Security for the hybrid worker

Hybrid working has risen in popularity over the past few years, offering enhanced flexibility for workers. However, hybrid working also opens up the risk of security breaches, often when working from home. Read on for security tips for a hybrid working model.

Implement cloud-based solutions

Not only does using the cloud make sharing and accessing work among employees easier, it also keeps your information safe. Storing work on the cloud means hybrid workers don’t have to carry about physical equipment, so they can access their work from any device using a secure connection. This reduces the risk of data being physically stolen, and means it’s very difficult to lose work. 

Cloud-based systems make the transferring and cooperation of hybrid work much easier between employees. However, a cloud based system can also be used to step up your business’ on-site security. A cloud-based access control system is secure and efficient, minimising security risks for hybrid working. 

Keep keys or access fobs secure

Although cyber security is incredibly important for hybrid working, businesses and employees still need to focus on the security of their workplace. Many businesses opt for a reliable access control system which allows employees to securely pass in and out of the workplace, whilst keeping out intruders. You can read more about which access control system is right for your business.

Use a VPN

One of the biggest challenges faced by hybrid working is the risk of hackers accessing valuable information. Whether working from home or in a coffee shop, hybrid workers should ensure they’re connected to a secure network that’s not vulnerable to breaches. To protect their login data or any other protected information, hybrid workers can use a VPN on their devices. Some workplaces may pay for a trusted VPN service for employees to use, or there are free versions available too.

Use a zero trust model

A zero trust model doesn’t mean not trusting hybrid workers with secure information. Put simply, a zero trust model is a cybersecurity strategy that requires all users to be authenticated in order to access company data. It also means that employees only have access to information relevant to their job role, rather than free reign over all of the company data. One of the largest risks of hybrid working is not being able to verify the identity of people trying to access information remotely. When not working in the office, a zero trust network access model means employees can get their work done without sensitive information being available to non-employees.

Don’t leave work unattended in public

Many hybrid workers may choose to work in a cafe or coffee shop, rather than working from home or the office. Whilst this can be great for productivity, it opens up the possibility for lots of security risks. Aside from accessing an unsafe network, employees also stand the chance of accidentally revealing sensitive data to other members of the public. This may be from overheard phone calls and conversations, or from wandering eyes taking a glance at workers’ computer screens.

To minimise the risk of information being accidentally shared, hybrid workers should take care not to leave their work unattended when in public. Depending on the security level of certain job roles and responsibilities, employees may have to forgo public hybrid working altogether. Where and how hybrid workers access their work is down to the discretion of employers and the workers themselves. Be sure to have open and clear communication about the security risks of hybrid working to prevent mistakes from being made. 

Make sure employees are educated on security

Lots of security errors and mistakes are often down to human error. Although human error is never completely avoidable, there are steps you can take to increase the security of your hybrid working team. If your business has security measures in place for hybrid working, then make sure that employees are aware of this and understand it. It is worth investing time into keeping hybrid workers in the know about how to protect both themselves and the company when hybrid working. Whether this is using VPNs or not accessing their work in public, employees should fully understand the security needs of their job role. Whether your employees work from home or in the office, it’s important to introduce and maintain a security culture, which you can read all about in our article.

Expert Security UK has a wide range of security measures, from car park barriers to commercial CCTV systems. Wherever your company operates from, security is always a top priority. So, get in touch to protect your business and employees from any security risk.