75% of hybrid firms struggle with IT

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — A new study from HP Inc. has uncovered significant challenges in information technology (IT) facing companies with hybrid work models, impacting 75% of respondents. 

The research, titled ‘Mastering Endpoint Security In A Hybrid World’, highlights the growing necessity of strong endpoint management as workforces become more dispersed.

Conducted by Forrester Consulting, the survey of 312 IT decision-makers found 72% of companies have implemented hybrid working. However, this transition worsens IT issues for three-quarters of respondents.

The top challenges include data security worries (60%), keeping remote device software updated (55%), and maintaining accurate asset records (55%). Only 42% of firms perform annual firmware updates, leaving them susceptible to threats.

Sixty-seven percent also expressed concerns about securing continuous communication with remote endpoints, underlining the value of strong endpoint security solutions.

“The flexibility of being able to work and hire employees all over the world is one of the many benefits of living in a digital economy. Yet as the workplace evolves, security must too,” said Dr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems at HP Inc.

“To offer secure, efficient, and user-friendly IT experiences in the future, companies will need an always-on endpoint management infrastructure that can support this new way of working.”

Further, the study shows that 75% think enhanced endpoint management could boost operations and efficiency. Firms also seek better software tracking, device backup/restore, automation, and location tracking.