Working from home has become the new normal for many businesses, but with that flexibility comes a massive security risk that’s often overlooked. If you’re logging into company-owned cloud applications from a personal device, like your laptop or smartphone, you could unknowingly open the door to hackers and ransomware attacks.

Sound alarming? It should be.

Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for weak entry points into corporate networks, and unprotected personal devices are a prime target. If you’re using a device that’s not covered by advanced security protocols, you’re putting your company’s sensitive data—and your job—at risk.

Here’s what you need to know about working from home safely and how you can avoid being the weak link in your company’s cybersecurity chain.

Personal Devices: The Backdoor Hackers Love

You might think, “I’ve got antivirus on my laptop, and I’m careful about what I click on. What’s the harm in using my personal device to check a few company emails or upload a report to the cloud?”

The harm is that personal devices are not protected by your company’s advanced security systems. Unless they’re covered under a managed security plan, your personal laptop or smartphone likely isn’t receiving regular security updates, patches, or monitoring. Without these defenses, you’re essentially rolling out a red carpet for cybercriminals to stroll right into your company’s network.

When you access company data from your unprotected device, you bypass the corporate security protocols that keep hackers at bay. Even if your device is virus-free today, all it takes is one wrong click or an unpatched vulnerability, and bam—hackers have their way in.

To illustrate the gravity of this issue, 59% of ransomware incidents where data was encrypted occurred in the public cloud. That’s right: the cloud is not the impenetrable fortress people think it is. In fact, it’s often where attackers target and store the stolen data, waiting for ransom payments. When you connect from an unsecured device, you make their job a whole lot easier.

Want to know more about how ransomware attacks unfold? Check out this detailed breakdown of ransomware tactics and see how easily unprotected devices can become the target.

Why the Cloud Is Just As Vulnerable As Your Office Network

There’s a common misconception that data stored in the cloud is inherently safer than data stored on local servers. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Cloud-based data is just as vulnerable—sometimes even more so—than on-premise data. Why? Because hackers know businesses are increasingly relying on cloud services, and they’ve developed highly sophisticated methods to infiltrate cloud environments.

Think about it: the cloud may be where your company stores crucial files, but it’s also where cybercriminals launch many of their attacks. Once they gain access, they not only steal your company’s sensitive data but can also hold it hostage, encrypting it and demanding a ransom to unlock it.

Using a personal device to access cloud-based applications without proper security is like playing with fire. You might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later, you’re going to get burned.

Backlink Opportunity: Learn more about the dangers of relying solely on cloud security in this in-depth guide on cloud security vulnerabilities.

Why Your Personal Device Needs to Be Protected

Your company invests in advanced cybersecurity measures for a reason. These tools—whether it’s endpoint detection, intrusion prevention, or managed monitoring—are designed to keep hackers out and sensitive data in. When you log into the company’s cloud apps from your personal device, you step outside of that protective bubble.

Here’s what your personal device is likely missing if it’s not part of a managed security plan:

• Regular Security Patching and Updating: One of the most effective ways to block cyberattacks is by keeping software up to date. Most personal devices don’t receive patches and updates with the same frequency or urgency as corporate machines.
• Advanced Cybersecurity Tools: Antivirus alone isn’t enough to protect your device from sophisticated threats. Managed security solutions include advanced tools like behavior monitoring, intrusion detection, and application whitelisting that prevent unauthorized access.
• 24/7 Monitoring: Hackers never sleep, and neither should your cybersecurity defenses. Managed security plans include around-the-clock monitoring, so any suspicious activity is flagged and dealt with immediately. Your personal device, on the other hand? Not so much.

Without these protections in place, your device could easily be compromised without you even knowing it. Once a hacker gains control, they can steal credentials, intercept sensitive information, or deploy ransomware on your company’s network.

Need more information on keeping personal devices secure? Here’s an excellent resource on personal device security that outlines the best practices for using non-corporate devices in a work environment.

How to Work From Home Securely

So, what should you do if you’re working from home and need to access company data? The solution is simple: use only devices that are covered under a managed security plan.

If you’re not sure whether your device is secure, check with your IT department or managed service provider. They can ensure that your laptop or smartphone is properly configured with the necessary security tools to protect against cyber threats. In some cases, this might mean using a company-issued laptop or installing specific software on your personal device to bring it up to par with corporate security standards.

Another important step? Get a secure connection. If you’re working remotely, make sure you’re connecting through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and your company’s network, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your data.

Finally, never store sensitive company information on your personal device. Cloud apps make it easy to access files from anywhere, but make sure they stay in the cloud where they’re protected by corporate security measures. Downloading sensitive data to your laptop or phone could expose it to malware or hackers lurking on your home network.

The Solution to Secure Work From Home

At this point, you might be wondering: “What can I do to ensure my home office setup is secure?”

The best course of action is to work with your IT provider to set up a secure work-from-home environment. This could include everything from configuring VPN access to installing advanced security software on your devices. Remember, working from home doesn’t have to be risky if you take the right precautions.

Side Note: If you need help securing your home office, we can set up a secure remote work environment tailored to your needs. Call our office at 252-329-1382 and press 3 to get started.

For more tips on keeping your business secure while working remotely, check out this guide on remote work security essentials.

If you’re using a personal device to log into your company’s cloud apps, now is the time to stop and reassess your security practices. The risk of cyberattacks is too high to ignore, and hackers are constantly searching for vulnerable entry points.

By making sure you’re only using devices that are part of a managed security plan—and taking steps to secure your home office—you can drastically reduce the risk of a devastating cyberattack.

If you have questions about cybersecurity or need help setting up a secure remote work environment, click here to book a quick, 15-minute call. Let’s talk about the best way to keep your company’s data safe, no matter where you’re working awaiting ransom payments.

Side Note: We can set up a way for you to work from home securely; call our office if you would like us to set that up: 252-329-1382 and press 3.

Read more about The Double-Edged Sword of LLMs in Cybersecurity in our latest blog!

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