Why Cybersecurity Risks Are a Growing Concern for Hybrid Teams
Hybrid work offers businesses greater flexibility, employee satisfaction, and even cost savings. But it also creates cybersecurity risks that many small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) aren’t fully prepared to manage. With employees spread across multiple locations, using various devices and networks, the potential for error—and exposure—rises dramatically.
In this guide, we’ll cover six of the most common cybersecurity threats facing hybrid workplaces. Whether you manage a team of five or fifty, understanding and addressing these risks can help protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.
Falling for Phishing Emails
Phishing remains one of the most widespread cyber attack threats, particularly in hybrid setups where communication happens primarily through email or chat. In phishing schemes, cybercriminals pose as legitimate contacts—vendors, coworkers, or even banks—to trick users into sharing credentials or downloading malware.
Why it’s so costly:
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, phishing was the top reported cybercrime in 2023, with damages totaling over $3 billion. A successful phishing attack can give hackers access to your entire network, allowing them to steal sensitive data, launch ransomware, or impersonate employees.
Real-world example:
In 2022, a small law firm in Texas lost client data when a paralegal unknowingly clicked a phishing email pretending to be from a document-sharing platform. The attacker gained access to client files and demanded a ransom—costing the firm $40,000 in damages and lost business.
What you can do:
• Regularly run security awareness training sessions and phishing simulations.
• Use modern email screening tools to identify questionable emails.
• Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
Connecting to Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Working from anywhere may sound great, but public and home Wi-Fi networks pose significant cybersecurity risks if not properly secured. Attackers can exploit unsecured connections to intercept data, plant malware, or steal login credentials.
Why it’s so costly:
If a team member accesses company files over a public Wi-Fi network—say, at a coffee shop—hackers can launch a “man-in-the-middle” attack and intercept everything they’re doing. Without encryption, your business data is basically public.
Common cybersecurity mistakes:
• Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN
• Failing to change default home router passwords
• Skipping firmware updates on personal network devices
What you can do:
• Require employees to use a business-grade VPN when working remotely.
• Provide best-practice training for home network security.
• Supply a portable hotspot or secure router options for remote workers.
Using Personal Devices Without Security Controls
It’s tempting to allow employees to use their own devices—it cuts costs and speeds up onboarding. But without proper control measures, personal devices become entry points for malware, data leaks, and unauthorized access.
Why it’s so costly:
Personal devices are often not encrypted, lack endpoint protection, and may be shared with family members. If a phone or laptop is lost or stolen, it could grant access to your client files, emails, or internal systems.
Common cyber security threats from BYOD:
• Outdated operating systems
• Apps downloaded from unsafe sources
• Weak or reused passwords
What you can do:
• Create a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy outlining required safeguards.
• To manage and keep an eye on access, use mobile device management (MDM) software.
• Require company-approved antivirus and endpoint protection tools on all devices.
Ignoring Ransomware Threats
Ransomware doesn’t just affect large enterprises. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because attackers assume they have fewer defenses. Hybrid teams can be especially vulnerable if patches and backups aren’t managed across all remote devices.
Why it’s so costly:
Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. Whether or not you pay the ransom, recovery expenses include data recovery, downtime, and reputational harm.
Recent statistics:
According to Sophos’ 2024 Ransomware Report, 61% of SMBs reported being hit by ransomware in the past year. Over $1.8 million was spent on recovery on average.
Source: Sophos 2024 Ransomware Report
What you can do:
• Back up critical data frequently—both locally and in the cloud.
• Test your recovery process quarterly to ensure it’s working.
• Patch software regularly and use automatic update settings.
Skipping Employee Security Training
Even the most expensive security software can’t protect against human error. Without training, employees are more likely to make cybersecurity mistakes like reusing passwords, using unauthorized apps, or clicking on unsafe links.
Why it’s so costly:
Over 80% of data breaches are linked to human error, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report. In hybrid work environments, where IT teams can’t provide hands-on support, this risk is magnified.
Examples of poor security behaviors:
• Sharing credentials over chat
• Downloading unauthorized software
• Ignoring update notifications
What you can do:
• Incorporate cybersecurity and risk training during onboarding.
• Offer micro-learning modules every month to keep security top of mind.
• Reinforce good behavior through rewards and team recognition.
Relying on Outdated or Weak Security Policies
The last major mistake? Not having a strong policy—or having one that’s outdated. A lot of businesses still operate with IT policies that were written pre-pandemic, before hybrid work became common.
Why it’s so costly:
Weak policies lead to inconsistent behavior, unauthorized access, and gaps in protection. Worse, if you’re audited or face a breach, a lack of documentation can hurt your compliance status.
What should your policy include?
• Device usage guidelines
• Remote access protocols
• File-sharing rules
• Response plans for breaches
What you can do:
• Review and update policies every 6–12 months.
• Align them with industry standards and cybersecurity frameworks (like NIST or ISO).
• Make policies simple and actionable—ditch the legalese.
Signs Your Business Is Already at Risk
How can you tell if these cybersecurity risks are already affecting your business? Look for these warning signs:
• Slow or unusual network activity
• Frequent pop-ups or crashes on employee devices
• Reports of suspicious emails or login attempts
• Employees unsure of how to handle basic security tasks
• No recent security training or system audit
If you’re noticing any of the above, you’re not alone—and it’s not too late to act.
Cybersecurity and Risk: The Cost of Doing Nothing
Many small businesses delay security upgrades due to cost or lack of time. But the reality is, doing nothing is far more expensive. From data loss and legal consequences to client trust and business continuity, the hidden costs of cyber attack threats can be devastating.
Cybercriminals don’t just go after big banks or multinational corporations. They target SMBs—because they expect you to be easier to crack.
That’s why addressing these cybersecurity risks now, not later, is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Conclusion
Hybrid work may be here to stay, but it brings real and often underestimated cybersecurity risks for small and mid-sized businesses. From phishing emails and unsecured Wi-Fi to personal devices and weak security policies, these six common cybersecurity threats can cost your business time, money, and client trust. The good news? Each risk can be mitigated with the right tools, training, and proactive policies.
At Gallop Technology Group, we specialize in helping small businesses across Arizona stay protected in a hybrid-first world. From building secure networks to updating your IT policies, we offer practical, business-friendly solutions.
Let’s talk.
Schedule your free security assessment at www.galloptechgroup.com/request-an-appointment and take the first step toward a safer hybrid workplace. Don’t wait until something goes wrong—protect your business today.
Source:
FBI Internet Crime Report 2023
IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2023
