The pandemic changed life in many ways, including how businesses operate. The shift toward remote work was everywhere during the lockdowns, but many people continue it today.
According to McKinsey, office attendance as of fall 2022 was still 30% lower than in pre-pandemic times. Workers attended the office for just 3.5 days per week, and only 37% of them were there daily. Nearly 56% had hybrid work arrangements, and 7% worked remotely.
Although President Trump’s back-to-office mandate for federal workers may affect these numbers, hybrid workplaces will continue to thrive. Hybrid work is here to stay because it offers the best of both worlds. With this model, businesses can save operational costs, gain efficiency, and hire global talent while having people work in person.
While hybrid workplaces provide several benefits, network security is a concern that organizations cannot overlook. The model expands the attack surface for cyber threats as people access the company network from different places. Organizations are ready to do their best to prioritize cybersecurity.
This starts with the awareness of security risks associated with the hybrid work model and the solutions to address these risks.
In this article, I will cover the common security risks in hybrid workplaces and how to overcome them.
Let’s start with understanding how this model works!
How Modern Hybrid Workplaces Work?
Research by Buildremote cites some surprising statistics: 85% of the Fortune 500 companies with a public workplace policy work on a hybrid schedule, and the same study found that 77% of Fortune 100 companies follow the same practice. Hybrid workplaces are the new normal.
Let us understand how these organizations work.
Flexible Work Environment
Hybrid workplaces allow employees to work from anywhere: the office, home, or shared spaces. This flexibility enhances employee satisfaction, but there’s another side to the picture. Operating on a hybrid model complicates IT security management due to diverse environments.
People working across multiple locations, devices, and network integrations create a lack of a cohesive IT environment. Security risks abound as the business network is accessed from multiple endpoints. Likewise, data management complexities are hard to handle.
Technology Integration
Technology is the backbone of hybrid workplaces, connecting employees working from different places. Organizations rely on tools like cloud platforms, collaboration software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and virtual private networks (VPNs) to support hybrid operations.
While these technologies streamline workflows, they also inherently introduce vulnerabilities. Hybrid workplaces must implement solutions that address these risks.
Dynamic Scheduling
Hybrid workers alternate between remote and in-office work. This allows them to take advantage of WFH’s flexibility while still maintaining connections with their co-workers.
This dynamic nature makes hybrid workspaces ideal for employees and businesses seeking retention. However, it also requires robust security measures for consistent protection across all locations.
Key Security Risks in Hybrid Workplaces
Network security can become complicated in hybrid workplaces, where employees access the business network from diverse locations. Organizations must be aware of the security risks to address them effectively. Here are the key threats they must be aware of.
Data Breaches and Unauthorized Access
Data breaches may occur for many reasons, from weak passwords to insecure networks, phishing attacks, outdated software, and third-party vulnerabilities. However, insider threats are a significant risk in the hybrid work environment.
Remote employees accessing corporate resources increase their exposure to cyber risks. Due to security lapses, they may unintentionally leak sensitive business data. Similarly, personal devices lacking enterprise-grade security measures are soft targets for hackers looking to access business networks.
Network Vulnerabilities
Hybrid employees working from home or in public spaces sometimes use unsecured networks, exposing sensitive data to interception. Internet connections used by employees may have drastically varying security standards, compounding the risk.
Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks are also a reason to worry. Cybercriminals can exploit weak network encryption to intercept communications.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Risks
According to a recent study, the growing use of unmanaged bring-your-own devices (BYOD) and shadow IT in hybrid work environments drives significant security risks in modern enterprises, leading to the “Access-Trust Gap.”
BYOD policies increase the risk of malware infections due to inadequate security controls on personal devices. Also, IT teams have limited control over individual devices, making it challenging to enforce security protocols.
Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
Millions of Internet users, including corporate employees, fall prey to phishing and social engineering attacks. Remote workers are at more significant risk as cybercriminals exploit their isolation through phishing emails and fake communications.
Remote setups make it difficult for such employees to authenticate messages from colleagues or clients. As a result, they unintentionally compromise network security.
Compliance and Regulatory Challenges
Modern organizations must comply with industry-specific data protection laws like GDPR or HIPAA. PCI DSS version 4.0 is a case in point. The regulation went into effect with a dozen broad new requirements on March 31, 2024. Meeting these mandates is challenging when employees work remotely.
Failure to meet regulatory standards can have dire repercussions. Organizations may face hefty fines and reputational damage.
Strategies to Overcome Security Risks
After knowing the network security risks in hybrid workspaces, the next step is to find solutions. Organizations can implement a few actionable strategies to overcome these risks.
Utilizing Advanced Security Technologies
Security technologies can be the saviors of organizations seeking to secure hybrid work environments. Fortunately, several innovations effectively fortify business networks extending to remote locations.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) fortifies networks with an additional security layer by requiring multiple forms of verification from users before giving access. Endpoint security solutions such as antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems curb device-specific threats.
An enterprise VPN is a must-have for hybrid organizations. What is an enterprise VPN, and how does it differ from a personal VPN? A robust tool designed for businesses, an enterprise VPN enables secure access to internal networks for remote employees.
Enterprise-grade VPNs encrypt internet traffic, protecting sensitive data from interception on unsecured networks.
Implementing Robust Security Policies
A clear and comprehensive data security policy is a must for all organizations, especially those operating on a hybrid model. Employees with clear guidelines for handling sensitive information across all work environments are less prone to security lapses.
Businesses should also establish rules for accessing corporate resources remotely, including the mandatory use of VPNs and secure passwords. A zero-trust architecture with a “never trust, always verify” approach, continuously validating user identities and device health, is critical.
Enhancing Cybersecurity Training
Cybersecurity is not an expense but an investment for organizations in the current business landscape, where network security risks abound. Hybrid setups must go the extra mile with training initiatives to keep employees one step ahead of threats.
Regular training sessions help employees recognize phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and cyber threats. They should also be provided ongoing education on evolving cybersecurity trends through periodic workshops and resources.
Regular Software Updates and Patch Management
A set-and-forget approach to network security is the last thing hybrid organizations should adopt. With threats constantly evolving, not keeping pace with them can expose such businesses to cyberattacks.
Automating the patching process to ensure up-to-date systems with the latest security fixes is a wise move. Outdated software is an easy entry point for cyberattacks; timely updates can effectively address this risk.
Monitoring and Incident Response
Even the most robust network security may fall short, exposing organizations to attackers. Preparing is the only way to deal with these events and implement effective damage control measures.
Organizations can rely on tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems to detect anomalies in real-time. A detailed incident response plan (IRP) can help team members respond promptly and avert crises. This plan outlines steps to identify, contain, and recover from cyber incidents.
Summing Up – Being Hybrid-Ready
The hybrid workplace model offers many benefits but brings complex security challenges for businesses. With the growing number and sophistication of cyber threats, operation on this model becomes more challenging for companies.
However, organizations can create a secure hybrid work environment by knowing and addressing threats. With the right approach to security, building an environment that supports productivity without risking critical assets is possible.
