As remote and hybrid work continue to reshape how organizations operate, the importance of network security has never been more vital. While flexibility and business continuity are major advantages, remote working security risks have become a growing concern and one that many companies weren’t fully prepared for when the pandemic hit.
Why Remote Working Security Risks Matter More Than Ever
During COVID-19, businesses rapidly shifted to remote work to comply with lockdowns and maintain operations. But while the virus was an immediate concern, a less visible threat was growing: the rise in cybersecurity vulnerabilities linked to a remote workforce.
The shift introduced new traffic patterns, devices, apps, and untested communication tools into business environments. While innovation often follows necessity, many of these new tools weren’t vetted through traditional IT protocols. The result? A dramatic increase in potential attack vectors and security gaps.
Key Cybersecurity Risks of Remote Work
What kind of information security risks are associated with remote work? Every organization faces unique challenges based on its systems, industry, and data handling practices.
Did you know? 86% of executive team members say data breaches are more likely to happen when employees work out of the office. 57% of CIOs suspect their mobile workers have been hacked in the last year.
Let’s look at some of the most common remote working security risks:
1. Unsecured Network Access
You can control your company’s networking and wifi in your offices to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing your business-critical systems or data. Working from home means employees are often using their wifi networks, which are unlikely to include stringent security measures.
2. Unsecured Devices and Shadow IT
Company-issued devices are easier to secure and manage. But many remote workers use personal devices or download unsanctioned software—known as Shadow IT— to solve problems on the fly. This circumvents IT oversight and introduces vulnerabilities that could compromise data integrity.
3. Phishing and Scams
With limited face-to-face communication during the pandemic, phishing scams surged. Cybercriminals impersonated trusted contacts or internal departments, tricking employees into sharing login credentials or sensitive information. These attacks are often difficult to detect, especially in high-stress or fast-paced environments.
What Is Security Maturity and Why It Matters
When the pandemic hit, many organizations lacked the foundational cybersecurity strategies to handle such a sudden transition. These companies often didn’t have the staff, infrastructure, training, or policies to manage new risks effectively, leading to increased breaches, downtime, and reputational damage.
The faith of customers, investors, and regulators has the potential to dissipate sharply after a data breach or a shutdown of digital operations. That is why cybersecurity should be a critical priority for everyone.
Did you know? A mature security posture means your organization is ready to protect, prevent, prepare for, and preempt threats—often referred to as the “4 Ps” of cybersecurity.
Organizations with high security maturity are not just reactive, they’re proactive and resilient.
Did you know? In its 2025 annual cybersecurity report, our strategic partner, Deloitte, found:
- Ransomware was the top threat vector for 2024.
- Social engineering is trending as an initial access technique by cybercriminals.
- Cybercriminals are shifting from brute-force attacks to using deliberately stolen. username/password combinations to abuse corporate virtual private networks (VPNs)
- Malware, particularly infostealers, remain a prominent threat as many families have developed new iterations.
Assessing and Improving Your Security Maturity
The information security threats that your organization faces are continually evolving. In fact, many businesses are embracing permanent or hybrid remote work models, making long-term security planning essential.
To stay protected, organizations must continuously evaluate their security maturity. A proper assessment goes beyond checking off boxes. It involves a holistic review of vulnerabilities, policies, technologies, and preparedness.
A security maturity assessment isn’t just a list of items you can check off once and be done with them. It’s an ongoing system that should include:
- Internal checks
- Attack vector and response research
- Regulatory maintenance
- Standards updates
By identifying weaknesses and prioritizing investments, you position your organization to respond faster, mitigate risks sooner, and remain compliant in a changing digital landscape. Make sure your assessment of security maturity also includes the following:
- Connected devices and networks
- Threat intelligence
- Governance
- Compliance and standards requirements
- Disaster recovery
- Incident response strategies
Strengthen Your Defenses With Expert Guidance
Remote working security risks are real, but they’re manageable with the right strategy. At AISN, we help organizations assess and enhance their information security programs to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s threats. Contact us today and let’s build a safer remote work environment for your team and your data.