As the future of work, hybrid working is here to stay, bringing unique cybersecurity challenges for businesses. The biggest implication of this shift for cybersecurity is the increased reliance on technology, making organisations more vulnerable to attack. This was reflected at the beginning of the pandemic, wherein Interpol reported that the rate of cyberattacks targeting governments, major corporations, and critical infrastructure increased at an alarming rate. As such, organisations looking to fully switch to a hybrid work environment must familiarise themselves with the cyber risks it poses and act swiftly in implementing the appropriate countermeasures.

What is hybrid workplace cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity in hybrid workplaces focuses on establishing security protocols that safeguard the organisation’s data and technology assets both in-office and remotely. These measures include firewalls, access controls, encryption, data backup and recovery, and regular security assessments and training.

An ‘owner’ under the hybrid work model is in charge of specific tasks that include managing folder structures, maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive data, and identifying team members. As such, employees can continue working securely no matter where they may be located since this model includes strict governance flexibility to communicate and collaborate with others.

Common types of cybersecurity risks in hybrid working

1. Remote working is less secure

Organisations with hybrid work environments have remote employees accessing company resources from the outside, which brings a host of security challenges that give hackers more potential entry points to exploit. This includes but is not limited to weak home internet security, unsecured devices, poor cybersecurity hygiene, and lack of firewalls and antivirus software. Moreover, unwitting employees could also use unauthorised software or devices (known as shadow IT) that could jeopardise the business’s cybersecurity posture.

Lastly, hybrid work environments today tend to lack strict leadership because IT teams cannot establish access parameters to control remote endpoints. This insufficiency could very well lead to data leaks.

2. Weak data authentication and protection

The expanded attack surface inherent in hybrid working means it is more difficult for organisations to protect their sensitive data. Remotely accessing such data warrants more stringent checks and balances than necessary in a traditional office environment. This is because faking digital identities is now easy for hackers looking to hijack data remotely.

3. It is harder to monitor virtual spaces

Hybrid workplaces have reduced physical security, which makes it more difficult for IT teams to monitor remote employees and control the sensitive information the latter handle. Timely disposal of such data in computer systems is vital because holding them for longer than is necessary poses a liability as it increases the risk of compromise.

Tips on securing and managing cyber risk in hybrid working

Adopting the hybrid work model requires rethinking how you manage your infrastructure and investing in the necessary resources to secure company and employee data. No matter how you approach hybrid working cybersecurity, one thing remains certain: hybrid workplaces require their own hybrid approach that is a mix of user behaviour training and technical controls that are secure by design.

1. Develop a security-minded culture

A security-oriented culture within the workplace significantly helps mitigate information security risks in a dispersed workforce. After all, humans can also be the strongest defence in the cybersecurity chain and not just its weakest link; high-quality training assures that teams are up to date on the latest cyber threats and know the best practices to maintain network security. Thus, ensure to provide regular cybersecurity training to your staff to increase their awareness and prevent damages caused by human error as much as possible.

2. Use a company VPN

A virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts all user connection data, alongside remote desktop protocols is an effective and practical solution to securing communication between remote employees and the office. Having employees connect to the company’s VPN when working thus mitigates data privacy and security concerns as well as protects company data from third parties.

3. Implement ID-based security

Identity-management strategies play a more important role in a hybrid work model. When remote employees connect to work resources using their home network and personal devices, the organisation’s IT teams cannot manage all the tools they use. This keeps those additional entry points open for hackers and unauthorised users. Implementing full-access and identity-based security assures that employees will conduct their work securely whether they are remote or in-office.

4. Adopt a robust endpoint management solution

An endpoint management system gives IT admins a centralised view of all the organisation’s endpoints. This improved visibility increases efficiency and reduces oversight with patching, remote policy updates, and other security measures, which ultimately simplifies their job of securing a hybrid IT environment.

Conclusion

Although organisations may deem the cybersecurity risks inherent in hybrid working outweighs the benefits of the model, that is not always true and effectively managing these risks is more than doable. Should your business need professional help adjusting its cybersecurity posture to accommodate hybrid working, consider working with a CREST-certified company like GROUP8 today.

GROUP8 leverages offensive-inspired cybersecurity services in Singapore that cover all the bases of your digital security needs. Our industry-leading solutions cover the entire cybersecurity system so you can always be one step ahead of today’s evolving threat landscape. To learn more about our solutions which include but are not limited to web security, secure communications, and VAPT in Singapore, contact us at any time.