Remote work, including WFH (Work From Home) and WFA (Work From Anywhere), has made work more flexible. In fact, many companies report a surge in productivity. However, there’s a hidden risk: cybersecurity threats that are on the rise.
According to a global survey by Yubico, 45 percent of employees have fallen victim to cyberattacks, with 50 percent of incidents occurring while working remotely.
Many assume that working from home is safer, but personal devices and unsecured networks often become easy targets for hackers. Unfortunately, awareness only arises after an attack happens, rather than as a preventive measure.
So, how can you stay secure while working remotely? What simple steps can prevent company data from falling into the wrong hands? Keep reading to uncover the biggest cybersecurity threats of remote work and the best solutions to mitigate them.
WFH and WFA: Convenient, But Is It Secure?
WFH (work from home) and WFA (work from anywhere) are no longer just alternatives but have become the new standard in the workplace. Many companies have shifted to these models due to their proven benefits in boosting productivity and efficiency. With cloud technology and digital tools, employees can stay connected and collaborate from anywhere without office space restrictions. Hybrid work is also gaining traction, combining remote flexibility with the need for in-office collaboration.
However, alongside this convenience comes an often-overlooked risk: cybersecurity. Public Wi-Fi connections, unprotected personal devices, and uncontrolled access can all serve as easy entry points for hackers.
The Hidden Risks of WFH
WFH creates security vulnerabilities that are often ignored. Unprotected personal devices, unsecured home Wi-Fi networks, and unencrypted public connections are all potential attack vectors for hackers. Without strict oversight, companies struggle to ensure secure access to internal systems, while weak authentication methods further increase the risk of data breaches.
The lack of compliance with security standards, coupled with low employee awareness of cyber threats, makes WFH a prime target for attacks. That’s why stricter security policies and integrated solutions are crucial in mitigating these risks.
Cybersecurity Threats in WFH You Need to Watch Out For
If companies and employees don’t take preventive measures, the consequences can be severe—ranging from data loss to massive financial damages. So, what are the most common cybersecurity threats faced while working remotely? Here are the top risks you need to be aware of.
Uncontrolled Data Leaks
Personal devices often lack enterprise-grade security protection. Without proper encryption and security measures, sensitive data can easily be exposed to unauthorized parties. Hackers can steal information through malware, unauthorized access, or careless file-sharing practices.
Ransomware Attacks That Lock Your Access
Ransomware encrypts critical files and demands a ransom to restore access. These attacks often occur through phishing links or malicious files unknowingly clicked by users. As a result, companies can suffer data loss and significant operational disruptions.
Unauthorized Access to Company Systems
Without Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and strong network protection, hackers can infiltrate corporate systems. Brute force attacks and credential theft are commonly used to gain access to confidential data, increasing the risk of system sabotage and data breaches.
6 Powerful Ways to Combat Cyber Threats While Working from Home
To stay secure while working remotely, several strategies can be implemented to protect devices, networks, and access to company systems. Here are the most effective ways to counter cybersecurity threats while working from home.
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Account Security
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification beyond just a password. With unique codes sent to a secondary device, hackers cannot gain access even if they have login credentials. This significantly reduces the risk of account breaches from phishing or brute force attacks.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN
Public Wi-Fi is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing hackers to intercept transmitted data. A VPN encrypts all network traffic, ensuring secure communication even when using unsecured connections.
3. Always Update Devices and Security Software—It’s a Must!
Outdated software often contains security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Ensure that your operating system, antivirus, and business applications are always updated to the latest versions to prevent malware attacks.
4. Beware of Incoming Emails—Phishing Scams Are More Sophisticated!
Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, with fake emails resembling legitimate communications. Never click on links or open attachments from unknown senders without verifying their authenticity.
5. Implement a Zero Trust Policy for Access Control
Zero Trust ensures that no user or device is automatically trusted before verification. By enforcing identity-based access control, the risk of unauthorized access is significantly reduced.
6. Use a Secure Browser with Built-In Protection
Standard browsers lack sufficient protection against cyber threats. Use a browser equipped with integrated security features like website isolation and unauthorized access prevention to reduce exploitation risks.
To combat cybersecurity threats while working remotely, companies need solutions that secure access, devices, and data without compromising productivity. Traditional strategies like firewalls and VPNs are often insufficient against evolving attacks.
