The 5 biggest cyber threats to hybrid work — and how to stay ahead

In today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity is not optional — it’s mission-critical. The average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024 ¹, excluding the far-reaching consequences of operational disruption and reputational damage. Even the most successful organizations are vulnerable.

While it may not be the only thing you need to succeed, without it, everything else is at risk. Let’s take a look at the most prevalent cyber threats facing hybrid work environments today, and how to mitigate them before they escalate.

#1. Phishing and social engineering attacks

In a recent IDC survey, 52% of respondents stated that trusting employees to keep corporate resources and data secure is their biggest organizational concern.³

Phishing remains one of the most prevalent threats, especially as employees access corporate systems from a multitude of entry points such as personal devices or unsecured networks. Cybercriminals exploit email, messaging apps, and even voice calls to trick users into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.

The most important thing that organizations can do is prevent social engineering attacks is to implement regular security awareness training. By encouraging a “zero trust” mindset, businesses can help employees recognize phishing attempts and learn to verify any unexpected communication. Advanced email filtering and anti-phishing tools are also good for security arsenals.

#2. Unsecured endpoints

According to the survey, 57% cited security concerns as the number one challenge keeping their organization from realizing the full potential of flexible work models.⁴

With employees using a mix of personal and corporate devices, endpoint security becomes a major concern for the hybrid workforce. Unpatched software, outdated antivirus programs, and lack of encryption can expose sensitive data to attacks.

Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions helps secure your hybrid network and ensure the integrity of your data. When it comes to devices, enforce compliance policies and employ regular patch management. As an additional layer, incorporating mobile device management (MDM) tools will fortify any gaps for true end-to-end security,

#3. Weak identity and access management (IAM)

Software upgrades (49%) and device management (42%) closely followed security as top concerns in the hybrid workplace.⁵

The last thing companies want is to have their data breached by a missing upgrade or an outmoded device. In a hybrid setup, ensuring that only authorized users and monitored devices can access corporate resources is critical. Simple passwords, shared credentials, and lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) can lead to unauthorized access and compromised security.

Be sure to enforce strong password policies and MFA across all systems and business units. Single sign-on (SSO) solutions are also an effective way to streamline and secure authentication. For extremely sensitive information, implement role-based access controls (RBACs) to limit access to a certain group or executive level.

#4. Insecure home networks

Exposure to hackers (e.g., malware propagation, account escalation, ransomware) was the greatest security concern relative to flexible work models at 41%.⁶

Remote workers often rely on personal wi-fi networks, which may lack enterprise-grade security features. This opens the door to man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized access. Working from hotels, airports, or other public wi-fi locations creates additional risk.

Providing employees with secure VPN access to corporate resources is the best way to mitigate network security concerns, but companies can also offer guidance on securing home routers (like changing default passwords, enabling WPA 3 security certification, etc.). If there are obstacles to these solutions, organizations can consider deploying remote access tools with built-in encryption.

#5. Shadow IT

Per 41% of participants, employee-facing apps for productivity, skills, training, and IT support top the list for integrating AI use cases into existing applications or work process.⁷

Shadow IT is another way hybrid workers may inadvertently create security blind spots. Here’s an example. An employee comes across a new AI tool to enhance productivity and decides to give it a try. That’s all it takes for a bad actor to infiltrate the network. There are also shadow applications that can be unknowingly downloaded as well.

It’s important to conduct regular audits to identify and manage shadow IT. Make sure employees are educated on the risks of using unvetted tools and software and offer approved alternatives that meet productivity and security needs. By providing your employees with the right tools, they are far less likely to seek solutions themselves.

Lack of security protocols to prevent sharing of proprietary IP was noted as the top impediment (52%) preventing organizations from offering employees access to comparable and secure information and systems they need to work effectively, regardless of location.⁸

In the realm of hybrid work, cybersecurity demands an uncompromising approach. The most effective defense is a robust, continuously evolving offense — one grounded in real-time monitoring, rigorous threat detection, and unwavering vigilance. As AI-driven threats accelerate in scale and sophistication, staying ahead of the curve is not optional — it’s necessary.

The cybersecurity landscape is inherently complicated, but the cost of inaction may be far greater than any investment in preparedness. Organizations that invest in a layered, proactive strategy — integrating advanced technologies, enforceable policies, and continuous employee education — will be best positioned to mitigate risk now and into the future.

As IT environments grow more complex with hybrid infrastructures, remote work, and cloud-native applications, the need for robust security and operational efficiency becomes critical. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and integrated service models like Ricoh Work Anywhere (RWA), built on Microsoft 365, play a key role in addressing these challenges. RWA embeds security, governance, and flexibility into daily operations, and when combined with the expertise of an MSP, it creates a resilient, adaptive security framework that ensures continuous protection aligned with business goals. In today’s high-risk digital landscape where threats are sophisticated and stakes are high, solutions like these aren’t just beneficial…they’re essential.