Remote and hybrid work environments are great for reducing overhead and making your workforce happy, but this also means that employees will connect to your network from home offices, co-working spaces, and even public Wi-Fi networks. Each of these environments introduces new risks that can compromise sensitive company data if not properly managed.
Fortunately, you don’t need to drastically overhaul your network to keep your hybrid workforce secure. Here’s a five-point security checklist to determine if you’re able to protect your team and ensure business continuity in your hybrid workplace.
Mandate VPN usage to encrypt all internet traffic
When employees connect to your business network from outside the office, their internet traffic may be exposed and spied on if their connection is not secure. A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel that keeps data safe, even on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi.
Making VPN use mandatory ensures that:
- Company files, emails, and applications stay encrypted in transit.
- Cybercriminals and eavesdroppers can’t intercept sensitive information.
- Remote workers can remain anonymous, and their locations are harder to track.
A VPN is not a silver bullet that can prevent all kinds of cyberattack; no such thing exists. But a VPN is a valuable component of your hybrid environment that prevents spying and data interception. Just be sure to strongly enforce your policy, because it won’t do you any good if your employees don’t use it.
Secure home Wi-Fi networks against unauthorized access
Hybrid work means employees often rely on home Wi-Fi, which typically lacks enterprise-grade protections. This makes them an easy target for cybercriminals. So, to reduce the risk of attacks, require employees’ home networks to meet baseline security standards before allowing remote access.
These minimum standards should include:
- Using strong, unique Wi-Fi passwords instead of default credentials
- Enabling WPA3 encryption when available
- Regularly updating router firmware to patch vulnerabilities
- Limiting guest access or better yet, using a separate secure network for work only
Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) everywhere
Passwords alone aren’t enough anymore, as stolen or weak login credentials remain one of the top causes of data breaches. Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds a second step, such as a mobile code or biometric scan, making unauthorized access much harder, even in the event of a stolen password.
Implement MFA on everything that allows it, in particular:
- Email accounts
- Cloud applications
- VPN connections
- Remote desktops and collaboration tools
- Any app with a direct connection to your office network
MFA settings are built in to all of these technologies, making implementing MFA one of the easiest and cheapest things you can do to improve your hybrid environment’s security. You just have to make sure it is turned on and configured appropriately.
Manage devices with a clear BYOD policy
Without clear guidelines and the right tools, allowing your employees to use their own devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) to access your business network can create a major security gap. You need a strong BYOD (bring your own device) policy that sets the rules for how personal devices can be used for work.
Your BYOD policy should:
- Mandate mobile device management (MDM) tools.
- Define which apps and files can be accessed from personal devices.
- Ensure lost or stolen devices can be remotely wiped.
- Separate business data from personal data to avoid accidental leaks.
A BYOD policy protects both the business and employees by clarifying rules and best practices while providing you with an enforcement mechanism.
Provide ongoing security awareness training
Human error is still one of the biggest cybersecurity risks, so technology alone can’t protect your business. Regular security awareness training helps employees recognize and respond to threats such as phishing, ransomware, and malicious attachments.
Training should cover:
- How to identify suspicious emails and links
- Social engineering attacks and how to avoid falling for them
- Safe file sharing practices
- Proper use of collaboration tools
- How to report potential security incidents quickly
The more your hybrid team understands the tactics cybercriminals use, the stronger your overall defense becomes.
Need professional advice on setting up a secure and efficient hybrid work environment that cuts costs without sacrificing productivity? Contact outsourceIT for a free hybrid work consultation, and we’ll provide a custom roadmap for your business.
