Introduction

The shift to remote work has boosted productivity and improved work–life balance, but it has also introduced new Cybersecurity challenges. The evolving Cybersecurity landscape is expanding the potential attack surface faster than ever before.

Before 2020, remote work was uncommon and often restricted to a select few roles. The COVID-19 pandemic compelled businesses worldwide to quickly adopt remote working practices. What began as a crisis response uncovered advantages, such as increased productivity, enhanced work–life balance, and access to a broader talent pool. As restrictions were lifted, both employers and employees preferred not to return to traditional work environments giving rise to the hybrid workplace.

While this flexibility enhances productivity and employee satisfaction, it also brings new Cybersecurity concerns. The hybrid work model has significantly broadened the attack surface beyond the traditional office environment.

This article outlines key risks and practical defenses organizations can adopt to protect people, devices, and data.

Why hybrid work increases risk

Unlike traditional setups, hybrid work environments extend the corporate network far beyond the company’s walls. Employees may access sensitive systems from:

  • Home Wi-Fi networks that are often poorly secured.
  • Public spaces such as cafés.
  • Personal devices that may not have enterprise-grade protection.

This wider attack surface gives cybercriminals more opportunities to exploit weak links. A single compromised laptop or phishing email can expose the entire organization.
 

Key cyber risks in hybrid work

This new reality demands a fresh look at the risks that come with flexibility. Below are some of the most pressing cyber threats organizations face in a hybrid work model:

VPN vulnerabilities

VPNs are a common remote access solution, but they are not foolproof. Misconfigurations, outdated protocols or compromised credentials can open the door to attackers. 

Endpoint security gaps

Without proper endpoint detection and response (EDR), a compromised device can become a launchpad for lateral movement within the network. Remote devices often miss critical patches or run outdated antivirus. Attackers exploit these gaps to deploy ransomware or steal credentials.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks

Home and public Wi-Fi networks often lack enterprise-grade security. Attackers can exploit weak encryption or spoof networks to intercept sensitive data.  Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks are easier on open or poorly secured networks. Employees may unknowingly connect to rogue hotspots.

Phishing and social engineering

Remote workers are more isolated and rely heavily on email and messaging platforms, prime channels for phishing. Attackers now use AI-generated emails, deepfakes and social engineering tactics that are harder to detect. 

Shadow IT and BYOD

Employees using unapproved apps to collaborate can bypass company security controls. This practice bypasses corporate security controls and increases data leakage risks.
Shadow IT tools often lack encryption, logging or access controls. Sensitive data can be stored in personal cloud accounts without oversight.

Data leakage

Mixing personal and work accounts or downloading sensitive files outside secure environments, exposes data to risk. Employees saving client data to personal USBs or email files to personal inboxes.
 

Building a secure hybrid workplace

Hybrid work has redefined the boundaries of the modern office. Employees now operate in a mix of secure corporate environments and less controlled spaces such as homes, cafés and shared networks. Organizations can no longer rely on traditional defenses alone; they must build resilience that follows the user, the device and the data wherever they go. Some effective measures include:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Employees logging in from different locations and devices increase the chances of stolen credentials being misused. MFA adds a crucial extra layer by requiring a second proof of identity, such as a code or biometric scan. 

Zero Trust architecture

The old model of “trusting anything inside the network” is ineffective in a hybrid world. Zero Trust assumes that every connection could be compromised. Access is granted only after continuously verifying the user’s identity, device health and location. 

Endpoint security

Every laptop, smartphone or tablet is a potential doorway into organization. Hybrid work makes it harder for IT teams to keep track of all endpoints. Deploying comprehensive endpoint protection including antivirus, firewalls and patch management ensures that these devices are not easy targets for malware or exploitation. 

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure access

A VPN encrypts internet traffic, making it much harder for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information. Organizations should require use of secure channels such as VPNs or cloud-based secure access solutions whenever they are outside the office.

Data protection measures

To safeguard sensitive data, organizations need to implement encryption both in transit and at rest, ensure regular data backups and deploy Data Loss Prevention tools to monitor and prevent unauthorized data sharing. 

Security awareness training

The best security tools are only as effective as the people using them. Human error remains the leading cause of cyber incidents, with phishing still being the most successful attack method. Regular and engaging training programs help employees spot suspicious emails, understand the dangers of downloading unauthorized apps and follow secure practices at home and in the office. 

A shared responsibility

Hybrid work is now a permanent fixture in our professional landscape. Ensuring Cybersecurity in this environment demands more than IT safeguards; it requires cultivating a shared culture of security awareness. Every employee plays a vital role in protecting organizations’ data and systems.

As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month, remember:

  • Flexibility should never come at the expense of security; and
  • A secure hybrid workplace is built on trust, vigilance and collaboration.
     

Caveat

This newsletter has been prepared by RSM (Eastern Africa) Consulting Ltd, and the views are those of the firm, independent of its directors, employees and associates. This newsletter is for general guidance, and does not constitute professional advice. Accordingly, RSM (Eastern Africa) Consulting Ltd, its directors, employees, associates and its agents accept no liability for the consequences of anyone acting, or refraining from acting, in reliance on the information contained herein or for any decision based on it. No part of the newsletter may be reproduced or published without prior written consent. RSM (Eastern Africa) Consulting Ltd is a member firm of RSM, a worldwide network of accounting and consulting firms. RSM does not offer professional services in its own name and each member firm of RSM is a legally separate and independent national firm.