How Smart Cybersecurity Helps Protect Hybrid Workplaces
In the past few years, an increasing number of workplaces have been adopting a hybrid model for their employees, allowing them to split their working hours between the company’s office and their home. Hybrid work has changed how we collaborate and significantly benefited flexibility. However, with more devices and networks coming into play, the door is open for more cyber risks, both in type and frequency.
So, as hybrid work arrangements continue to increase, strengthening cybersecurity is becoming even more of a priority for employers. Here are some of the key details on how to stay protected in a hybrid workplace.
With employees moving between their home and the office, companies must be prepared for a wider range of digital risks. Here are some practical steps every hybrid workplace can take to stay protected.
When working from home, it’s important to keep your devices secure. Companies should ensure that all work laptops and equipment are updated with essential protections. The following are common options for this:
Employees should also avoid using removable media, such as USBs, wherever possible. This is because removable media can introduce another element of exposure to malware and viruses, among other risks.
When logging into company accounts for work, multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires you to verify your identity a second time after entering your password. In most cases, this involves entering a verification code from an authenticator app or a text message sent to your mobile device.
MFA makes it more difficult for potential attackers to access your accounts. As such, it provides strong protection against common threats, such as phishing.
Although MFA adds more security to your accounts, everyone should still practice good password security. First, this means using strong passwords that contain a mix of both lowercase and uppercase letters, special characters, and numbers.
Changing passwords regularly for accounts such as main computer logins, emails, SEO tools, and platforms storing client data, is also a key component of password security. Many suggest changing passwords every 90 days or immediately if one is suspected to be compromised.
With hybrid workers accessing sensitive company data while they’re at home, network protection is even more crucial. A virtual private network (VPN) allows remote workers to securely connect to the same server they use in the office.
VPNs mask a user’s IP address, hide their location, and encrypt data in transit. All of these help support secure remote access. Companies using VPNs should also confirm their system can handle the number of hybrid workers who rely on it.
Cybersecurity training works best when it’s woven into regular workplace learning. Ongoing training helps individuals feel more confident spotting things like phishing emails, unusual login attempts, or suspicious links. And when employees understand why certain practices matter, such as using strong passwords or locking their devices when stepping away, they’re much more likely to build and maintain those habits.
Cybersecurity isn’t truly complete without the addition of cyber insurance. Also referred to as cyber liability insurance, it’s a type of insurance designed specifically to help organizations manage the financial and reputational risks associated with cyber incidents and data breaches.
When it comes to cyber insurance, the specific coverage varies depending on the policy. However, here are some of the typical elements people will see in cyber insurance coverage:
Hybrid work means employees connect to company systems from the office, home, and even public networks. Each connection creates a new potential entry point for a cyber attack. Strong cybersecurity, such as MFA and VPNs, significantly reduce this risk.
However, no security measure is foolproof, which is where cyber insurance comes in. It helps organizations manage the financial impacts of a cyber attack, giving them the time and support needed to recover.
Cyber insurance is meant to complement, not replace, strong cybersecurity. In fact, many policies require businesses to maintain certain protections, such as MFA, to ensure a valid claim.
Even though cyber risks are growing for hybrid workplaces, the tools and strategies available for protecting sensitive data are as well. By leveraging these tools, from strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to promoting ongoing education, organizations can confidently navigate a hybrid work environment while ensuring their systems, data, and employees remain protected. Cyber insurance is an ideal complement to these cybersecurity measures, increasing the resiliency of a hybrid workplace.
At Cowan Insurance Group, we help clients build cyber insurance policies tailored to their risk profile. Speak with one of our experts today to get started.
