Wi-Fi Security in Hybrid Working Environments: Protecting Your Network Beyond the Office

Hybrid working has changed how employees access business systems and data.

Staff may connect from corporate offices, home networks, shared workspaces and public locations throughout the working week. This flexibility can benefit organisations and employees, but it also introduces additional security considerations.

Protecting a hybrid workforce means looking beyond the office Wi-Fi network and understanding how users, devices and applications connect from different locations.

Why hybrid working changes wireless security

Corporate IT teams can usually manage the organisation’s own wireless infrastructure directly. They have far less control over the security of employees’ home routers, public Wi-Fi networks and third-party connectivity.

Risks can arise when employees use poorly secured networks, connect unmanaged devices or access business resources without appropriate security controls.

The challenge is ensuring that business systems remain protected regardless of where an employee happens to be working.

Five priorities for securing hybrid connectivity

1. Protect access to business systems.

Use appropriate authentication, including multi-factor authentication, and apply least-privilege access so employees can reach the resources they need without unnecessary permissions.

2. Secure remote connections.

Use appropriate remote access technologies and encryption to protect connections to corporate systems. Depending on the environment, this may involve VPNs, zero-trust network access or other managed access solutions.

3. Maintain device security.

Ensure business devices receive appropriate updates and endpoint protection. Device health and management policies can help determine whether access should be permitted.

4. Review the office wireless network.

Hybrid working doesn’t remove the need for secure corporate Wi-Fi. Staff and guest access should be appropriately separated, with suitable authentication and access controls.

5. Improve visibility.

Monitor relevant network and security activity so suspicious access attempts and unusual behaviour can be investigated.

Wi-Fi is only one part of hybrid security

A secure hybrid environment requires several controls working together. Wireless encryption protects communications over a wireless link, but it doesn’t replace identity security, endpoint protection or secure application access.

Similarly, a corporate firewall cannot directly enforce security settings on every home router an employee uses.

Organisations should therefore develop a layered approach that protects devices, identities, connections and applications.

Make security work around the way people work

At ANSecurity, we help organisations assess their network infrastructure and identify practical improvements to security and connectivity.

By reviewing wireless access, remote connectivity and the wider network architecture together, businesses can make informed decisions about strengthening their hybrid working environment.

Your people may work from anywhere. Is your security strategy keeping up?

Contact ANSecurity to discuss your network security and hybrid connectivity requirements.