With the rise of remote and hybrid working, are your employees at increased risk of falling for a scam or cyber attack when out of the office?

We looked at the most common remote working environments and explored what risks you may face and have collated some of the ways you can ensure your employees stay secure when working remotely.

Co-Working Spaces and Shared Offices are the most secure option

What are the risks when working remotely in a shared office?

• In open-plan offices and workspaces, there is always a potential for people spying and snooping over your shoulder. Be wary if you're working with lots of personal or sensitive data, there could be someone sitting behind you.
• When working remotely you don't have the luxury of being able to leave your belongings on your desk in the same way as you would at home or in your office. If you leave a laptop/phone/tablet unlocked and unattended you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access.
• So many businesses have empowered hybrid staff by giving them access to shared offices, but this doesn't come without distractions. Whilst having networking mornings, workshops and after-work drinks all sound great! You might become distracted from your work and let your guard down.
• Don't allow yourself to acquire bad habits from anyone around you who isn't trained in cyber security, remember the security training that your employer has given you!
• Even with all the guidance, we can give you, working remotely means that security is still your responsibility as a business owner. Make sure your staff are comfortable with the basics and know to flag anything if it doesn't look right.

Why is a co-working space a more secure place to work?

• Top of the list in shared working spaces is that you have access to secure and private meeting rooms and workspaces. This allows you to work in the knowledge that nobody is looking over your shoulder and you can secure your devices should you need to move around the building or nip out for lunch.
• Many co-working spaces have lockers, keycard security and a manned reception. You can communicate with workspace staff if you're unsure or need clarification on anything to do with security or how to connect to the secure wi-fi network.
• Whilst we urge caution on using unsecured public wi-fi networks, many co-working spaces will offer tenants access to Encrypted public wi-fi networks. Talk to reception to find out how you can log into this encrypted wi-fi network on all your devices.
• If you're a boss allowing remote staff to utilise shared office space, ensure communication channels with employees are open. You want them to continue to check in with managers or your own IT team to ensure devices stay updated and documents are secure.
• Don't forget to reaffirm key security guidance periodically with staff through emails, online documentation and in-person training.
• Ensure all employees are aware of your companies Security policies; i.e Remote Working Policy or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy

Many of us work a couple of hours in the local cafe, but are they secure?

What are the risks when working from a cafe?

• You may be unaware that an innocent trip to your local cafe may have threats lurking in the background of their public Wi-Fi network. Public wi-fi is common in most locations when working remotely, we all frequently connect to them to check our emails or social media without thinking twice. Whilst your local cafe owner may believe they’re providing free wi-fi to try and keep you in-store to buy that extra slice of cake, chances are it's an insecure public wi-fi network.
• When working from a cafe you don't have the luxury of being able to leave your belongings on your desk when you go to grab another drink or slice of cake in the same way as you would at home or in your office. If you leave a laptop/phone/tablet unlocked or unattended you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access or robbing you of your devices (and data).
• In a cafe, there is always a potential for people spying and snooping over your shoulder, not to mention the many distractions of a busy afternoon lunch period. Be wary if you're working with lots of personal or sensitive data, there could be someone sitting behind you. Don't leave any devices unlocked or unattended, you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access to your website and data.

How can you stay secure when working in a cafe?

• VPNs are encrypted network connections, that allow remote employees to securely access your company's services. Using a VPN or Mobile hotspot when working in a cafe is one way to guarantee the security of 'data in transit' across an untrusted network, employees can use VPNs to access their corporate email inboxes and file storage area.
• For staff who are often working remotely and on the go, we'd suggest investing in a privacy filter/screen on your device. Although they cost as much as £20 - £30, a privacy screen protector can keep private and sensitive information on your screen to yourself only. Onlookers cannot peep into your phone and observe what you're doing.
• Don’t leave devices unlocked or unattended when moving away from your table, take your devices with you or consider waiting until you've finished purchasing that second coffee or slice of cake.

When you're travelling to meetings across the country, you're likely to spend some time working from a Hotel

What are the risks when working in a hotel?

• In a hotel, there is always a potential for people spying and snooping over your shoulder in a busy restaurant or reception area. Not to mention the many distractions of a busy afternoon check-in period. Be wary if you're working with lots of personal or sensitive data, there could be someone sitting near you.
• Point-of-sale (POS) attacks are a popular type of cyber-attack in the retail and hospitality industry. POS attacks take place when malicious malware is installed on systems that are used to make payments so that credit card details are stolen when they are used.
• Copycat public wi-fi networks can trick you into connecting to what they think is a legitimate network because the name sounds reputable. Say you’re staying at the Hotel Easy and want to connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi. You may think you’re selecting the correct one when you click on “HotelEassy,” but you haven’t. Instead, you’ve just connected to a rogue hotspot set up by cybercriminals who can now view your sensitive information.

How can you working from a hotel be a more secure remote working option?

• Don’t leave devices unlocked or unattended as a general rule, but with hotels, you do have access to lockers in your room and other secure storage rooms will be available at most hotels. If you're leaving the hotel for breakfast or a lunch meeting, consider leaving any personal belongings in your room or with the hotel reception for you to pick up before you head for your train.
• Within a hotel, there is a layered security approach (consisting of security guards, keycards and CCTV cameras) which brings increased peace of mind when working if you come across an incident or persons looking over your shoulder.
• Many hotels will also offer secure and private meeting rooms/workspaces. Take advantage of these if you are going to work for extended periods of time or hold a meeting with any out-of-town clients.
• Using a VPN or Mobile hotspot when working in a hotel room is a great way to guarantee the security of 'data in transit' across an untrusted network, employees can use VPNs to access their corporate email inboxes and file storage area. Using a secure hotspot might be especially useful if the hotel room wi-fi signal is weak or not fast enough for you.
• A privacy screen protector can keep private and sensitive information on your screen to your eyes only. Onlookers in the hotel lobby cannot peep over your should and look at your private information.

