13 Remote Work Security Risks in 2025 and How to Overcome Them

Why Does Remote Work Introduce Unique Security Risks? 

The shift to remote work has expanded the cybersecurity threat landscape by decentralizing access to company systems. Instead of securing a single, centralized network, organizations must now protect a wide range of access points (home networks, personal devices, and third-party services) that often lack enterprise-grade protections.

Security concerns with remote work include an increased attack surface, vulnerable home networks, insecure public Wi-Fi, reliance on personal devices, increased phishing and social engineering attacks, challenges with data encryption and sharing, managing cloud services, and maintaining regulatory compliance. These vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, malware infections, and other cyberattacks, requiring robust security policies and employee training to mitigate risks.

Risks related to the expanded attack surface and unsecured networks include:

• Home networks: Home networks typically lack the advanced security measures of corporate environments, making them easier targets for cybercriminals who can exploit weak passwords and outdated equipment. 
• Public Wi-Fi: Connecting to public Wi-Fi in coffee shops or other locations presents risks like “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where attackers intercept data being transmitted over the network.

Security risks associated with vulnerable devices and data handling include:

• Personal devices (BYOD): The use of personal devices for work (Bring Your Own Device) can introduce vulnerabilities as these devices may not have proper security features, may be used by family members, or may not be updated regularly. 
• Physical security: Devices left unattended or not physically secured can be stolen or easily accessed, leading to potential data breaches, especially with less physical oversight. 
• Weak or reused passwords: Attackers exploit reused or weak passwords to access multiple systems with stolen credentials. This becomes more difficult to enforce in remote setups.
• Unencrypted data: Failing to encrypt sensitive data in transit or at rest when working remotely makes it easier for attackers to access and steal this information.

Social engineering, phishing and malware risks include:

• Increased phishing attacks: Remote workers rely heavily on digital communication, making them more susceptible to phishing emails and social engineering attacks designed to trick them into revealing login credentials or downloading malicious files. 
• Lack of corporate email filtering: When working from home, employees miss the protection of corporate email filtering mechanisms, which can increase the success rate of phishing attacks.
• Ransomware and malware infections: Malware spreads through phishing or unpatched software, encrypting data or stealing files. Remote work delays detection, increasing damage and recovery time.

Cloud services and compliance risks include:

• Cloud reliance: The increased use of cloud-based services for collaboration and data storage introduces risks related to data privacy, access control, and vendor management. 
• Compliance challenges: Maintaining compliance with data protection regulations can be difficult when remote employees handle sensitive data in varied environments without direct supervision.

Management and control issues include:

• Inadequate monitoring: It is more challenging to monitor employee activities and ensure they are following security protocols when they are not in a traditional office environment. 
• Data leakage from file sharing tools: Overly broad sharing settings can expose sensitive files. Syncing across personal devices also increases the risk of accidental leaks.
• Unmanaged software (shadow IT): Remote employees may use unauthorized software or cloud services, creating blind spots in the company’s security posture.

As the security perimeter shifts from centralized office networks to a more scattered environment, organizations need an approach that can protect data flows and user interactions over home Wi-Fi, public networks, and unmanaged devices.

This is part of a series of articles about secure remote access

The Modern Work Environment and Its Security Considerations 

The modern work environment has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the adoption of remote and hybrid work models. Employees now work from various locations, using both personal and corporate devices to access company resources over the internet. This flexibility enhances productivity and work-life balance but introduces a fragmented security landscape where traditional perimeter-based defenses are no longer sufficient.

The rise of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies further complicates this environment. Employees using personal smartphones, tablets, and laptops for work-related tasks extend the network boundary to devices that IT teams may not fully control or monitor. These devices vary in configuration, update status, and security hygiene, creating inconsistency in protection levels across the organization.

Unmanaged devices (those not enrolled in corporate management systems) present additional risks. Without endpoint monitoring, software patching, or compliance enforcement, these devices can serve as entry points for attackers. The lack of standardization and centralized control over user devices limits visibility and response capabilities, forcing security teams to rethink access controls, authentication mechanisms, and incident response strategies in this decentralized model.

Remote Work Security Risks: Expanded Attack Surface

1. Home Networks 

Most home networks are not designed with enterprise-level security in mind. Routers are often left with factory-default settings, including weak passwords and outdated firmware that lack patches for known vulnerabilities. Unlike corporate networks managed by professional IT teams, home environments rely on users with limited technical knowledge, making security hygiene inconsistent and unreliable.

