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Here’s a look at what zero trust might look like for businesses in 2024.

Adoption of Zero Trust via Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)

One of the more innovative trends in zero trust architecture by 2024 could be the widespread adoption of remote browser isolation (RBI).

As web browsers remain a primary vector for cyber-attacks, businesses are likely to embrace RBI as a means to implement zero trust principles directly at the point of web access.

RBI technology isolates the browsing activity from the end user’s device and the company’s network, instead running it in a secure, remote environment. This means that any malicious content encountered during browsing is contained within this isolated environment and cannot reach the user’s device or the corporate network.

The adoption of RBI would signify a proactive step towards minimizing the surface area of attacks, particularly for businesses with a large remote workforce.

By integrating RBI within their Zero Trust framework in 2024, companies will not only secure their networks but also provide a safer, seamless web experience for their users, further reinforcing their overall cybersecurity posture in a landscape where web-based threats continue to evolve rapidly.

The remote browser isolation market is expected to witness a growth rate of over 40% between 2020 and 2026 (Global Market Insights, 2021).

This statistic suggests a growing recognition of RBI’s role in enhancing zero trust architectures, particularly in mitigating web-based threats.

Embracing a “never trust, always verify” philosophy

Zero Trust is founded on the principle of “never trust, always verify.”

In 2024, businesses will increasingly adopt this mindset, moving away from the traditional perimeter-based security models. This shift means that no user or device, whether inside or outside the network, is automatically trusted. Instead, each request for access is thoroughly vetted.

It’s projected that over 60% of enterprises will phase out their traditional VPNs in favor of zero trust network access, emphasizing the “never trust, always verify” principle (Gartner, 2022). This shift is driven by a growing understanding that perimeter-based security is no longer sufficient in the face of sophisticated cyber threats.

Enhanced identity and access management (IAM)

Identity and access management will become more sophisticated in 2024.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be the norm, not the exception, and businesses will employ more advanced methods like biometrics and behavioral analytics to verify identities. This enhanced IAM will be crucial in managing access to resources and ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.

The IAM market is expected to grow from $12.3 billion in 2020 to $24.1 billion by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate or CAGR of 14.4% (Markets and Markets, 2021). This growth underscores the increasing adoption of advanced IAM solutions like biometrics and behavioral analytics in zero trust architectures.

Micro-segmentation of networks

Businesses in 2024 will increasingly use micro-segmentation to split their networks into smaller, isolated zones. This approach limits lateral movement within the network, making it harder for attackers to access sensitive data, even if they penetrate the network’s outer defenses.

A study shows that micro-segmentation can reduce the cost of a data breach by up to 50% (Ponemon Institute, 2021). This statistic highlights the growing importance of micro-segmentation in enterprise security strategies, particularly in the context of zero trust.

AI and machine learning integration

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a significant role in zero trust frameworks by 2024. These technologies will help in continuously analyzing network patterns and user behavior to detect anomalies that might indicate a security threat, enabling quicker and more effective responses to potential breaches.

According to IDC, worldwide spending on AI is expected to pass $300 billion by 2026, with a significant portion of this investment aimed at enhancing cybersecurity (IDC, 2022).

This investment reflects the pivotal role AI and machine learning are playing in the evolution of zero trust security models.

Cloud security posture management (CSPM)

With businesses increasingly relying on cloud services, Cloud Security Posture Management will become an integral part of zero trust strategies.

CSPM tools will help businesses continuously monitor and manage their cloud security posture, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of misconfigurations and other common cloud-based vulnerabilities.

Gartner predicts that by 2027, 80% of vendors will offer cloud security posture management or CSPM as a feature of their cloud security platforms, as compared with 50% in 2022.

This trend is a clear indicator of the increasing relevance of CSPM in zero trust strategies, especially as businesses continue to migrate to cloud environments.

Comprehensive endpoint security

Endpoint security will evolve to be more comprehensive in 2024. Businesses will adopt advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that not only protect against known threats but also use behavioral analysis to detect unknown threats. This is especially important as the workforce becomes more mobile and remote.

The endpoint security market is forecasted to grow from $12.8 billion in 2019 to $18.4 billion by 2024, at a CAGR of 7.4% (Markets and Markets, 2020). This growth is a testament to the rising need for advanced endpoint security solutions, including EDR, in the context of zero trust.

Regulatory compliance and Zero Trust

As zero trust becomes more mainstream, it will likely be intertwined with regulatory compliance. In 2024, we might see regulations that specifically require certain zero trust measures, particularly in industries handling sensitive data like finance and healthcare.

A survey by Deloitte revealed that 47% of organizations see aligning cybersecurity with regulatory requirements as a top driver for cybersecurity strategy (Deloitte, 2023). As Zero Trust models become more mainstream, their integration with regulatory compliance is likely to become more pronounced.