Have you ever worked remotely at a Service Station before?

What are the security risks in a service station?

• In a service station, people could still be spying and snooping over your shoulder and there is a heightened risk of distractions during a busy morning. Be wary if you're working with lots of personal or sensitive data, there could be someone sitting at a table behind you. Don't leave any devices unlocked or unattended in a shared food court, you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access to your website and data.
• Public wi-fi is common in service stations in food courts and seating areas, we all frequently connect to them to check our emails or social media. Whilst a service station may believe they’re providing free wi-fi to try and keep you on-site to rest up for an extra 30 minutes, chances are it's an insecure public wi-fi network.
• Point-of-sale (POS) attacks are a type of cyber-attack that can be found in retail stores and service stations. POS attacks take place when malicious malware is installed on systems that are used to make payments so that credit card details are stolen when they are used.
• When you're in a service station you don't have the luxury of being able to leave your belongings on your desk in the same way as you would at home or in your office. If you leave a laptop/phone/tablet unlocked or unattended you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access or robbing you of your devices (and data).

How can you stay secure when working at a Service Station?

• Can it wait? If you're at a service station, chances are you're resting your eyes after or during a long journey or you're with colleagues on a work trip. Take this time to connect with them or have a drink and a snack, don't rush into working in an environment that might not be as secure as you think!
• Keep devices secure and out of sight if they are left in your vehicle, the best places are often tucked away in the boot of your car within a secure bag or safe.
• Using a VPN or Mobile hotspot when on the go is one way to guarantee the security of 'data in transit' across an untrusted network, employees can use a VPN to access their corporate email and work's cloud file storage.
• Invest in a privacy filter/screen on your device - they can cost as much as £20 - £30. A privacy screen protector can keep private and sensitive information on your screen to yourself only, onlookers cannot peep into your tablet and observe what you're doing.
• Check cash points and point of sale/payment card devices for tampering when making any purchases.

Many of us will find ourselves delayed at a Train Station and want to check up on some emails

What are the risks when working from a train station?

• Just as in a service station, people could still be spying and snooping over your shoulder in a train station and there is a heightened risk of distractions during busy commuter periods. Be wary if you're working with lots of personal or sensitive data, there could be someone sitting at an adjoining table. Don't leave any devices unlocked or unattended on a busy train platform, you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access to your website and data.
• You don't have the luxury of being able to leave your belongings on your desk in the same way as you would at home or in your office. During busy periods, if you leave a laptop/phone/tablet unlocked or unattended you're increasing the risk of someone having unauthorized access or robbing you of your devices (and data).
• Just like service stations, public wi-fi is common in train stations. Whilst a train station may believe they’re providing free wi-fi to keep you happy, chances are it's an insecure public wi-fi network.
• Copycat public wi-fi networks can trick you into connecting to what they think is a legitimate network because the name sounds reputable. Say you’re visiting Euston Station and want to grab a coffee and connect to the station's Wi-Fi. You may think you’re selecting the correct one when you click on “EustoonStation_Public,” but you haven’t. Instead, you’ve just connected to a rogue hotspot set up by cybercriminals who can now view your sensitive information.

How can you stay secure when working in a train station?

• Can it wait? If you're at a train station, chances are you're on a work trip. Take this time to have a drink and a snack or read the paper. Don't rush into working in an environment that might not be as secure as you think!
• Invest in a privacy filter/screen on your device. A privacy screen protector can keep private and sensitive information on your screen to yourself only, onlookers cannot peep into your laptop and observe what you're writing up.
• Keep devices secure either on the go in a zipped-up and locked away in your laptop bag/backpack, or keep them at arm's distance when open and working.
• Ensure ‘Find my iPhone’ (or similar) is in enabled on your devices.
• Using a VPN when on the go is one way to guarantee the security of 'data in transit' across an untrusted network, employees can use a VPN to access their corporate email and work's cloud file storage.

Are you often working on public transport?

What are the risks when working on public transport?

• On public transport, people can easily spy and snoop over your shoulder or from between the rows of seating. There is a heightened risk of distractions during a busy train journey if you're stuck on a cramped train. Be wary if you're working with lots of personal or sensitive data, there could be someone sitting behind you who you aren't aware is watching. Don't leave any devices unlocked or unattended on a shared seating area (or luggage rack), you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access to your website and data.
• On public transport, you can't leave your belongings on display. If you leave a laptop/phone/tablet unlocked or unattended you're running the risk of someone having unauthorized access or robbing you of your devices (and data).

How can you stay secure when travelling on public transport?

• Can it wait? If you're on public transport, chances are you're on a busy train/bus. Don't rush into working in an environment that might not be as secure as you think!
• Install a privacy filter/screen on your device, this can keep private and sensitive information on your screen to yourself only, onlookers cannot peep into your laptop and observe what you're writing up.
• Keep devices secure, zipped up and locked away in your laptop bag/backpack and at your feet.
• Using a VPN when on the go is one way to guarantee the security of 'data in transit' across an untrusted network, employees can use a VPN to access their corporate email and work's cloud file storage.
• Using a secure mobile hotspot might be especially useful if the train's wi-fi signal is weak or not fast enough for you.
• Don’t leave devices unlocked or unattended, they won't be waiting for you when you get back.

Contact us today if you want to talk through any cybersecurity questions or learn more about our affordable ,memberships and ,security services.

You can read more about the risks of Remote Working with our new guidance ',Remote Working is Everyday Working'.