A Practical Guide to Secure Online Work for Outsourced Teams
Last updated: September 29, 2025 Read in fullscreen view
Recommended for you
- 01 Aug 2024
The Standish Group report 83.9% of IT projects partially or completely fail 1588 - 02 Nov 2021 What is Terms of Reference (ToR)? 1411
- 03 Apr 2022 Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF) 1119
- 18 Oct 2021 Key Elements to Ramping Up a Large Team 1068
- 13 Apr 2024 Lessons on Teamwork and Leadership from Chinese story book "Journey to the West" 864
- 20 Jul 2022 Software Myths and Realities 758
- 15 Oct 2022 Project-based team model for one-off and pilot software development projects 697
- 02 May 2022 What Is RAID in Project Management? (With Pros and Cons) 693
- 14 Jun 2022 Example and Excel template of a RACI chart in Software Development 664
- 19 Oct 2021 Software development life cycles 626
- 18 Dec 2023 The Cone of Uncertainty in Scrum & Requirement Definition 609
- 28 Jul 2022 POC, Prototypes, Pilots and MVP: What Are the Differences? 577
- 13 Jan 2020 Quiz: Test your understanding project cost management 556
- 18 Jul 2021 How To Ramp Up An Offshore Software Development Team Quickly 503
- 12 Oct 2022 14 Common Reasons Software Projects Fail (And How To Avoid Them) 474
- 19 Mar 2021 Selective Outsourcing of IT Functions - a new trend in business outsourcing 473
- 08 Feb 2022 Software Development: Fixed Cost or Opportunity Cost? 439
- 16 Dec 2021 Why outsource Python development of your project? 438
- 19 Oct 2020 The hidden costs of outsourcing software development 425
- 27 Jan 2020 Should a project manager push developers to work more hours due to mistakes of manager schedule setting? 407
- 13 Oct 2021 Outsourcing Software Development: MVP, Proof of Concept (POC) and Prototyping. Which is better? 405
- 15 Aug 2021 TIGO Rate Formula - Things the partners should know 402
- 10 May 2021 What are things you should look for in a good IT outsourcing company? 394
- 12 May 2021 The Real Cost Between Outsourcing IT vs In-House: A Quick Comparison 391
- 03 Oct 2020 Outsourcing Your MVP Development - Streamlined Solutions for future 388
- 01 Sep 2019 Outsourcing Software To Vietnam: Facts, benefits and limitations 373
- 07 Jul 2022 Managing Project Execution Terms 372
- 14 Dec 2021 The Top 10 Problems with Outsourcing Implementation and How to Solve Them 371
- 10 Apr 2024 The Parking Lot Method: Unlocking a Simple Secret to Supercharge Your Productivity 368
- 12 Aug 2022 What is End-to-end project management? 361
- 06 Oct 2021 Intellectual property issues with outsourcing software development 358
- 28 Oct 2022 Build Operate Transfer (B.O.T) Model in Software Outsourcing 358
- 12 Dec 2021 Zero Sum Games Agile vs. Waterfall Project Management Methods 355
- 26 Sep 2024 Successful Project Management Techniques You Need to Look Out For 347
- 03 Nov 2021 7 phases of Odoo Implementation and Development: Can they be outsourced? 338
- 17 Oct 2021 Does Fast Tracking increase project cost? 338
- 24 Nov 2021 What is the Actual Cost of Hiring Cheap Developers? 333
- 03 Jan 2023 Organizing your agile teams? Think about M.A.T (Mastery, Autonomy, Purpose) 333
- 01 Jan 2023 4 New IT Outsourcing Pricing Models to consider in 2023 316
- 22 Mar 2022 8 Mistakes Marketing Agencies or Consulting Firms Make When Outsourcing Web Development 316
- 05 Mar 2021 How do you minimize risks when you outsource software development? 310
- 21 Oct 2021 Advantages and Disadvantages of IT Outsourcing 307
- 02 Mar 2021 Estimate the Cost of Software Development 302
- 09 May 2022 Build one to throw away vs Second-system effect: What are differences? 296
- 13 Oct 2021 Why Outsourcing Software Development Services Is Gaining Traction With Non-Technical Leaders? 296
- 04 Oct 2021 Product Validation: The Key to Developing the Best Product Possible 291
- 31 Dec 2021 Outsourcing Software Development to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 287
- 06 Jun 2022 Change Management at the Project Level 283
- 12 Oct 2021 Vietnam outsourcing path - the silk road connecting ASEAN with the developed countries (EU, US, Japan...) 281
- 25 Nov 2021 Low-Cost Software Development: Buy Nice or Buy Twice? 275
- 05 Jan 2022 What Outsourcing Engagement Model is Right For You? 272
- 08 Oct 2024 Vietnam: The Rising Star in Global Outsourcing – Trends and Costs for 2025 267
- 04 Jan 2021 VIETNAM AS A BIG ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION IN THE FIELD OF OUTSOURCING 266
- 01 Jan 2023 Top Software Development Challenges in 2023 261
- 01 Aug 2022 Is planning "set it and forget it" or "set it and check it"? 259
- 03 Nov 2022 Top questions and answers you must know before ask for software outsourcing 259
- 04 Oct 2022 Which ERP implementation strategy is right for your business? 256
- 12 Jan 2023 Top 10 Trustworthy IT Outsourcing Companies in Vietnam 255
- 01 Mar 2022 Top 5 reasons why outsourcing to Vietnam is a smart move 255
- 01 Apr 2021 IT Outsourcing to vietnam: Why It Is A Good Choice? 254
- 01 Jan 2023 Software Development Outsourcing Trends to Watch Out for in 2023 245
- 01 Jan 2023 Top 5 IT outsourcing countries in 2023 244
