As hybrid work becomes the norm, UK businesses are rethinking how they protect sensitive data. Traditional security measures aren’t enough for employees working from offices, homes, and public spaces. The most overlooked danger? Insider threats.
These risks come from people with authorised access—staff, freelancers, or partners—who cause harm either by accident or on purpose. In 2025, insider threats in hybrid workplaces will be one of the biggest challenges to business continuity. This guide explains the key risks and shows practical steps to reduce exposure.
What Are Insider Threats?
Insider threats fall into three types:
- Malicious insiders: Individuals who steal data, damage systems, or leak company information. In one case, a former staff member leaked a customer database before leaving, as reported by ShieldSupport.
- Negligent insiders: Employees who cause harm by mistake. A 2024 study found that 35% of breaches were linked to unsafe device usage.
- Compromised insiders: Users whose accounts are taken over by hackers. A known case involved browser cookie theft used to breach internal systems.
Why Insider Threats Are Growing in Hybrid Workplaces
Working across different locations opens the door to new risks:
- Access from home networks and public Wi-Fi increases data exposure, as the INSA report highlights.
- Less supervision makes it harder to notice suspicious activity, especially in hybrid setups (ShieldSupport).
- Stress and isolation increase mistakes. INSA found a 20% rise in accidental leaks during lockdown (INSA pandemic white paper).
- Collaboration tools like Teams and Slack are convenient but risky if misconfigured. KPMG lost over 145,000 chat records due to permissions errors.
Practical Ways to Reduce Insider Threats in 2025
1. Use a Zero Trust Approach
Zero Trust means no device or person is trusted by default—even within your network. Always verify.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) limits access to what employees actually need (Teramind).
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra login step and helps stop account theft (Proofpoint).
- Microsegmentation divides networks into smaller zones, reducing how far an intruder can move if one area is breached (ShieldSupport).
2. Train Staff Regularly
Human error causes most incidents. Training helps reduce mistakes and encourages a cautious mindset.
- Run phishing tests to teach staff how to spot dodgy emails (Teramind).
- Teach secure methods for sharing files, such as encrypting email attachments (NetworkFort).
- Provide anonymous reporting channels so staff can raise concerns without fear (INSA).
3. Use AI to Spot Threats Early
Modern tools detect subtle warning signs before damage is done.
- UEBA tools flag unusual logins or downloads by comparing to past behaviour (Proofpoint).
- EDR systems check devices for unsafe apps or suspicious actions (Teramind).
- Cloud tracking tools spot risky uploads and misused sync platforms like Google Drive and Slack (Proofpoint).
4. Control Devices and Access Rights
- Limit admin rights with Privileged Access Management (PAM) (Teramind).
- Provide secure tools like VPNs and encrypted messaging apps to hybrid workers (INSA).
- Audit access rights regularly and remove unused accounts using tools like Teramind (Teramind).
5. Build a Security-Aware Culture
- Leaders should use strong passwords and take part in training to set the tone for the rest of the business (NetworkFort).
- Support staff mental health to reduce burnout and prevent mistakes (INSA).
- Explain the rules clearly. People are less likely to break them when they understand the consequences (Teramind).
Useful Tools and Policies for Insider Threat Management
Recommended Software:
- Proofpoint ITM monitors files, chats, and device activity to stop threats early (Proofpoint).
- Teramind offers real-time tracking of employee actions with strong privacy controls (Teramind).
- Microsoft Purview works with Azure to manage permissions in hybrid teams (ShieldSupport).
Policy & Training Resources:
- NIST SP 800-53 gives access control guidelines for any size business (INSA).
- ISO/IEC 27001 is a global security standard that helps manage insider threats (Teramind).
- KnowBe4 and SANS Institute offer phishing simulations and remote work security training (Teramind, ShieldSupport).
Conclusion
Insider threats in hybrid workplaces are real and growing. But with the right approach—layered access controls, good training, and smart monitoring—businesses can stay ahead of the risk. Start with clear policies, support your staff, and use tools that show what’s really going on in your systems. That’s how to build a secure and productive hybrid workforce in 2025.