Education and training

Finally, the human element will remain a critical component of zero trust in 2024. Businesses will invest more in educating their employees about cybersecurity best practices. Regular training and awareness programs will be key in preventing social engineering attacks and ensuring that employees understand their role in maintaining the security posture.

A report by Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that global spending on cybersecurity awareness training for employees is poised to reach $10 billion annually by 2027, up from around $1 billion in 2014 (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2023). This significant increase underscores the crucial role of human factors in the success of zero trust strategies.

The state of Zero Trust in 2024

In conclusion, in 2024 Zero Trust security will be a comprehensive, dynamic approach to security, integrating advanced technology, strict access controls, and ongoing education to protect against the ever-evolving threat landscape.

For businesses, this means a more resilient, proactive stance against cyber threats, protecting their data, reputation, and ultimately, their bottom line.

Each of these data points and predictions is rooted in current trends and expert analyses, providing a credible glimpse into what zero trust might look like for businesses in 2024 — and beyond.

Ready to start or continue your Zero Trust journey? Get your free trial of Parallels Secure Workspace now and start 2024 off on the right foot.

Managed Service Providers or MSPs play a pivotal role in delivering secure, flexible, and scalable IT services to their customers.

Serving as the backbone of IT operations, MSPs enable businesses to focus on their core activities while entrusting the complexities of IT management, remote access, and data security to skilled professionals using solutions like Parallels RAS. Get your free trial now!

Through their expertise, MSPs ensure their customers maintain seamless access to critical data and applications, enabling employees to work efficiently from anywhere while also playing crucial role in data backup and recovery services and safeguarding businesses against data loss due to unforeseen circumstances such as hardware failures, cyber-attacks, or natural disasters.

Traditionally, businesses relied solely on on-premises solutions for their IT needs. However, with the advent of cloud technology, MSPs have found innovative ways to blend on-premises with private and public cloud infrastructure, creating what is commonly known as a hybrid approach.

This strategy combines the best of both worlds, offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and efficiency.

Our recent survey into industry-leading IT professionals highlighted the various reasons for choosing a hybrid solution vary, with 49% of respondents citing its increased flexibility, 46% the improved security, 45% seeking cost savings, 44% needing increased reliability, and 40% looking for better scalability.

In this blog post, I’ll explore the benefits of MSPs utilizing both on-premises and cloud infrastructure to best serve their clients’ needs.

The flexibility of cloud infrastructure

Cloud infrastructure offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their operations:

Scalability

Cloud services allow MSPs to easily scale their resources up or down based on customer demand. With the cloud MSPs, can optimize their operations efficiently and allocate resources precisely where and when they are required, whether it’s accommodating a sudden surge in user demand or ensuring the seamless onboarding of new customers.

Cost-efficiency

Public cloud services operate on a pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the need for significant upfront investments.

Unlike traditional setups requiring substantial upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure, cloud services allow MSPs to pay monthly only for the resources their customers utilize.

Reduced infrastructure maintenance

Using public cloud services frees MSPs from the complexities of managing, updating, and maintaining physical servers.

Public cloud providers handle the entire spectrum of server management tasks, ensuring servers are always up-to-date, secure, and well-maintained.

The power of on-premises infrastructure

On-premises infrastructure refers to the traditional IT setup where hardware and networking components are housed within the organization’s premises.

While cloud technology has gained prominence, on-premises infrastructure still holds its ground due to several key advantages:

Tailored solutions and client specificity

One of the primary advantages of on-premises infrastructure is the ability to offer highly customized, client-specific solutions.

Businesses, especially those with unique operational requirements, often demand tailored IT environments that seamlessly align with their business needs. On-premises solutions allow MSPs to craft bespoke configurations, ensuring that these needs are met with precision.

Enhanced data control and security

Data security is paramount, on-premises infrastructure can provide a heightened level of control and security. Certain industries, such as finance and healthcare, operate under stringent regulatory frameworks, mandating the storage and processing of sensitive data on-premises.

By providing on-premises solutions, MSPs can empower their clients with a sense of ownership and direct control over their data. This level of security is invaluable, especially in sectors where data breaches can have severe consequences.

Cost-efficiency and long-term investments

Contrary to the perception that on-premises solutions are cost-prohibitive, they can be highly cost-effective in the long run. For businesses with stable, predictable workloads, investing in on-premises infrastructure can be financially prudent.

Access to legacy applications

The continued importance of legacy Windows and Linux applications poses a significant hurdle.

These applications can be integral to day-to-day operations, and they are often designed to run on on-premises infrastructure. Migrating them to a fully cloud environment can be complex, time-consuming, and costly. Rewriting or refactoring them for cloud compatibility requires a considerable investment of resources, time, and expertise.

In our survey of IT professionals, 49% claimed that they currently need legacy Windows and Linux applications and will continue to need them in the next five years, so solutions (including the hybrid cloud) that enable access to legacy apps will continue to be necessary for the near future.

