Remote and hybrid work are here to stay in Milwaukee, but they bring real cybersecurity challenges. Many breaches don’t happen because of sophisticated hackers, though. They happen because of everyday mistakes employees make while working outside the office. There are real remote work risks Milwaukee business leaders need to be aware of. Understanding these risks is the first step to keeping data safe.
Understanding Remote Work Risks Milwaukee Businesses Face
Remote work has expanded opportunities for flexibility, but it’s also opened the door to new threats. According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, about 60% of breaches involve human error, and attacks on VPNs and edge devices have jumped eightfold in the last year. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) in Milwaukee often operate with lean teams, which means there’s less room for error when someone clicks the wrong link or logs in on an unsecured device.
When considering remote work risks Milwaukee SMB owners face, the concern isn’t whether they’ll be targeted; it’s how much damage even a small mistake could cause.
How Employees Can Accidentally Become a Cyber Risk
Employees don’t set out to put your business in danger, but without proper safeguards, it’s easy for risks to creep in:
- Phishing emails: A single click on a fake email can hand over sensitive information.
- Weak or reused passwords: If employees recycle logins, one breach elsewhere can compromise business accounts.
- Unpatched personal devices: Nearly half of stolen corporate logins analyzed in 2025 came from non-managed devices. That means someone’s personal laptop could be the weak link.
- Shadow IT and unsanctioned AI tools: Employees sometimes use their own apps or AI tools that don’t meet security standards, exposing sensitive data.
Ultimately, a lack of visibility and control is a far greater risk than outright malice.
Smart Steps to Reduce Remote Work Risks
The good news is that businesses can take concrete steps to protect themselves:
- Require multi-factor authentication (MFA), ideally phishing-resistant.
- Roll out security awareness training, including phishing simulations, on a regular schedule.
- Use device management and encryption on company laptops and phones.
- Enforce consistent patching and software updates.
- Create clear device and telework policies so employees know what’s expected when using personal devices.
Milwaukee SMBs don’t have to tackle these risks alone. A trusted IT partner can put these protections in place and monitor them continuously.
FAQs on Remote Work Security
What are the biggest remote work risks Milwaukee small businesses face?
Human error. Most breaches start with mistakes like clicking on phishing emails, using weak passwords, or relying on unpatched personal devices.
How can I keep remote employees from using risky personal devices?
Set up device management policies, require encryption, and make sure company tools are only accessed from secure, monitored systems.
Is training really effective against phishing?
Yes. Repeated, hands-on training dramatically lowers the odds that employees will fall for phishing attempts.
Does my business in Milwaukee need IT support for hybrid teams?
If you want consistent protection and compliance, a local IT partner can help. Together we can help close security gaps before they become costly breaches.
How Third Coast IT Helps Milwaukee Companies Stay Secure
Third Coast IT has been helping businesses in Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin for more than 20 years. Their team specializes in keeping small and mid-sized organizations secure, whether you’re a healthcare practice navigating HIPAA, a manufacturer facing compliance requirements, or a local office with a remote team to manage.
They combine friendly, local support with enterprise-level security tools, making sure your employees can work flexibly without putting your data at risk.
If you’re wondering whether your employees might already be creating hidden risks, there’s an easy way to find out.
Take the Next Step
Your employees are your greatest asset, but without the right safeguards, they can also create cybersecurity gaps. The best way to protect your business is to stay proactive.
Need to check if your employees are an unwitting threat? Have them take this free assessment today.
