Hybrid work environments, also known as blended or co-working models, are on the rise. They take many different forms but generally refer to workplaces that have some combination of desktop computers, laptop computers, or mobile devices. Because these types of work environments are less common than conventional offices, hybrid work environments can leave employees with a greater risk of exposure to cyber threats. To help keep your employees safe from cyber threats in a hybrid workplace and any other type of work environment, you should implement security protocols at every level of the organization. That includes providing training on identifying cyber threats and monitoring all internet activity. Here are four ways employees are exposed to cyber threats in hybrid workplaces and what you can do about it.
Employees Use Their Own Devices in Co-Working Spaces
When employees use their own computers and devices in co-working spaces, they can be more exposed to cyber threats than if they used company-owned computers. That’s because employees often have greater access to company data when they use their own devices, which can increase their risk of data theft. If you’re allowing employees to use their own devices in a co-working space, you should have a clear plan in place for how they manage security. That includes setting standards for device configurations and installing security software on all devices. You should also have a clear process for how workers report security issues so they don’t create additional risk.
Employees Are Trained to Recognize Threats
Hybrid work environments also increase the risk of employees opening malicious emails, clicking on bad links, or engaging in other activities that can result in a cyber attack. That’s why it’s important to provide training on how to identify and avoid cyber threats. If you use email, you can even automatically flag suspicious emails. You can also require employees to train on security protocols before they can access sensitive information. If you want to ensure your employees are prepared to recognize and avoid cyber threats, there are a few things you should keep in mind during the training process. First, keep your training relevant and up to date. Second, make sure employees have the resources they need to learn the skills they need. And finally, consider using an instructor-led training program to make the process easier for your employees.
Employees Are Using Cloud Storage
Cloud storage can be a convenient and cost-effective way to store and access data, but employees using their personal accounts to store company data is another potential risk in hybrid work environments. If you allow employees to store company data on their personal accounts, you increase the risk of data being exposed or stolen. You can help reduce this risk by specifying which cloud storage providers your employees can use, if any. You should also require employees to use two-factor authentication to access their accounts so they can’t be hacked. Additionally, you should monitor where employees are storing data to ensure they are complying with your policies. You can use a threat-detection system to scan and monitor all internet traffic to identify whether employees are storing data on prohibited accounts.
Employees Have Remote Access to Data and Systems
Remote workers are more likely to be exposed to cyber threats than those who work in a traditional office. Hybrid work environments often rely on remote workers and virtual teams, which can increase the risk of cyber threats even more. If you’re allowing remote workers to access sensitive data, you need to be careful about how you manage that access. One way to do this is to implement two-factor authentication to restrict remote access to sensitive systems and data.
Conclusion
Hybrid work environments can provide many benefits, but they also pose unique challenges for protecting employees against cyber threats. In hybrid work environments, employees are more likely to use their own devices, store sensitive data in the cloud and have remote access to systems and data. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your employees in a hybrid work environment.
