Your Home Office Could Be Hacked: Are You Insured?

Is the home office environment as secure as it seems?

Digital security and cyberattacks are not always considered when choosing to work from home.

And it’s worth thinking about: is your home office protected?

See how cyber insurance can help you. Photo by Freepik.

Do you have an adequate insurance policy to ensure that a potential hacker attack doesn’t cause financial and data losses?

The remote work landscape in the U.S. and the rise of digital threats

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than a quarter of the American workforce continues to operate remotely in 2025, even after pandemic restrictions eased.

Along with this, the number of cyberattacks has also surged, especially due to the vulnerability of home networks compared to corporate networks.

Sensitive data, from personal information to strategic corporate data, is constantly at risk.

For travelers, who often rely on public networks or use mobile devices to access corporate systems, the risk is even higher.

Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, and cafés are frequent targets of man-in-the-middle attacks, phishing, and other hacking techniques.

What is cyber insurance for the home office?

Cyber insurance is a type of policy that covers financial losses and damages caused by incidents related to digital security, as the name implies.

For those working from home, it can include coverage for:

Theft of personal and corporate data
Ransomware attacks (when hackers hijack data and demand ransom)
Work interruptions caused by attack-related failures
Costs for investigation and incident remediation
Liability, in case confidential client information is compromised

Why do remote travelers need cyber insurance?

Professionals who frequently travel and maintain home offices face additional risks:

Insecure connections—Public Wi-Fi hotspots are ideal environments for hackers to intercept data. Extreme caution is always necessary.
Use of personal devices—Tablets, laptops, and smartphones may be less protected than corporate equipment.
Lack of control over the environment—On trips, it is harder to ensure digital security systems are updated and active.
Possibility of physical loss or theft of equipment—which can facilitate unauthorized access and leave little time to report the loss.

Real examples of home office attacks in the U.S.

In 2023, a mid-sized American consultancy suffered a ransomware attack while its employees were working remotely. The virus hijacked essential files, paralyzing operations for days.

Despite investment in digital security, the company did not have cyber insurance and incurred an estimated loss of over $500,000, including recovery costs and client losses.

Another case involved a digital marketing freelancer who accessed their account on a public Wi-Fi network at the airport.

Hackers stole banking data and client information, causing direct financial damage and harming the professional’s reputation.

These stories, although unnamed, are complex examples of what can happen in everyday work life.

How does the process of purchasing cyber insurance for home office work?

In the American market, it is possible to purchase policies specific to digital risks associated with remote work. The process usually includes

Risk assessment: The insurer analyzes the profile of the insured, equipment used, type of stored data, and work habits, which vary significantly by role.
Coverage customization: Based on the assessment, the plan can be adjusted to include protection against specific risks, such as frequent travel or use of mobile devices.
Setting limits and deductibles: Maximum coverage values and insurance claim conditions are defined according to the client’s needs and budget.
Education and support: Many insurers offer training and consulting to improve the insured’s digital security.

It is essential that the professional or company be transparent and detailed when describing their practices to ensure proper coverage in case of a claim.

Tips to minimize risks at the home office and during travel

Even with insurance, prevention is essential. Some recommendations are:

Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), especially when traveling, to protect data traffic.
Keep systems and software updated, including antivirus and firewalls.
Avoid accessing sensitive information on public networks whenever possible.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for accessing accounts and corporate systems.
Regularly back up data in secure and offline locations.
Educate yourself and equip yourself against phishing attacks, avoiding clicking on suspicious links.
Use strong and unique passwords for each service.