Cybersecurity in the Hybrid Workplace: Are You Leaving the Door Open?

As hybrid work continues to redefine the modern office, many organizations have adapted their physical spaces but not their digital defenses.

When your team is split between home offices, coffee shops, and corporate buildings, it creates a web of access points, devices, and security risks that most businesses aren’t fully prepared to manage. If you’re still applying in-office policies to a hybrid workforce, your cybersecurity posture may be outdated and vulnerable.

The Hybrid Work Reality

While hybrid work has boosted productivity and employee satisfaction, it’s also blurred the security perimeter.

Here’s what’s changed:

• Devices are shared between personal and work use
• Wi-Fi networks are unmonitored and often unsecured
• Employees access cloud apps from multiple locations and devices
• Phishing scams target remote users with increased frequency

Top Security Risks for Hybrid Teams

1. Unsecured Home Networks
   Remote employees often use default router settings and outdated firmware. This makes it easier for attackers to intercept sensitive information or exploit connected devices.
2. Device Sprawl
   With more endpoints comes more opportunity. Personal laptops, phones, and tablets connected to your cloud applications can be exploited if not properly secured.
3. Credential Creep
   Without centralized identity management, employees often reuse passwords or store them in unsecured locations—creating openings for credential stuffing and unauthorized access.
4. Lack of Real-Time Monitoring
   If your team isn’t using endpoint detection and response (EDR), you’re missing critical visibility into what’s happening on remote devices.

5 Ways to Strengthen Hybrid Cybersecurity

1. Implement Endpoint Protection Across All Devices
   Install endpoint security solutions with real-time threat detection and response capabilities on all employee devices..
2. Use a Secure VPN and Enforce MFA
   Require VPN use for any off-site access to sensitive systems, and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized logins.
3. Adopt a Zero Trust Framework
   Never assume internal traffic is safe. Verify every user, device, and application before granting access.
4. Provide Ongoing Security Awareness Training
   Make sure your employees know how to spot phishing emails, social engineering attempts, and risky behaviors.
5. Schedule Regular Security Audits
   Assess gaps across your network, cloud apps, and device usage. Fortis can conduct tailored audits that match your hybrid workflow.

Hybrid work isn’t going anywhere. The key to staying protected is meeting your employees where they are, with layered security solutions that travel with them.

Let’s talk about building a security framework that works everywhere your team does.

Schedule your hybrid security check-in today