Securely Approaching Hybrid Working
The current work-from-home guidance is set to be relaxed, in favor of hybrid working from the 31st of January 26, 2022. Businesses can prepare for this by reviewing and offering a refresh of what current work at home practices are in place. As with anything there are pros and cons associated with hybrid working.
The benefits of hybrid working
The flexibility offered by hybrid working is something that can be a big positive for employees. They can decide where they feel most productive doing certain tasks, while still maintaining office time which makes for easier collaboration on group projects.
Hybrid working can also allow for a better work-life balance, this appeals to a lot of employees as increased people are looking for the option of a blended approach to work. As opposed to fully remote working in which some employees may find it hard to strike a perfect work-life balance, the hybrid approach can foster healthier boundaries to working life.
The cost saving aspect of the hybrid working model is something that cannot go unmentioned. When practicing this approach to work savings can be expected from saving money on transportation to work, it also could give the option for employees to move to better value housing because they will not have to commute as often. The cost savings also impact the employers, this method means that they can investigate downsizing offices and implement a hot desking system if all employees are not in every day.
The security implications of hybrid working
There are also serious security challenges that face companies when the gradual return from the office begins next week. One of the issues that employees face is current IT (Information Technology) system and security policies, and these not being adapted to hybrid working. This is likely to make staff create their own procedures that make up for system shortcomings. During 2021 36% of staff said that they have found themselves picking up bad security habits. The unauthorised sharing of data between work and personal devices is a common issue. Another challenge faced by businesses from hybrid working is the increasing use of shadow IT. This is when employees use hardware or software without first getting the okay from the IT department. Shadow IT is an all-encompassing term which can refer to the use of productivity tools and/or cloud file storage. The problem with this is that there may be unknown security risks and it could lead to major security risks.
Less defined network boundaries, and poor home security setup are also key to securing your work and personal devices when working from anywhere, it is an extremely complex task to secure a network that covers workspace and employee homes. By ensuring that your devices are equipped with antivirus software and by checking that sites and software used are safe to use.
There are other risks involved in hybrid working, including bring your own device (BYOD) this is something that is on the rise as it is well suited to a hybrid working model. Click the image above to be taken to an article about the risks of this approach to working. Unfortunately, the risks are greater when using our own devices, as it was found that we are more likely not to follow a strict security procedure when using personal devices.
How Workflo can help your organisation
Workflo can help with the security concerns associated with hybrid work, we will help your organisation run through all the steps needed to create and implement cyber security that is adaptable to the changing cyber security climate. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our IT experts who will be happy to talk to you about all the options that are available to help keep you and your business secure.
