Hybrid Work Environments and Home Setup Security

The shift towards hybrid working is undeniable. With it comes great flexibility and challenges in equal measure. With half your team on Zoom from the living room and the other half in the office, security is a topic that cannot be ignored. The concept of hybrid and home working is here to stay, so what happens when we forget the security of our home offices?

The Security Reality in Hybrid Work Environments

The modern work culture has gracefully (or at times, begrudgingly) shifted towards a more adaptable model, where employees enjoy the comfort of their homes as their workspace. But, as the latest news points out, with this flexibility comes a significant oversight – home office security.

Recent statistics have alarmingly indicated that cybercriminals are setting their sights on remote workers. Given that home networks might not be as fortified as their corporate counterparts, it’s becoming imperative for business owners to extend their security policies to include the home setups of their team. After all, we wouldn’t want any ‘cyber gatecrashers’ at our home work parties, would we?

The Basics of Securing a Home Office

Before delving into the complexities, let’s cover the basics. Here’s what every remote worker should have in their security toolkit:

Secure Wi-Fi Network: Always ensure that your Wi-Fi network is encrypted (ideally with WPA3 security, get in touch for guidance). Regularly updating passwords can also go a long way.
VPN Usage: Consider using a VPN, especially when accessing company data. This ensures a secure and encrypted connection.
Multi-factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security, making it more challenging for unauthorised individuals to access your accounts. As the old saying goes, ‘Two steps are better than one!’

Advanced Security Measures for the Tech-Savvy

For businesses with a higher security requirement or those wanting to get a little fancy with their protections:

Endpoint Security Solutions: This extends your security perimeters right to the endpoint devices. It’s like having a digital guard dog for each device.
Regular Software Updates: Ensure that all software, including your operating system and applications, are regularly updated to their latest versions.
Employee Training: Conduct regular security awareness trainings. Equip your team with the knowledge to spot and thwart potential cyber threats.

The Road Ahead for Business Owners

Senior professionals, especially those without an in-house IT department, need to be proactive. While these measures might seem daunting initially, the essence is to cultivate a security-first mindset amongst all employees. Dive deeper into our free resources on the Knowledge Centre, where we provide comprehensive resources and advice.

For further insights, downloading our detailed guide on home office security. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s also your best defence. Contact the Clearsky team for more guidance on adapting your security to accommodate home and hybrid working.