Additionally, home networks typically serve multiple devices and users, including family members whose activities may introduce risk. For example, downloading unverified software or accessing compromised websites on shared devices can unintentionally expose the entire network, including work-related systems, to threats such as malware or unauthorized access.

2. Public Wi-Fi 

Unsecured Wi-Fi and public networks represent a critical vulnerability for remote workers. Employees might access sensitive company resources from coffee shops, airports, or other public places where networks are shared and poorly secured. Attackers can intercept unencrypted data, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or steal credentials simply by being on the same public network.

Non-work-related Wi-Fi is often left with weak default passwords or outdated firmware, presenting an easier target than corporate networks fortified by IT professionals. Remote workers may not realize the significance of using secure routers, which puts both personal and company data at risk. 

Remote Work Security Risks: Vulnerable Devices and Data Handling

3. Personal and BYOD Devices

Personal and BYOD (bring your own device) use complicates security management in a remote setting. Employees’ devices may lack up-to-date antivirus software, operating system patches, or encryption, creating vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Additionally, personal devices are often shared with family members, increasing the chances of accidental data exposure or malware infection.

Organizations have less visibility and control over the software installed on these devices, making it difficult to enforce security standards or monitor for suspicious activity. The use of unvetted applications or outdated hardware further compounds the risks. This is why it’s vital to implement purpose-built security solutions for BYOD laptops, such as Secure Enclave technology. 

4. Physical Security

Remote work environments often lack the physical safeguards present in corporate offices, such as secure entry systems, surveillance cameras, or locked storage for sensitive equipment. Devices left unattended in shared living spaces or public areas can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. The physical loss of a device, especially one that holds unencrypted data, can result in significant data exposure and compliance violations.

The casual nature of home setups may lead to poor practices, such as writing down passwords or leaving sensitive documents in plain view. Without routine checks or oversight, these oversights go unnoticed, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and information leakage through physical means.

5. Weak or Reused Passwords

Weak or reused passwords are a persistent security issue in remote work environments, often leading to unauthorized access and data breaches. When employees use simple, predictable passwords or recycle the same password across different services, attackers exploiting stolen credentials from one breach can gain entry to multiple accounts. The risk is elevated for remote workers, who may rely on memory or convenience rather than security best practices.

The challenge is compounded by remote employees accessing various cloud services and internal systems through personal devices, with password management often left to individual discretion. This decentralization reduces the effectiveness of centralized password policies and monitoring, making it easier for adversaries to move laterally within networks once initial access is achieved.

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Remote Work Security Risks: Social Engineering and Malware

6. Increased Phishing Attacks

Phishing and social engineering attacks often increase as employees shift to remote work, since hackers target users through email, messaging apps, or fake login portals. Attackers exploit the relative isolation of remote employees, who may lack quick access to IT support or peer validation. As remote work relies heavily on digital communication, employees become prime targets for well-crafted attacks designed to mimic legitimate business interactions.

In a remote setting, fake requests for credentials, wire transfers, or sensitive information can appear more convincing when delivered through familiar collaboration tools. The risk grows when workers are under stress or distracted by home environments, as vigilance tends to drop. 

7. Lack of Corporate Email Filtering

Corporate email systems typically employ advanced filtering technologies to detect and block phishing emails, spam, and malicious attachments before they reach the inbox. When employees access work email through personal devices or external clients outside of the corporate environment, these protective layers are often bypassed, leaving users more exposed to fraudulent messages.

Remote workers relying on personal or lightly secured email apps may not benefit from the same threat intelligence and real-time analysis provided by enterprise-grade solutions. This increases the likelihood that phishing attempts or malware-laden attachments will be delivered successfully, raising the risk of credential theft or system compromise.

8. Ransomware and Malware Infections

Ransomware and malware infections have surged with remote work, as endpoints operating beyond the core network may lack robust defenses. Employees who connect via personal Wi-Fi or unsecured public networks can inadvertently become conduits for malware, especially if their systems are not patched regularly. Remote access to company data through VPNs or cloud apps increases the attack surface, giving malware more vectors to spread.

