Cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace has become one of the most important priorities for modern businesses, because employees today are more connected than ever before. The hybrid workplace is here to stay, and for employees that means relying on a growing web of connected devices across home offices, coffee shops, and everywhere in between. As work moves beyond the traditional perimeter, the responsibility for protecting company data is now shared by every individual on every device they use.
The scale of this shift is hard to overstate. The smart home market has expanded rapidly into the hundreds of billions of dollars, and the number of installed connected devices in the average home continues to climb year after year. Each of those devices represents both a convenience and a potential entry point for attackers. In this new normal — where smart devices, and consequently online safety, are a must — strengthening cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace requires a deliberate, ongoing effort. Here are five practical tips for securing your devices and your data.
Remember that Smart Devices Need Smart Security
Make security a priority the moment you purchase a connected device. When setting up anything new, configure the privacy and security settings on both the device and any associated web services, keeping in mind that you can limit who you share information with. Once your device is up and running, keep tabs on how securely your stored information is protected, and actively manage location services so you don’t unwittingly expose your whereabouts. Strong cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace starts with treating every smart gadget as a part of your company’s attack surface, not just a personal convenience.
Put Cybersecurity First in Your Role
Make protection a priority the moment you are brought into a new role. Good online hygiene should be part of any organization’s onboarding process, but if it isn’t, take it upon yourself to follow best practices that keep your company safe. Simple precautions go a long way: perform regular software updates so known vulnerabilities are patched quickly, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on every account that supports it. These habits form the backbone of cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace and dramatically reduce the odds that a single compromised credential turns into a company-wide incident.
Make Passwords and Passphrases Long and Strong
Whether or not a website requires it, combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols to build the strongest password possible. Better yet, use a passphrase — a string of unrelated words is both harder to crack and easier to remember. Generic passwords are easy to hack and are a leading cause of breaches, so never reuse the same credentials across multiple accounts. If you need help remembering and storing all of them, turn to a reputable password manager. Credential discipline is one of the most overlooked pillars of cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace, yet it’s also one of the easiest to get right.
Never Use Public Computers to Log In to Accounts
While working from home, you may be tempted to change scenery and work from a coffee shop or another public space. That’s a great way to break up a monotonous day, but it also demands extra caution to protect yourself and your company. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on shared or public computers entirely, and when you must use public Wi-Fi, connect through a VPN to encrypt your traffic. Keep activities as generic and anonymous as possible, and be alert for Wi-Fi phishing attempts that mimic legitimate networks. Maintaining cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace means staying vigilant the moment you step outside your trusted home network.
Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth When Idle
The uncomfortable truth is that when Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are switched on, they can connect to — and be used to track — your whereabouts. To stay as safe as possible, switch them off when you don’t need them. It’s a simple step that helps alleviate tracking concerns and reduces the chance of an opportunistic connection you never intended to make.
Staying Secure Is an Ongoing Process
These are just a few simple steps toward achieving the best online safety possible and avoiding Wi-Fi phishing. Staying safe online is an active process that requires constant oversight at every stage — from purchasing and setting up a device to ensuring your day-to-day activities aren’t putting anyone at risk. Cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace is never “set it and forget it”; it evolves as new devices, tools, and threats appear. For additional guidance on building a resilient remote-work security posture, review the CISA telework guidance and explore our own cybersecurity services. By following these steps, you’re doing your part to keep yourself and your company safe from malicious online activity.
How ThrottleNet Can Help Secure Your Business
ThrottleNet has helped businesses throughout Missouri grow through exceptional IT services that deliver real ROI — including the strategy and tools needed to support cybersecurity in a hybrid workplace. But you don’t have to take it from us. Take a look at what our partners, customers, and community say, and how our unique model guarantees you the best service. If you’re interested in learning more about joining or partnering with a winning team, reach out today and let’s talk.
Contact us today to learn more!
