Author: Jeff Weeks, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer
Suppose you’re waiting for a flight and decide to check email on the airport Wi‑Fi. An “urgent” message tells you to open a document and sign in to see it. It may seem ordinary, but in today's hybrid work environment routine moments often pose cybersecurity dangers.
Work isn’t done in one spot anymore. Employees move seamlessly between offices, home workstations, hotels, airports and coffee shops. While flexibility has changed how companies operate, it has also impacted how organizations protect their people, data and technology. In turn, cybercriminals are focusing their attention on people, not the technology itself, and taking advantage of convenience, speed and everyday routines that open avenues for attack.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a technical expert or constantly on guard to stay secure in a hybrid world. It takes smart protections, clear expectations and a few simple routines to help keep companies and individuals secure.
Key Takeaways
- Hybrid work creates new security risks. Employees may work from homes, hotels, airports and other locations where security protections can vary.
- People play an important role in cybersecurity. Strong authentication, secure devices and awareness of suspicious requests can help reduce risk.
- Simple security habits matter. Protecting home Wi-Fi, using approved equipment and reporting unusual requests can help safeguard company and personal data.
- Security should support flexibility. Clear expectations and the right tools can help employees work securely wherever business takes them
How Organizations Can Improve Hybrid Work Security
Use Stronger Authentication for Remote Access
Passwords alone are no longer enough to safeguard accounts. Many firms now require additional verification steps like a code transmitted to a trusted device or a physical security key to ensure the right person is logging in. When something about a login attempt seems out of place, these added checks help prevent unwanted access before it becomes a problem.
Protect Sensitive Data When Working Remotely
Customer information, financial records and internal business documents can be compromised, potentially causing severe damage. Modern security tools help prevent sensitive information from being shared, stored or transmitted in the wrong way. Labels, warnings and automated protections support employees in recognizing when information needs more attention.
Secure Devices Used for Hybrid Work
In a hybrid setting, laptops and mobile devices usually become the primary workspace. Security software, encryption, automatic updates and limited admin access help protect business information even if a device is lost, stolen or compromised. These protections are designed to help employees, not hinder them.
Secure Remote Work and Travel
New cybersecurity risks arise from working outside the office. Proper precautions must be taken to protect sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi, shared workspaces and unfamiliar environments. Secure technologies and clear direction keep employees productive and reduce risk wherever business takes them.
Hybrid Work Security Checklist
Security is a shared responsibility, and small actions can make a big difference. Here’s a checklist for employees working at home to consider:
- Update or replace home Wi-Fi equipment every few years and apply updates when prompted.
- Change default passwords of routers to strong and unique credentials.
- If you can, use a separate guest network for smart home devices such as cameras, speakers and other connected gear.
- Use authorized equipment and tools while doing work duties.
- Do not perform personal activities and work on the same device unless specifically authorized.
- Be alert to unusual requests for passwords, verification codes, money transfers or sensitive information.
These are easy steps to help protect company and personal data.
How to Stay Safe When Traveling for Work
When you are away from home or office:
- Use approved secure access solutions to connect from outside.
- Use public Wi‑Fi networks with caution.
- Do not discuss critical business information in public places.
- Position screens to prevent shoulder surfing in airports, hotels and shared workspaces.
- Watch out for suspicious login requests, file-sharing URLs and urgent communications. If unsure, stop, check, report.
What to Do When Something Seems Suspicious
Most effective cyberattacks begin with a moment of doubt that someone overlooks.
If you get an email, phone call, text message, login prompt or file request that seems odd:
- Pause before acting.
- Check the request through a trusted channel.
- Report questionable activities in accordance with your organization’s established process.
It’s always better to ask questions than to proceed when something doesn’t seem right.
Build Safer Hybrid Work Habits
Hybrid work is here to stay, and security needs to keep evolving with it. When precautions are built into the everyday routine and employees know how to use them, security becomes less about constraints and more about confidence.
Flexibility and security are not mutually exclusive goals. When organizations and employees work together, they can create a safer digital environment that fosters productivity, collaboration and peace of mind wherever work happens.
Hybrid work allows us flexibility. Good security behaviors help us keep it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hybrid Work Security
Employees can help protect themselves and their organizations by using approved devices and secure access solutions, keeping software and devices updated, protecting home Wi-Fi networks, avoiding suspicious links and login requests, and reporting potential security concerns.
Businesses can help protect sensitive data by using access controls, encryption, security tools and clear policies for handling information outside the office. Employees should also understand how to recognize and report suspicious requests for sensitive information.
Public Wi-Fi creates additional security risks, particularly when employees access sensitive business information. Employees should use their organization's approved secure access solutions and follow company policies when connecting from airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public locations.
Employees should pause before responding, verify the request through a trusted channel and report it according to their organization's established process. Avoid clicking links, opening unexpected files or providing passwords, verification codes or sensitive information until the request has been confirmed.
About the Author
Jeff has been with FNBO for more than 26 years and is currently the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer. The executive leadership and oversight provided by Jeff in the development, management and execution of information security for FNBO enables the company’s ability to posture and protect private, personal information, and assets of the company’s clients, employees and business partners.
