As the world slowly emerges from the pandemic and organizations start to switch back to working in the office, many things must be considered. One of the most important considerations is the security of the organization’s data and network. With many employees having worked remotely for over a year, there are bound to be security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed before employees can safely return to the office. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the cybersecurity threats involved with the switch back to working in the office and what organizations can do to mitigate these risks.

Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks have been a significant threat to organizations for years, but with many employees working from home, they became an even greater risk. Employees who were not used to working remotely may have been more vulnerable to phishing attacks and other scams. As employees return to the office, there is a risk that they may become complacent and let their guard down. Organizations should continue to educate their employees on how to recognize and avoid phishing attacks and ensure that their email filters and firewalls are up to date.

Malware attacks
Malware attacks can come in many forms, from viruses to ransomware. Employees who have been working remotely may have been using their own devices, which may not have been as secure as the devices provided by the organization. Additionally, employees may have downloaded software or visited websites that were not authorized by the organization, putting the network at risk. Organizations should conduct a thorough audit of all devices used by employees and ensure that they are secure before allowing them to connect to the network.

Insider threats
Insider threats are a significant concern for organizations, and the switch back to working in the office is no exception. Employees may have become disgruntled while working remotely which could pose a risk to the organization’s data and network. Additionally, employees may accidentally or intentionally leak sensitive information. Organizations should have policies in place to prevent insider threats, such as background checks and monitoring of employee activity on the network.

Weak passwords
Employees may have been using weak passwords while working remotely, putting the organization’s data at risk. Organizations should require employees to change their passwords before returning to the office and ensure that they are using strong, complex passwords that are not easily guessed. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to the login process.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Employees who have been working remotely may have been using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which can be easily hacked by cybercriminals. When employees return to the office, organizations should ensure that the Wi-Fi network is secure and that employees are not connecting to other networks that may be unsecured.

In conclusion, the switch back to working in the office presents several cybersecurity threats that organizations need to address. Organizations should conduct a thorough security audit of their network and devices and implement policies and procedures to mitigate these risks. Additionally, organizations should continue to educate their employees on how to recognize and avoid security threats. With the right preparation and precautions, organizations can ensure that their return to the office is safe and secure.