The way we work has evolved significantly, with businesses becoming increasingly agile and mobile. However, protecting data remains one of the greatest challenges faced by businesses, and the particular security risks of remote and hybrid work have become a critical priority.
As hybrid and remote work models have matured, the cybersecurity landscape has grown more complex. Research shows that 92% of IT professionals report that remote and hybrid work has increased cybersecurity threats. The threat environment has evolved substantially, with attackers developing increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit the expanded attack surface created by distributed workforces.
The financial impact is staggering. When remote work is a factor in a data breach, the average breach cost increases by $1.07 million, underscoring the cybersecurity challenges in the evolving work landscape. In 2025, organisations face an average of 1,000 attempted cyberattacks related to remote work per month, highlighting the relentless nature of modern cyber threats.
In many cases, employees working from home face unique challenges, and responsibility for ensuring the safety of an organisation's data is now distributed to each employee. This fundamentally changes the data security proposition. Hackers know that a single weak link in the security chain can do untold damage.
This article examines the key security risks of remote work for organisations today. We will also explore cybersecurity best practices to mitigate these risks and position businesses for information security success.
Internet connection points in the home are a key security concern. In 2025, 38% of all cyberattacks target home routers, VPNs, and other remote access methods. A router security check is advisable if you find it uses a 'Wired Equivalent Privacy' (WEP) connection (you'll see this printed on the bottom of the router itself). In this instance, users should change their Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) password and set the Wi-Fi name to be invisible to others, so only those who know the network name can connect.
Once your internet connection is secure, ensure your antivirus protection is up to date as one of the first security measures. Norton Security acknowledges that not all cyberattacks can be prevented with antivirus software, but it can be a valuable asset in preventing intrusion into a computer. Even small intrusions can exploit what they call "vulnerabilities", and once an intruder finds a vulnerability, it is a signal to others that the computer can be infiltrated, opening the door to worse attacks.
Imperva defines phishing as "a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers". The threat has evolved significantly in recent years, with phishing responsible for 43% of initial breach attempts in remote environments.
Credential security remains a primary weakness, with 54% of CISOs reporting an increase in credential theft incidents related to remote access tools. Very often, phishing emails are fairly obvious. Welivesecurity often uses a non-personalised greeting ("Dear Customer") or features implausible, generally surprising content. To avoid a security breach, they advise users not to click on links in emails unless they're absolutely sure they are authentic.
Many remote workers share living spaces with family, friends, or housemates. This shouldn't make us paranoid, but it should reaffirm the importance of good habits: locking your computer when you are away, safely storing important documents, and regularly changing passwords. Organisations should implement clear policies around device security and data access in shared environments.
When online, it's essential to use only secure websites. These are represented by https:// and a security "lock" icon in the browser's address bar. Remote workers should never use public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks for work. Always use your mobile's data connection or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if in doubt.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations require comprehensive security solutions that protect both their digital and physical information assets. Kyocera's Managed IT Services provide end-to-end cybersecurity protection tailored to modern hybrid work environments.
With WatchGuard Security Firewall solutions, organisations can establish robust network protection that safeguards remote connections and prevents unauthorised access. Kyocera's approach to cybersecurity extends beyond traditional IT infrastructure to include comprehensive document security, ensuring sensitive information remains protected in both digital and physical forms.
Our document and capture solutions feature advanced security protocols, including data encryption, secure printing with user authentication, and secure document workflows that prevent data leaks. These solutions work seamlessly with our managed IT services to create a holistic security environment that addresses the full spectrum of modern cybersecurity threats.
Research indicates that 72% of business owners are concerned about future cybersecurity risks arising from hybrid or remote work. According to studies, consumers are increasingly aware of data security, with 66% stating they wouldn't do business with a company whose sensitive information was exposed in a data breach.
Organisations must develop a sustainable approach that enables greater agility and flexibility without compromising security. As hybrid and remote work remains a permanent fixture of the modern workplace, mitigating the security risks of remote work must become part of an organisation's DNA, not simply a temporary measure.
Keeping your critical business data secure is a challenge many businesses face today. Every organisation is a potential target for cybercriminals. Business leaders must be alert to current threats to protect their companies from attack. Download our guide to learn everything you need to know about business cybersecurity and securing your business data.
KYOCERA Document Solutions provides document management solutions that improve document cost control and security, while delivering greater productivity, reliability and uptime.