You’ve likely invested in strong cybersecurity—firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates. But if your employees unknowingly leave digital “windows” open, all that protection can be worthless.

Think of it this way: Do you lock your front door when you leave home?

Of course, you do.

But what if you came back to find a window wide open? That’s just as risky as leaving the door unlocked.

The same goes for your business. Even with top-tier cybersecurity, human error can create dangerous gaps in your defenses.

This isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. The truth is your employees could be your biggest security risk without even realizing it.

Remote Work and Personal Devices: A Cybersecurity Nightmare

More people than ever are working remotely in Albuquerque and across New Mexico, which means they’re often using personal devices for work. Studies show that four out of five employees use their own phones, tablets, or laptops to handle business tasks.

It makes sense—people want to use devices they’re comfortable with. But here’s the problem:

  • Personal devices lack the same security measures as your office systems.
  • Weak passwords, outdated software, and unprotected Wi-Fi make them easy targets.
  • Two out of five employees admit to downloading customer data onto their personal devices.

That’s sensitive business data leaving the safety of your secured systems, now exposed to cyber threats.

The Shocking Reality of Employee Cybersecurity Habits

If that’s not concerning enough, consider this:

  • 65% of employees admit they only follow cybersecurity rules “sometimes” or “never.”
  • Forwarding work emails to personal accounts and using AI tools with sensitive data are common risks.
  • Nearly 50% of employees reuse passwords across multiple work accounts
  • More than one-third use the same password for both work and personal accounts.

Imagine a hacker gaining access to an employee’s social media account, then using that same password to break into your business systems. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats

The solution? Education and clear security policies.

Most employees don’t break cybersecurity rules on purpose—they simply don’t know the risks. It’s up to business owners to provide the right training and tools to keep their teams cyber-aware.

Here’s what you can do:

✔ Enforce Strong Password Practices – Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords.
✔ Restrict Personal Device Access – Ensure only company-approved devices can access sensitive data.
✔ Train Employees on Cybersecurity Risks – Regularly educate your team on phishing, malware, and data security best practices.
✔ Prohibit Forwarding Work Emails – Encourage employees to keep business and personal accounts separate.
✔ Recognize and Reward Security-Conscious Behavior – Acknowledge employees who flag suspicious emails or take extra steps to protect data.

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem—it’s a business-wide responsibility.

At Red Road Networks, we help businesses in Albuquerque and beyond secure their systems, train their employees, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Is Your Business Cyber Secure? Let’s Find Out.

If you’re concerned that your employees might be putting your business at risk, we can help. Our team at Red Road Networks specializes in IT security solutions designed for small businesses in Albuquerque.

📞 Contact us today for a security audit and expert guidance on protecting your data.