Malware often leverages malicious attachments, compromised websites, or seemingly benign downloads from productivity tools. The consequences of infection can be severe, such as data loss, extortion, and business disruption. Remote work complicates incident response, since traditional containment methods, like quickly isolating infected machines, are harder to enforce when devices are dispersed across different locations.

Risks Related to Cloud Services and Compliance

9. Cloud Reliance

The shift to remote work has increased reliance on cloud platforms for communication, file sharing, and collaboration. While cloud services offer flexibility and scalability, they also introduce new security challenges. Misconfigured access permissions, insecure APIs, and insufficient audit logging can create vulnerabilities that attackers exploit to access sensitive data or disrupt services.

The shared responsibility model in cloud environments means that while providers secure the infrastructure, customers are responsible for securing their data and usage. Many organizations struggle to apply consistent security controls across multiple cloud services, especially when users independently adopt tools without IT involvement.

10. Compliance Challenges

Remote work often complicates compliance with standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or industry-specific regulations. Organizations must ensure that sensitive data is handled, transmitted, and stored according to legal requirements, which can be difficult when employees operate from disparate locations with varying levels of security. Personal devices, unsecured storage, and non-approved apps may all lead to inadvertent non-compliance.

Meeting audit and reporting requirements becomes more difficult when work is distributed and devices are uncontrolled. Data residency, privacy protections, and secure access mechanisms must extend beyond office networks to wherever employees operate. 

Remote Work Security Risks: Management and Control Issues

11. Inadequate Monitoring

In traditional office settings, centralized security tools can track network traffic, detect anomalies, and enforce security policies across all endpoints. Remote work weakens this visibility, as employees operate on different networks and devices outside of corporate oversight. This decentralization makes it difficult to detect policy violations, compromised accounts, or suspicious behavior in real time.

Without proper endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools deployed across all remote devices, incidents may go unnoticed until after significant damage occurs. The lack of consistent monitoring also hampers incident response, as forensic data might be incomplete or unavailable when needed for investigation or remediation.

12. Data Leakage from File Sharing Tools

File sharing tools are crucial for remote collaboration but can enable data leakage if misused or poorly secured. Employees may inadvertently share sensitive documents with unauthorized recipients or store them in inadequately protected cloud locations. Without clear guidelines, files may also remain accessible long after their intended use or be synced across unsecured devices.

Remote work heightens the risk, as teams exchange large volumes of information across different platforms, increasing the challenge of proper classification and access control. Unintentional exposure may also result from weak link permissions or default public sharing settings, making confidential data available to outsiders. 

13. Unmanaged Software (Shadow IT)

Shadow IT occurs when employees use unauthorized applications or services for work tasks without IT department approval. The convenience of third-party collaboration tools, messaging apps, or file-sharing platforms can lead remote workers to circumvent official solutions. This increases the risk of data leakage, malware, and compliance violations, as such tools are often outside corporate visibility and control.

As the adoption of SaaS apps accelerates in remote work settings, keeping track of all used services becomes difficult for IT teams. Unvetted apps may lack robust security protections or proper encryption, exposing sensitive company information to external threats. To combat shadow IT, organizations must promote approved alternatives and monitor traffic for signs of unsanctioned app use.

Strategies to Overcome Remote Work Security Risks 

Organizations should consider the following security strategies when implementing remote work.

1. Use Strong Authentication and MFA Everywhere

Strong authentication, including the widespread adoption of multi-factor authentication (MFA), is crucial for reducing risks in remote environments. MFA requires users to provide an additional verification method, such as a one-time code or biometrics, beyond just a password, effectively blocking many forms of credential-based attacks. Implementing MFA for all remote access points, including email, VPNs, and cloud applications, greatly enhances security posture.

Remote work often leads to more logins from unfamiliar or uncontrolled devices, so MFA serves as a vital barrier against unauthorized access if credentials are compromised. Organizations should also encourage or require use of password managers to support complex, unique passwords for every account.

2. Enforce Device and Patch Management

Device and patch management become critical as remote workers use a variety of hardware and software combinations outside direct control of IT staff. Automated patch management tools help ensure that every device, including personal ones permitted under BYOD policies, is updated with the latest security fixes. This reduces exposure to known exploits, which adversaries often target.

