Securing Remote and Field-Based Technology Assets: A Strategic Imperative for CIOs and CISOs
By: Andy Mitchell
As more organizations rely on remote and field-based technology assets, like laptops, mobile devices, and IoT systems, keeping them secure is becoming more important than ever. These assets are essential for operational flexibility, but they also introduce unique security challenges. CIOs and CISOs have to be proactive in securing these devices, and IT Asset Management (ITAM) platforms are a critical part of the solution. ITAM platforms provide the visibility and control necessary to keep these assets secure and compliant with organizational policies.
Understanding the Security Risks of Remote and Field-Based Assets
Remote and field-based devices are more vulnerable to risks like physical theft, unsecured public networks, and unauthorized device use. Since these assets operate outside the controlled environment of a corporate network, they’re naturally more susceptible to attacks.
According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 74% of breaches involved a human element, including stolen credentials and misuse of remote access—common risks tied to remote device environments.
ITAM platforms offer comprehensive and timely visibility into these assets, helping ensure all of your devices are accounted for and compliant with your security policies.
Data Access and Protection Challenges
Managing access to sensitive company data can be tricky when devices are used remotely. ITAM platforms allow CIOs and CISOs to monitor which devices are accessing corporate networks and make sure that only authorized users can handle sensitive information.
IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report found that companies with poor asset visibility and delayed breach detection pay 26% more per incident on average.
This visibility helps secure data, even in less controlled environments.
Patch Management and Endpoint Vulnerabilities
Remote devices are often disconnected from the corporate network for long periods, which can result in missed software updates and patches. ITAM systems track each asset’s status and automate updates, ensuring security vulnerabilities are addressed as soon as possible, even for remote devices.
A 2025 study by IDC revealed that unpatched endpoints are responsible for nearly 60% of successful ransomware attacks in hybrid work environments.
The CIO’s Role: Using ITAM for Remote Asset Oversight
CIOs are responsible for overseeing the organization’s entire technology asset landscape, including remote devices. ITAM platforms provide accurate, up-to-date visibility into every device, whether it’s in the office or in the field, allowing CIOs to track what’s being used and where.
Cloud-Based ITAM Solutions
Cloud-based ITAM platforms allow CIOs to efficiently manage remote devices helping coordinate seamless updates, security patches, and access control from anywhere. These solutions ensure that assets in various geographic locations receive consistent management and security, reducing the risks associated with disconnected devices.
Collaboration for Consistent Asset Management
CIOs must work closely with IT, security, compliance and business teams to align asset management policies across the entire organization. ITAM solutions provide a single source of truth for all technology assets, fostering better communication between departments and ensuring consistent security practices.
The CISO’s Role: Strengthening Security with ITAM
CISOs are tasked with enforcing security protocols across remote and field-based devices. ITAM platforms help CISOs ensure that all devices meet corporate security standards, including encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and other security controls.
Risk Monitoring and Incident Response
ITAM platforms equip CISOs with the tools to detect unusual activity or unauthorized access across their assets, enabling timely and effective responses to security threats. This visibility supports swift isolation of compromised devices and helps minimize the impact of potential breaches. ITAM also streamlines incident response processes, helping teams address threats before they escalate.
Ensuring Compliance and Secure Data Access
ITAM systems provide insights into which devices are accessing sensitive data, helping CISOs ensure that remote assets comply with security policies. These platforms are especially useful in regulated industries where strict data protection standards must be met. By tracking compliance through ITAM, CISOs can prevent unauthorized access and keep critical information secure.
Best Practices for Securing Remote Assets with ITAM
To effectively secure remote and field-based devices, CIOs and CISOs can follow several best practices using ITAM platforms.
Comprehensive Asset Visibility
ITAM platforms are essential for maintaining a complete, up-to-date inventory of all technology assets, especially those used remotely. These platforms provide detailed reports on asset health, usage, and security posture, ensuring CIOs and CISOs have the data they need to manage remote assets efficiently.
Clear Remote Security Policies
Establishing clear security policies for managing remote devices is crucial. These policies should include guidelines for connecting to corporate networks, using VPNs, and ensuring device encryption. ITAM platforms help enforce these policies by tracking compliance and alerting teams when policies are breached.
Centralized Security Management
Using ITAM platforms to manage security settings centrally allows organizations to automate patches and updates, ensuring remote devices stay secure. Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) systems, a type of ITAM solution, provide visibility across all devices, ensuring that no device is left vulnerable, regardless of location.
Overcoming Challenges in Securing Remote Technology
Visibility Gaps and Shadow IT
One of the biggest challenges for CIOs and CISOs is tracking devices that aren’t part of the official asset inventory. ITAM platforms can automatically discover new devices and incorporate them into the security strategy, ensuring no device is overlooked.
Connectivity and Security Risks
Even when remote devices aren’t consistently connected to corporate networks, ITAM systems can still manage updates and patches. These platforms support offline updates, ensuring that devices remain secure, even in low-connectivity environments. Continuous monitoring helps ensure that assets are always accounted for, regardless of their location.
Budget Constraints and ROI
Managing remote technology assets can be expensive, but ITAM platforms provide a clear return on investment (ROI). CIOs and CISOs can use ITAM systems to demonstrate how these platforms prevent costly security incidents, reduce downtime, and improve compliance, making it easier to secure the necessary resources.
Building a Strong Security Strategy for Remote Assets
CIOs and CISOs must leverage ITAM platforms to gain full visibility into remote and field-based assets. By using ITAM proactively, they can mitigate risks, ensure security compliance, and build a resilient security strategy. As remote work continues to grow, regularly reviewing and improving remote asset management practices will be essential to staying ahead of evolving security threats.
