The Cybersecurity Risks of Hybrid Work for CT/MA Businesses

Hybrid work has become the new normal across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Employees are splitting time between the office and home, and while this model increases flexibility, it also opens the door to new cybersecurity risks. Many small and mid-sized businesses are now managing networks that extend far beyond their physical buildings, and the security tools they relied on a few years ago are no longer enough.

Below are the major cybersecurity risks businesses face today, along with practical steps to strengthen protection.

1. Unsecured Home Networks

Home networks are rarely as secure as business environments. Many employees use outdated routers, weak Wi-Fi passwords, and shared networks with personal devices. A single infected device on a home network can put your entire business at risk.

What to do:

• Require a business-grade virtual private network (VPN) for all remote logins

• Enforce strong Wi-Fi passwords where possible

• Provide an approved list of devices allowed to access company data

2. Weak or Reused Passwords

Hybrid work makes password hygiene even more critical. Employees jump between personal and work devices, and many reuse the same password across multiple websites. This increases the chances of credential theft through phishing or brute-force attacks.

What to do:

• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all business systems

• Use a password manager like Keeper to store and rotate credentials

• Require periodic password audits

3. Personal Devices That Lack Security Controls

Bring-your-own-device situations are common in hybrid work environments. Laptops and tablets that lack proper antivirus, encryption, or patching make it easy for attackers to slip in unnoticed.

What to do:

• Deploy endpoint security tools

• Enforce automatic patching and updates

4. Increased Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Remote workers rely heavily on email, chat, and cloud apps. Attackers know this and launch targeted phishing campaigns to trick employees into granting access, sending money, or revealing credentials.

What to do:

• Implement advanced email security like Ironscales

• Train employees to recognize suspicious messages

• Review forwarding rules and mailbox permissions often

5. No Content Filtering Outside the Office

When employees work remotely, many businesses lose visibility into what websites and applications are being accessed. Without content filtering, malicious websites, fake software downloads, and compromised ads can go unnoticed.

What to do:

• Enforce content filtering on all remote devices

• Block unsafe or high-risk websites

• Monitor for shadow IT tools employees install on their own

6. Cloud Misconfigurations

Hybrid work relies heavily on Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Incorrect sharing permissions or unsecured links can expose confidential files to the public.

What to do:

• Review file sharing settings every quarter

• Require MFA for all cloud access

• Use conditional access policies to control login locations and devices

Why CT and MA SMBs Are Seeing More Hybrid Work Attacks

Local businesses have become valuable targets because attackers know many small companies do not have full-time security teams. Hybrid work increases the attack surface, and bad actors look for easy entry points like remote access, unsecured laptops, and outdated home equipment.

A layered approach to security is critical. VPNs, MFA, endpoint protection, and content filtering all work together to reduce the risk of a costly breach.

Need Help Securing Your Hybrid Workforce?

Encompass IT helps Connecticut and Massachusetts businesses build secure, flexible hybrid work environments. Our team can assess your current setup, close security gaps, and implement tools that keep remote and in-office employees protected.

If you want help reviewing your hybrid work security, we would be happy to connect.