Mandating baseline security settings, antivirus solutions, and disk encryption further lessens the risk of data compromise. Regular audits and the ability for IT to push updates remotely help organizations maintain visibility and control. These measures must be complemented by user training so employees recognize warning signs of malware.

3. Secure Collaboration and File Sharing Tools

Using secure collaboration and file sharing tools with strong encryption and granular access controls is essential in remote work environments. Organizations must standardize which platforms employees are allowed to use, with IT-approved services that offer end-to-end encryption and robust auditing features. Encrypted data transfers make it far harder for attackers to intercept or extract sensitive information during transmission.

Clear usage policies help define proper handling, classification, and sharing of files, minimizing accidental leaks or unauthorized access. IT departments should regularly review sharing permissions and monitor usage patterns for anomalies or policy violations. Employee training reinforces how to properly use these tools and recognize unsecure practices.

4. Segment and Monitor Network Traffic

Segmentation of network resources and ongoing traffic monitoring are vital for minimizing the impact of security incidents. Virtual LANs (VLANs), VPNs, and network access controls can be implemented to isolate critical assets from less-secure endpoints used by remote workers. This restricts the movement of an attacker if one device is compromised, reducing the chance of a full-scale data breach.

Network traffic should also be continuously monitored for unusual activities, such as large data transfers, unrecognized device connections, or traffic to known malicious domains. Modern security information and event management (SIEM) systems can aggregate logs from remote endpoints and cloud services, enabling quick identification and response to threats. 

5. Regularly Review Access Rights and Privileges

Regular reviews of employee access rights and privileges are crucial to maintaining the principle of least privilege, particularly as team members’ roles and responsibilities evolve. Over time, users may accumulate excessive permissions, creating unnecessary risks in the event of credential compromise. Access reviews involve assessing who can reach which systems, files, and services, and quickly revoking unnecessary or unused rights.

Automated tools can aid in simplifying and enforcing these reviews, ensuring that access to sensitive information is limited strictly to those whose roles require it. This process also allows organizations to spot dormant accounts or former employees who still have access; a frequent oversight in distributed remote setups. Scheduled audits, combined with actionable reporting, create a more secure environment and reduce insider threats.

6. Establish an Incident Response Plan for Remote Work

An incident response plan tailored for remote work scenarios is critical to responding swiftly and effectively to breaches, phishing, ransomware, and other cybersecurity incidents. The plan should specify communication protocols, roles and responsibilities, and technical procedures for isolating compromised devices even when they are offsite. Practice exercises and tabletop drills ensure employees know how to report incidents and IT teams can respond rapidly.

The incident response plan must address remote-specific issues, such as coordinating investigations across multiple locations and securing evidence from distributed endpoints. Real-time tools for remote device management, secure communication channels for incident teams, and guidelines for informing affected employees or customers are all essential. 

7. Separate Work and Personal Data on Endpoints with Secure Enclave Technology 

Separating work-related data from personal information on employee devices is essential in a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environment. This separation protects corporate assets from compromise while maintaining user privacy. A practical way to achieve this is through the use of a secure enclave, which creates a trusted, isolated space on the device specifically for work.

The secure enclave hosts only business-approved apps and data, encrypted and inaccessible from the personal side of the device. All company data stays within a controlled environment, where access policies, security controls, and network rules can be enforced independently of the host system. Personal apps and files remain untouched and private. 

Related content: Read our guide to remote work security best practices

Securing Remote Work with Venn

Venn’s Blue Border™ secures remote access by protecting company data and applications on BYOD computers used by contractors and remote employees. Similar to an MDM solution but for laptops – work lives in a company-controlled Secure Enclave installed on the user’s PC or Mac, where all data is encrypted and access is managed. Work applications run locally within the Enclave – visually indicated by Venn’s Blue Border™ – protecting and isolating business activity while ensuring end-user privacy.

Key Features include:

• Seamless MFA integration: Works with Okta, Azure, and Duo for smooth, secure authentication
• Encrypted workspace: Protects all data and applications with robust encryption
• Context-aware access controls: Enforces policies based on user, device, and environment
• Comprehensive session logging: Tracks all activity with full audit visibility
• Unified Zero Trust solution: Combines endpoint protection, remote access, and Zero Trust security
• Faster, scalable alternative: Optimized performance compared with legacy VPNs and VDI

Schedule a demo of Blue Border™