By Alex Gittens, Sales Director for the UK & Nordics, Getac
In today’s hyper connected business world, the rapid pace of digitisation presents organisations with significant opportunities, but also very real risks. On one hand, effective digital transformation can quickly open new ways for workers to conduct key processes, transmit data and communicate with colleagues, leading to faster, more seamless operations and higher levels of productivity. On the other hand, pressing ahead with digitisation without first putting the necessary infrastructure and security protocols in place can leave sensitive information dangerously exposed to highly damaging cyber-attacks and data leaks.
Cybercrime Continues to Grow at an Exponential Rate
According to Statista, many countries around the world, including Germany, the UK and France, will all experience significant rises in both the volume and cost of cybercrime between now and 2028. In Germany alone, the estimated cost of cybercrime is expected to increase by more than 137% over this period, from €189billion to €446billion.
Yet despite these concerns, IT security budgets are growing disproportionately slowly, with an average annual increase of just 5.7% last year. This disparity is especially concerning for critical industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation, which together already experience a high volume of cyberattacks – accounting for 26%, 10%, and 7% of attacks in 2024, respectively.
The dangers are clear and recent high profile cyberattacks like the one on Jaguar Land Rover, which researchers now believe to be the most economically damaging cyber event in UK history, serve as a cautionary tale of what can happen when existing data protection measures aren’t up to the task.
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Endpoint Protection is Critical
One of the primary benefits of digital transformation is the impact it can have on remote field-based operations. Digitising traditional pen-and-paper based processes through the use of powerful mobile rugged computing solutions can dramatically cut time-to-insight by enabling workers to communicate and share information in real-time, directly from the field.
However, in critical industries, it can also introduce significant security challenges that put key infrastructure at risk. This is because remote workers face a combination of heightened cybersecurity threats and limited IT oversight, which can quicky compromise both endpoint security and operational continuity.
In these industries, many organisations utilise rugged technology to help workers operate effectively in challenging environments. Rugged laptops and tablets are built with impact-resistant materials and feature MIL-STD and IP certifications that enable them to thrive in such conditions. Additionally, many of them support advanced connectivity options such as 4G LTE and 5G to ensure seamless communication in remote locations where traditional networks may be unreliable.
However, cybersecurity risks in these environments are just as critical as physical durability. While rugged devices are designed for resilience in harsh conditions, their increased connectivity can also potentially introduce new vulnerabilities. Data loss, tampering and stolen or misplaced devices pose significant threats, especially when sensitive operational data is stored locally or transmitted over unsecured networks.
To mitigate these threats, organisations must implement robust data strategies that combine multiple layers of security to maintain the highest levels of endpoint protection possible. This begins with the devices themselves and a growing number of organisations are now opting for rugged laptops that feature Microsoft Secured-Core technology, which integrates firmware, hardware, software, and identity protection to offer enhanced security in data-sensitive scenarios. On top of this, Getac recommends implementing the following four layers to further enhance cybersecurity across rugged devices:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all endpoints: MFA adds protection by requiring multiple forms of verification to access an account, making it much harder for unauthorised users to gain access even if they use a valid password.
- Use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and secure VPN connections: Using E2EE ensures only the sender and intended recipient can read messages, making them secure from any third party, including the service provider.
- Keep firmware and software always up to date: Installing patches and software updates as soon as they become available ensures users and devices are protected from the latest vulnerabilities and zero-day threats.
- Establish clear incident response and recovery plans: Even with robust, multi-layered data protection plans in place, breaches can still occur. By having clear response and recovery plans in place, organisations can act quickly and decisively should the worst happen.
Organisations don’t have to go it Alone
For many organisations, implementing multi-layered data security is an intimidating prospect, but they aren’t alone. Working with trusted rugged hardware partners and data security experts is one of the most effective ways to navigate these challenges, combining rugged, secure and reliable devices alongside cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to protect critical infrastructure and remote workforces.
For example, Getac offers Absolute Secure Endpoint on its Windows devices, which is designed to protect the device and data through its Absolute Persistence technology, even if the device is reimaged, the hard drive is replaced, or the firmware is updated. Once activated, the solution helps maintain control and visibility, enabling security teams to monitor devices and address potential gaps, even in remote or compromised conditions.
With cyberattacks on the rise and regulatory pressures tightening, taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity has become non-negotiable. This means securing remote workforces, strengthening endpoint protection, and implementing robust IT visibility and control measures to reduce vulnerabilities across networks.
By working with trusted partners to combine device durability with advanced security, organisations in critical industries can build resilient, future-proof operations that stay protected against evolving threats in an increasingly connected and digital world.