Top Cyber Risks for Remote Teams

While working from home offers flexibility and productivity benefits, it also exposes organizations to unique risks that can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.

Hidden Risks Your Team Might Face

1. Mixing Personal and Work Devices
   Even when team members have company-issued devices, it’s common to use personal computers, tablets, or phones for work—especially when working from home. The problem is that outdated software, weak settings, or unpatched systems can create security gaps that hackers can exploit. This is why we treat patch management as a critical part of keeping your systems secure.

2. Smarter Phishing Attacks
   Hackers are constantly evolving. Beyond standard phishing emails, they’re now sending highly targeted and even malicious QR codes to trick employees. Awareness alone isn’t enough—proactive defenses are essential.

3. Unapproved Apps or Tools
   Employees often turn to tools outside of IT’s control to get work done faster. These “shadow apps”—software or services used without IT approval—can create hidden security risks. They typically appear when employees need to collaborate more efficiently, fill gaps in company-provided software, or streamline tasks, but they bypass the protections IT relies on to keep data secure.

4. Distraction and Remote Work Fatigue
   Remote work brings flexibility—but also distractions. Even the most security-conscious employees can slip up, clicking unsafe links or bypassing important security steps when fatigue sets in.

Tips to Protect Your Team

• Check every device: Ensure all computers, tablets, and phones used for work are updated with the latest software and security patches.

• Review apps and cloud tools: Encourage employees to use only approved apps and cloud services, and periodically verify that nothing unauthorized is in use.

• Stay alert for phishing: Remind your team to think before clicking links or scanning codes in emails, messages, or documents. Awareness goes a long way.

• Read out to your IT team: Whether it’s troubleshooting a day-to-day issue, tackling a complex technical challenge, or planning your next IT upgrade, our experts are ready to provide guidance and support every step of the way.”

How IT TechPros Can Help

At IT TechPros, we review your security policies, run realistic phishing simulations, and monitor your systems 24/7. This allows you to focus on running your business with confidence. Even organizations that believe they’re fully protected can benefit from assessing these hidden risks. Taking small, proactive steps today can prevent major headaches tomorrow.