The hybrid approach: the best of both worlds

MSPs recognize the unique advantages offered by both on-premises and cloud infrastructure. By blending these two environments, MSPs can offer tailored solutions that meet the needs of their customers to navigate the complexities of modern IT landscapes, delivering flexibility, resilience, cost optimization, compliance, and security.

During this year’s Canalys Forum it was quoted that “46% of EMEA partners see some public cloud workloads moving to on-premises/edge.”

Here are just some of the reasons why a hybrid approach is gaining traction:

Cost optimization

Cost considerations play a pivotal role in any technology adoption strategy. By combining on-premises and multi-cloud solutions, businesses and MSPs can optimize expenses. They can utilize on-premises infrastructure for workloads with consistent demand and predictable usage, while using the cost-effective scalability of the cloud to handle peak periods or temporary resource needs.

Flexibility

MSPs can design hybrid solutions that allow businesses to scale seamlessly.

Whether accommodating growth or adjusting to fluctuations. MSPs can scale solutions up or down, optimizing costs for themselves and their customers alike.

Critical workloads can remain on-premises, ensuring data control, while non-sensitive tasks can leverage the cloud’s scalability.

Compliance and security

For businesses operating in regulated industries, a hybrid approach allows them to maintain compliance by keeping sensitive data on-premises, while benefiting from the cloud’s enhanced security features for non-sensitive operations.

Optimized performance

MSPs can optimize performance by strategically allocating workloads. Latency-sensitive applications can run on-premises, while applications requiring vast computational power can leverage cloud resources.

Disaster recovery and redundancy

A hybrid infrastructure provides robust disaster recovery and redundancy capabilities. Data can be backed up both on-premises and in the cloud, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failures or natural disasters.

The advantages of Parallels RAS in hybrid environments

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) offers a multitude of features to bridge the gap between on-premises and cloud infrastructure. This seamless integration not only optimizes resource utilization but also ensures a consistent user experience, regardless of whether applications are hosted locally or in the cloud, without the need for complex, or extra licensing requirements.

Parallels RAS empowers MSPs to meet the unique needs of their customers, offering a unified solution that effortlessly spans the divide between traditional on-premises setups and the dynamic capabilities of the cloud, enabling businesses to embrace the benefits of both worlds seamlessly.

Moreover, Parallels RAS stands out as a game-changer, simplifying the complexities associated with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS). With Parallels RAS, MSPs can effortlessly set up environments with just a few clicks, through a centralized single pane of glass management console. It optimizes productivity by automating common, complex, and repetitive tasks using its REST-API, saving valuable time and costs.

Centralized management and administration

Parallels RAS offers flexibility by enabling the integration of resources, whether on-premises or in the cloud. Administration and management are centralized within a single console, ensuring a consistent user experience and ease of management across platforms no matter where resources reside.

Seamless load balancing

Parallels RAS load balancing capabilities distribute workloads evenly across servers, enhancing performance and reliability.

This is especially critical in hybrid setups where seamless transitions between on-premises and cloud resources are paramount. The load balancing feature in Parallels RAS becomes especially critical in these scenarios, facilitating smooth shifts between on-premises and cloud servers.

Enhanced security features

Parallels RAS provides robust security protocols, safeguarding data during transit and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, whether stored on-premises or in the cloud.

The solution integrates with the latest SSL encryption protocols and is FIPS 140-2 compliant, in addition to MFA and demilitarized zone (DMZ) deployment for highly secured connections. By employing these robust encryption protocols and advanced authentication mechanisms, Parallels RAS ensures that data integrity and confidentiality are maintained at all times.

Azure Virtual Desktop management and cost savings

Creating a hybrid deployment with Azure Virtual Desktop native requires specific, costly hardware, additional license fees, heightened management overhead and lacks features such as monitoring and auto-scaling.

In contrast, Parallels RAS offers unmatched flexibility, allowing hybrid setups on any on-premises environment without added fees, seamlessly integrating with existing Azure Stack to ensure a unified admin experience.

By seamlessly integrating with Azure Virtual Desktop, Parallels RAS provides comprehensive management capabilities, simplifying complex tasks and ensuring streamlined operations.

It optimizes costs by reducing Azure compute and storage costs, allowing MSPs to maximize their existing resources and ensuring businesses only pay for the resources they need, leading to significant cost savings maximizing their ROI.

Freedom from vendor lock-in

Embracing a complete hybrid approach and all the associated capabilities not only opens new avenues to unparalleled flexibility, but also liberates MSPs from the constraints of vendor lock-ins.

It guarantees the freedom of choice, enabling MSPs and their customers to make decisions without being tied to a single cloud vendor, allowing seamless transitions between different cloud providers as necessary.

Therefore, organizations are not confined to a single cloud provider; they can leverage resources from various leading cloud services like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), alongside on-premises infrastructure.

Ready to get started? Get your full-featured free trial of Parallels RAS now!