Hybrid work environments have enabled many companies to become more productive, even with a distributed workforce. However, that comes with an increased attack surface, where any distributed user or endpoint can become the source of a potential cyber attack on your business.
The good news is, with good hygiene practices, you can still secure your business from common cybersecurity threats while maintaining a hybrid approach. Let’s discuss some top tips to consider when securing your data in a hybrid workplace.
Implement a Zero Trust Security Model
Adopt the Zero-trust principle, which trusts no user or device by default. Instead, it requires all your distributed team members to provide verification for every access request. Zero-trust architecture can combat and mitigate unauthorized access, data breaches, phishing, and other cybersecurity risks.
This security model works on the “never trust, always verify” mantra. It assumes a breach will occur and focuses on minimizing damage and quick detection of unauthorized activity. For this reason, zero-trust architecture ensures all devices and users are verified before accessing resources, regardless of their location.
It also enforces the principle of least privilege, granting minimum access required for your team to perform their tasks. This way, the risk of lateral movement reduces significantly. Additionally, it encourages microsegmentation, isolating critical networks from general traffic. In case of an attack, it can contain and limit the spread of malware.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds more security across your organization by requiring several forms of verification before granting access to sensitive data. MFA requires your team members to provide at least two independent credentials to verify their identity. This way, only a user with the extra layer of credentials can access your critical systems even if their passwords are compromised.
MFA typically combines credentials from at least two of the following categories:
- Password, PIN, or answers to security questions
- A smartphone or hardware token, a smart card, or a one-time code sent via SMS or email
- Biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns
Using MFA in your business can be a potent way to prevent automated attacks. Additionally, it secures users’ accounts from unauthorized access in case they fall victim to phishing scams or their credentials are leaked.
Use Secure Network Connections
A robust network security strategy is critical to the security of your hybrid workplace. Since your workforce can access corporate resources from the office, home, and public environments, they may inadvertently increase your attack surface if you lack secure networks. Establishing secure networks and fostering safe browsing practices can help mitigate your risk of intrusion.
One way to do this is to deploy a business Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts data transmitted between remote devices and corporate systems. This reduces the risk of interception, especially if a critical team member uses an unsecured network like home Wi-Fi or public hotspots.
Using corporate web filteringcan be another vital component. It monitors and controls web traffic, blocking malicious sites, restricting inappropriate content, and enforcing compliance with organizational policies. Once you deploy web filtering tools, you prevent exposure to phishing attacks and malware from drive-by downloads.
Additionally, implement network segmentation. Dividing your network into isolated segments can reduce your attack surface and prevent lateral movement in case of a breach. Also, set up intrusion detection systems and monitoring tools to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
Secure Endpoints and Devices
All laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and servers in your hybrid work environment can be used by attackers as gateways to your company network and data. By securing all these endpoints, you can prevent or mitigate potentially devastating attacks.
One way to secure all endpoints in your organization is to use Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools. Not only does it regulate which endpoint accesses network resources, but it also limits privileges. Each user gets the privileges necessary for their roles, preventing extended damage in case an account is compromised.
Deploy AI-powered security solutions to identify emerging threats, zero-day attacks, and sophisticated malware that traditional antivirus tools might miss. These tools proactively monitor and control network traffic in your organization, automating the prevention and remediation of new and emerging cybersecurity threats.
Regularly Back Up Data and Have a Recovery Plan
A hybrid work environment usually carries a higher risk of data loss because of cyber attacks, hardware failures, and human error. With a comprehensive backup and recovery strategy, you minimize potential downtime and guarantee business continuity.
In your business, create a backup schedule that aligns with your business recovery objectives. For instance, you may back up critical systems daily or even in real-time. You may back up less critical data weekly or monthly, depending on your business continuity plans.
Automate all backup processes, reducing loss from human error and increasing efficiency. With modern tools, you can schedule backups during off-peak hours to reduce latency and increase real-time monitoring to confirm successful completion.
Following the 3-2-1 rule, maintain 3 copies of your data on 2 different types of storage media, with 1 copy stored offsite. Doing this acts as a failsafe in case of natural disasters, power failures, or devastating cyberattacks. It also ensures successful redundancy and geographic separation of backups, which ensures business continuity in case of complete failure.
Educate Employees on Security Practices
Employee education on cybersecurity practices can significantly reduce your exposure to cybersecurity risk. Since human error remains a leading cause of data breaches, appropriate training turns your hybrid staff from potential liabilities to a strong first line of defense against cyber threats.
Here are several aspects of security you can teach your staff:
- Strong password creation, using password managers, and the importance of multi-factor authentication in preventing credential-based attacks.
- Identifying phishing and social engineering attacks in emails and social media that can be used to gain unauthorized access to company systems.
- Safe use of unsecured home or public networks, using VPNs, and protecting mobile devices from physical and digital threats.
- Training on urgent and relevant attacks and risks, including ransomware.
- Reporting of and response to suspected security incidents to reduce damage and prevent further exposure.