Working from home one morning, Chris has a pitch-deck due to the boss by noon. One of the fonts needed is obscure, but Chris locates it on a website that offers free downloads. Chris hesitates, finger hovering over the trackpad. To click or not to click?
As more organizations embrace hybrid workplaces, cybersecurity threats increase as well. Remote work depends on virtual communications and connections.
Employees may also use personal devices for work, in unsecured spaces, where IT security protocols are less protective.
Three common cybersecurity threats affect hybrid workplaces:
Do you know colleagues still running Windows 8? Are they using the same password for everything? People who don’t keep their systems current or use proper passwords can have sensitive information stolen or their devices compromised by malware or ransomware.
These practices help maintain cybersecurity:
Emails, messages, and websites can mislead, persuading employees to reveal sensitive information, make fraudulent transactions, or install malware. The wrong clicks can install dangerous programs, executable files, or applications. Employees must know their cyber street-smarts.
Tips for avoiding these dangers include:
Employees may use both professional and personal devices, transporting them to and from the office or on travel. Someone looking over a shoulder at a café, walking off with a device, or quickly inserting a thumb drive are all cyber threats. Controlling physical access to any device used for work protects the whole organization.
Tips for security include:
Tackling these three common cyberthreats can make a hybrid workplace the harder target. The tougher your cybersecurity is, the more likely that scammers and hackers will move on to easier prey.