t want them to panic and add to your troubles.

Update software regularly

Most of the tools and services your startup relies on receive regular updates and patches. These are often rolled out to fix security vulnerabilities and keep up with ever-evolving cyber threats.

For that reason alone, it’s essential that you keep all your systems and devices up to date. Skipping a single update might seem harmless, but it can easily open the door to attackers, so make sure you don’t let it slip by.

Educate your team

And then there’s the human side of things—you need to help your team understand why certain security measures matter, why they should use one app over another, and how a single phishing email can trigger a devastating chain of events.

By investing in cybersecurity training, you can clear up confusion, get everyone aligned, and underscore how one serious incident could put the entire business—and everyone’s jobs—at risk.

How much does it cost to improve a startup’s cybersecurity?

The answer to questions like this is almost always: it depends. The cost of improving your cybersecurity can range from as little as $500 to well over $100,000 per month. “That’s quite a stretch,” you might say—so let’s unpack this a little bit.

Your startup’s size, industry, goals, and business needs all play a role in determining the necessary cybersecurity for startups. Startups running global operations usually invest those large sums of money. They do so to meet multiple compliance frameworks, manage vast amounts of business and customer data, and integrate a wide range of third-party platforms and services. At that level, cybersecurity typically requires a significant investment—at least $30,000 per month, but usually more.

That’s because it often involves a wide array of cybersecurity solutions—from advanced network access controls and threat detection tools, to cyber insurance and endpoint protection services, all the way to penetration testing and custom security audits (which can cost from $15,000 to $25,000).

What would be the cost for a small startup?

If you’re just starting out, you can probably get by with a more basic cybersecurity setup. That would typically consist of antivirus software, a firewall, basic access controls, a password manager, and multi-factor authentication tools.

With all this, and a limited number of licenses, you can likely keep costs under $2,000 a month—or even less, depending on your tools and team size. However, the rule of thumb is that startups should allocate around 5.6% to 20% of their IT budget to cybersecurity programs.

What can NordLayer do to help protect your startup?

NordLayer simplifies cybersecurity for startups by combining several network protection tools into one accessible platform.

With just NordLayer in your setup, your startup can easily follow many of the best practices we’ve discussed in this article, like enforcing Zero Trust, using MFA, segmenting your network, and setting up firewall protection.

From ZTNA-based access controls and a business-grade VPN to threat protection and threat intelligence, NordLayer delivers enterprise-level security to startups at an affordable price—all without the unnecessary complexity, steep learning curve, or heavy IT overhead.

So, if you want your startup to have security measures that can help protect it from many cyber threats, you can get NordLayer and have more time and energy for what we all know you’d rather focus on—your company’s growth.