Co-working spaces have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly in areas with expensive and insufficient office space. Statistics show that there will be about 41,975 coworking spaces worldwide by the end of 2024. Startups, independent contractors, and remote employees are now considering co-working spaces as an adaptable and cost-effective alternative to typical office facilities.
However, as the use of co-working spaces increases, some security must be considered. This article will outline the primary security concerns for co-working spaces and offer some practical suggestions for mitigating potential risks.
Physical Security Concerns
Physical security is a key concern in coworking spaces. 23% of employees report feeling unsafe at their workplace. Some of the key physical security concerns include:
1. Tailgating:
This refers to the act of an unauthorized person following an authorized person into the building without using their access credentials. Tailgating is a common problem in co-working spaces because the entrance door is usually controlled by an access control system that allows one person at a time. Coworking spaces should invest in an access control system that can spot attempts at tailgating in order to reduce the chance of it happening.
2. Lock Picking:
This relates to the procedure of picking a lock in order to enter a structure. Intruders frequently utilize lockpicking to enter co-working spaces without authorization. To mitigate the risk of lockpicking, co-working spaces should invest in high-quality locks and regularly maintain them.
3. Theft:
Co-working spaces attract people with valuable electronics such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. As so many individuals enter and exit the facility, theft is a serious security risk in co-working spaces and can be hard to see. To mitigate the risk of theft, co-working spaces should invest in surveillance cameras and require everyone to sign in and out of the premises. Motion detectors and security cameras, such as ONVIF cameras, should be installed at the entrance and exit, in lobbies, walkways, common spaces, and parking lots. This will help identify any unusual behavior and discourage would-be thieves.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Co-working spaces also pose significant cybersecurity concerns, given the prevalence of technology and the growing trend of remote work. With 80% of businesses storing critical data in the cloud, if there are no proper security measures, these could become vulnerable to attacks.
An alarming 422 million people were affected by 1,774 data breaches, or an average of 4.8 breaches per day in 2022 alone. In addition, data transmission over a network may be exposed to the risk of compromise or interception. Some of the key cybersecurity concerns include:
1. Public Wi-Fi:
Co-working spaces usually offer free Wi-Fi to their members to enable them to work remotely. But public Wi-Fi networks are unprotected and open to intrusion. Coworking spaces should make an investment in a secure Wi-Fi network and inform their users about the risks associated with unsecured networks to minimize the chance of cyberattacks.
2. Phishing:
Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which perpetrators send spam messages with malicious links in an effort to trick their targets into either downloading malware or visiting spoof websites. Phishing attacks affected 323,972 internet users worldwide in 2021. Co-working spaces are susceptible to phishing attacks since they often deal with confidential information. Coworking spaces should train their users on how to spot and avoid phishing attempts in order to mitigate the danger of this type of security risk.
3. Data Breaches:
Co-working spaces often store sensitive information about their members, including names, email addresses, and credit card information. Data breaches can occur when an unauthorized person gains access to this information. One in five internet users had their emails exposed in a matter of just one year, or close to one billion. Businesses lost $4.35 million on average in 2022 as a result of data breaches. Coworking spaces need to spend money on security measures like encryption, firewalls, and antivirus software to reduce the danger of data breaches.
Device Security Concerns
In addition to the security concerns mentioned above, co-working spaces also need to consider device security concerns. Co-working spaces have become hotspots for cyberattacks to access gadgets like computers and cell phones as a result of our growing reliance on technology. More than one-third of the data sent by mobile devices is exposed, and 35% of communications are made without encryption.
The following are some of the main issues with coworking space device security:
1. Unsecured Devices:
Co-workers sometimes bring their own equipment, which might leave them open to cyberattacks if it is not properly protected. To mitigate the risk of unsecured devices, co-working spaces should provide guidelines and best practices for device security. They should also consider providing members with secure storage options to store their devices when not in use.
2. USB Attacks:
USB drives can contain malware that can infect devices once they are plugged in. Co-working spaces should avoid using public USB ports and encourage members to use trusted USB drives.
3. Lost or Stolen Devices:
Devices can easily get misplaced or stolen in co-working spaces since many people are using the same space. Coworking spaces should encourage members to lock their devices when not in use and offer safe storage solutions to reduce the risk of lost or stolen gadgets.
4. Software Vulnerabilities:
Cybercriminals can get unauthorized access to devices by using software flaws. Co-working spaces should ensure that their members are using up-to-date software and operating systems to avoid these vulnerabilities.
5. Remote Access:
Remote access to work devices can leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially if the connection is not secure. Co-working spaces should encourage their members to use VPNs when remotely accessing their work devices.
Co-working spaces should emphasize the importance of secure devices and provide guidelines and best practices for device security. They should invest in secure storage options and encourage members to use trusted USB drives.
They should encourage their members to use VPNs when remotely accessing their work devices. By addressing device security concerns, co-working spaces can create a secure environment for their members to work and collaborate.
Health and Safety Concerns
In addition to physical, cybersecurity, and device security concerns, co-working spaces also pose some health and safety concerns, especially in the age of COVID-19.
Some safety and health concerns include:
1. Air Indoor Quality:
This can pose a threat to productivity and the health of the employees, for example, those with respiratory problems, such as asthma.
Co-working spaces should invest in air filtration systems and ensure that the air quality is regularly tested.
2. Social Distancing:
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. Coworking spaces should make sure that members keep a safe distance from one another, particularly in shared facilities like the kitchen or restrooms.
3. Sanitation:
To stop the transmission of germs and viruses, coworking spaces should be routinely cleansed. High-traffic locations like doorknobs, worktops, and keyboards should be routinely cleaned and sanitized in coworking spaces.
Conclusion
Co-working spaces provide an adaptable and cost-effective alternative to conventional office facilities, but they also raise some serious security issues that require attention. Tailgating, lock picking, and theft are physical security problems, whereas phishing, public Wi-Fi, and data breaches are cybersecurity issues. Health and safety concerns include air quality, social distancing, and sanitization.
Coworking spaces should spend money on security measures, including access control systems, security cameras, secure Wi-Fi networks, encryption, firewalls, and antivirus software, to reduce these dangers.
Moreover, they should make sure that their members follow health and safety regulations and instruct them on how to recognize and prevent security hazards. Coworking spaces can offer a safe and secure environment for their members to work, interact, and develop by addressing these worries.
