How to Secure Remote and Hybrid Work: Protecting Company Data in “Third Place” Workspaces
Securing Remote Work: How to Protect Company Data in Third Places
Remote work has forever changed what “the office” means. Today’s employees work from homes, coffee shops, coworking spaces, libraries, and even vacation rentals. These “third places,” as defined by the World Economic Forum, offer convenience and flexibility—but they also open serious cybersecurity and data privacy risks.
As remote work becomes permanent, organizations must strengthen their security policies to reflect this new reality. A busy café or airport lounge cannot provide the same cybersecurity safeguards as a controlled office network. Businesses must now give employees the right tools, training, and protocols to secure sensitive information no matter where they connect.
The Dangers of Open Networks
Public Wi-Fi makes remote work convenient, but it also creates one of the easiest gateways for cyberattacks. Networks in cafés, hotels, and coworking spaces often lack encryption and authentic security controls. Hackers frequently exploit these environments to intercept unprotected data, gaining access to company credentials, emails, and files within seconds.
Attackers may even create fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate ones (known as man-in-the-middle attacks). Employees might unknowingly connect, giving cybercriminals complete visibility into their online activity.
To reduce risk:
Discourage employees from using open or unknown networks.
Prioritize connections through trusted or password-protected networks.
Always treat public Wi-Fi as a threat, even if it appears legitimate.
Why a VPN Is Essential for Remote Security
The most reliable defense against insecure networks is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all web traffic, creating a secure, private tunnel between the employee’s device and your corporate systems. This encryption prevents eavesdropping and ensures your sensitive business data stays confidential.
For best results, organizations should:
Provide company-approved VPN software that auto-connects outside the office.
Make VPN use mandatory for remote access.
Implement technical controls to prevent employees from accessing company systems without an active VPN connection.
With proper configuration, a VPN becomes the frontline defense in protecting remote employees from network-based attacks.
Preventing Visual Hacking
Cyber threats aren’t limited to screens and code—they can happen across the café table too. Visual hacking occurs when someone glances at a laptop screen and gathers confidential information, intentionally or otherwise.
To reduce this risk:
Issue privacy screens for laptops and monitors.
Educate employees to stay aware of their surroundings.
Encourage seating where screens aren’t easily visible to others.
Hardware-based screen filters make content visible only to the user directly in front of the screen, blocking side views. This simple protection reduces exposure to low-tech data theft in public places.
Maintaining Physical Device Security
Even brief lapses in attention can lead to lost or stolen devices. Coffee shops and airports present higher physical security risks than controlled office spaces.
Remind employees to:
Never leave laptops or phones unattended.
Use cable locks if stationary for long periods.
Avoid sharing devices or chargers with strangers.
A secure laptop lock only takes seconds to attach but can deter opportunistic theft, helping protect hardware and the sensitive data stored inside.
Managing Conversations in Public Spaces
Verbal leaks are another often-overlooked vulnerability. Discussing business strategies, client details, or proprietary projects in public can inadvertently expose valuable information.
Best practices include:
Avoiding confidential discussions in coffee shops or shared areas.
Using private rooms or stepping outside for sensitive calls.
Keeping voices low and conversations professional when remote.
Headphones may block incoming noise but not what the speaker shares aloud. Caution is key when handling sensitive topics.
Building a Strong Remote Work Security Policy
Clear rules create consistent behavior. A written remote work security policy should set expectations, outline best practices, and explain why compliance matters.
Include policies covering:
Public Wi-Fi usage and VPN requirements
Device security and loss prevention
Protected workspaces and communication guidelines
Ensure the document is easy to access through your company intranet, and update it annually. As technology evolves, so do threats—and your policies need to keep pace.
Empower Your Remote Workforce
“Third place” work environments empower employees but demand smarter security discipline. Balancing freedom with accountability ensures flexibility without sacrificing data protection.
Strong cybersecurity policies, proper training, and proactive IT support transform remote work from a risk into an advantage. With clear standards, the right tools, and managed IT oversight, your team can work safely from anywhere.
If your workforce operates remotely, now is the time to strengthen your defenses. We help businesses implement secure remote access, cloud infrastructure solutions, and cybersecurity policies that safeguard sensitive data. Contact Hoop5 today to protect your company across every network and workspace.
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Inspired by insights from The Technology Press.