Palo Alto Prisma Access Browser provides a modern solution that secures every online session with high-level protection, preventing phishing, malware, and data leaks without requiring additional hardware or complex configurations.
Palo Alto Prisma Access Browser: A Practical Solution for Secure WFH
Palo Alto Prisma Access Browser is an innovative solution that delivers enterprise-grade security directly within the browser, enabling remote employees to access business applications without security risks. Designed to eliminate vulnerabilities on personal and unmanaged devices, this solution integrates Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA 2.0) with AI-powered threat prevention, ensuring safe access to SaaS and sensitive applications.
How Palo Alto Prisma Access Browser Protects Against Cyber Threats
WFH security requires more than just firewalls and VPNs. Browser-based threats, credential exploits, and unauthorized access to business applications are on the rise. Here’s how this solution secures company access.
Zero Trust for Unmanaged Device Security
Prisma Access Browser enforces Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA 2.0) to ensure that only verified devices and users can access corporate applications. With Continuous Trust Verification, the system assesses device security posture every 90 seconds to prevent unauthorized access.
AI-Powered Threat Prevention
Powered by AI, Prisma Access Browser automatically detects and blocks over 1.5 million cyberattacks daily. Advanced Threat Prevention and DNS Security protect users from malware, phishing, and web-based exploits without requiring additional software.
Browser-Based DLP for Data Protection
Prisma Access Browser secures data with browser-based Data Loss Prevention (DLP), controlling how information is shared and preventing data leaks. Encryption based on user identity and application ensures that sensitive files cannot be transferred to unauthorized accounts or storage.
Seamless Access Without Additional Software
Unlike traditional solutions like VPN or VDI, Prisma Access Browser provides instant access to company applications without extra installations. This technology ensures security without compromising performance or user experience.
Benefits of Using Palo Alto Prisma Access Browser
Palo Alto Prisma Access Browser offers a streamlined security solution that reduces complexity, lowers costs, and ensures comprehensive protection. Here are the key benefits it provides:
Eliminate Corporate Laptop Shipments, Save Up to 85%
Many companies ship corporate laptops to ensure secure remote work, but this approach is costly and inefficient. Prisma Access Browser removes this need by providing Zero Trust security directly on personal devices, cutting procurement and logistics costs by up to 85% without compromising security.
79% Lower TCO Compared to VDI
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is often used for secure access, but it comes with high costs and operational complexity. Prisma Access Browser offers a lightweight, cloud-native alternative with instant provisioning and centralized management, reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 79% while maintaining security and performance.
100% Protection for All Devices
Unmanaged devices are common security gaps in remote work environments. With Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA 2.0) and Continuous Trust Verification, Prisma Access Browser ensures that all devices—both managed and unmanaged—are fully protected, preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding corporate data.
Adaptive Security with Prisma Access Browser
Prisma Access Browser delivers optimal protection across various modern work scenarios. For third-party contractors, it ensures secure and controlled access to corporate systems without exposing the network to additional risks.
For BYOD users, it provides safe access to business applications without requiring complex endpoint management, balancing flexibility and compliance.
Meanwhile, for sensitive web applications, Prisma Access Browser defends against both internal and external threats while maintaining full functionality, ensuring that company data remains secure on all devices, whether managed or unmanaged.
Also Read: Traditional Firewall vs Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW): Which is Better for Your Business?
Strengthen Security and Get Exclusive Rewards from Virtus
Virtus Technology Indonesia (VTI) presents the Level Up with Speed promotion for partners looking to accelerate the implementation of Palo Alto Networks‘ security solutions. Available throughout 2025, this program offers exclusive rewards for each stage completed in the consultation and transaction process for Palo Alto Networks’ Speedboat solutions.
The program consists of three cumulative reward tiers: IDR 500,000 for meetings with the VTI team and customers, IDR 1,500,000 after a POC or deal registration, and IDR 2,500,000 upon transaction completion and solution deployment. Partners who complete all stages can claim the full incentive.
As part of CTI Group, VTI is committed to helping businesses enhance their cybersecurity with the best solutions from Palo Alto Networks. Contact the Virtus team now to get a free consultation, trial, or exclusive demo of Palo Alto solutions!
Author: Danurdhara Suluh Prasasta
CTI Group Content Writer