- 15 May 2022 20 Common Mistakes Made by New or Inexperienced Project Managers 242
- 22 May 2022 What are common mistakes that new or inexperienced managers make? 242
- 21 Aug 2022 Forbes: IT Outsourcing Hotspot: Vietnam, A Small But Mighty Powerhouse 234
- 16 Mar 2021 Outsource Data Engineering Services - TIGO Streamlined Solutions 227
- 01 Dec 2023 Laws of Project Management 226
- 21 Oct 2022 Outsourcing Billable Rate 225
- 01 Oct 2022 Vietnam is a favorite supply of IT outsourcing services to Japan 223
- 10 Mar 2021 The 7 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid Before Outsourcing a Web Development Project 222
- 10 May 2021 Project Audit and Second Opinion Services 221
- 13 Jan 2023 What are the Hourly Rates in Offshore Software Development? 219
- 12 May 2024 The Pros and Cons of the Creator Economy in the Age of AI: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Gray Zone with the Gig Economy 219
- 02 Nov 2022 Difference between Change Management and Project Management 212
- 11 Mar 2023 Common Pain Points in Software Development Outsourcing 211
- 31 Aug 2022 What are the best practices for software contract negotiations? 208
- 04 Apr 2024 Unlock Vietnamese-Japanese outsourcing potential 204
- 02 Jun 2024 Reviving Ancient Wisdom: The Spiritual Side of Project Management 201
- 01 Jan 2023 Why is Vietnam the Top IT Outsourcing Destination of 2023? 188
- 02 Dec 2021 3 Ways to Avoid Scope Creep in IT Consulting 187
- 01 May 2024 Warren Buffett’s Golden Rule for Digital Transformation: Avoiding Tech Overload 183
- 24 Nov 2023 The project management paradox: Achieving MORE by doing LESS 183
- 02 Nov 2023 What are the pros and cons of iIT outsourcing? 182
- 03 Jan 2023 IT Outsourcing Costs: Is outsourcing really cost-effective? 181
- 23 Jun 2024 Best Practices for Managing Project Escalations 180
- 23 May 2024 Mastering AI: Sharpening the Axe in the Digital Age 180
- 01 Feb 2023 [InfoWorld] Is your outsourcer agile enough? 179
- 17 Oct 2020 How Outsourcing can Improve Time Management for Better Business 179
- 10 May 2022 Levels of Teamwork 178
- 28 Oct 2022 Expect the unexpected in 2023 - How Outsourcing Can Help? 175
- 08 Aug 2021 Why Nearshore Software Development is better than In-House Development? 172
- 09 Jan 2021 How can outsourcing enable business agility? 165
- 05 Sep 2023 The Cold Start Problem: How to Start and Scale Network Effects 157
- 01 Jan 2024 Tech Partnerships: Choosing the Right Software Outsourcing Firm in Vietnam 156
- 01 May 2023 Streamline Your Business with Outsourcing 156
- 07 Dec 2023 12 project management myths to avoid 153
- 01 Jan 2024 What The World Is Flat Means to IT Outsourcing 153
- 26 Nov 2024 Harnessing Time Management Skills for Remote Team Effectiveness 152
- 07 Nov 2024 Outsourcing Crisis Looming: Will Trump's Policies Transform the Global IT Landscape? 149
- 15 Nov 2023 IT Staff Augmentation Types and the Best Choice for Your Business 148
- 17 Jan 2024 What are the benefits and challenges of using multi-sourcing or single-sourcing strategies? 148
- 01 Jan 2024 Hiring Tech Talents in Asia: An Overview of Skills, Costs, and Potential 145
- 30 Nov 2023 Project Managers, Focus on Outcomes — Not Deliverables 141
- 01 Jan 2024 12 reasons for software development outsourcing 141
- 08 Jan 2024 Outsourcing on an As-Needed Basis 137
- 01 Jan 2024 Software Outsourcing Questions for 2024 137
- 09 Sep 2022 Close Collaboration and Communication Can Overcome the Challenges of Distributed Teams 126
- 10 Jan 2024 Facts Chart: Reasons for outsourcing 125
- 21 Jun 2024 Dead Horses and the Escalation of Commitment 121
- 06 Mar 2024 [SemRush] What Are LSI Keywords & Why They Don‘t Matter 121
- 01 Mar 2024 10 Project Management Myths 116
- 05 Jun 2023 Fractional, Part-Time (virtual) or Interim CTO: Who Will Cover Your Business Needs? 104
- 02 May 2021 Outsourcing Software Development: Avoid 8 Mistakes 84
- 21 Aug 2025 Top 30 Oldest IT Outsourcing Companies in Vietnam 79
- 12 Aug 2024 Understanding Google Analytics in Mumbai: A Beginner's Guide 78
- 01 Jun 2025 10 Sustainable & Unique IT Outsourcing Companies in Vietnam 56
- 15 Aug 2025 Quantum Technology: Global Challenges and Opportunities for Innovators 51
- 13 Oct 2025 Mastering the Dynamic Squad Model: A Modern Approach to Agile Teams 47
- 07 Oct 2025 Case Study: Using the “Messaging House” Framework to Build a Digital Transformation Roadmap 23
- 09 Oct 2024 Are Expensive CRM Systems Really Worth It? 17
Outsourcing the work is one of the simplest ways to cut costs. Today, it has become an industry, in fact, a much larger one.
Many companies now have their work done by remote workers located around the globe. This flexibility of working is powerful and lets businesses get their job done at reasonable costs. However, it also presents an unavoidable challenge for many, and that challenge is online security.
As you know, cyber risks have evolved too much. Companies that outsource their work often have to share sensitive data. Yet, at the company level, they do have security systems; however, when outsourced to an individual on the other continent, it puts that data at risk.
In this post, we will discuss some common security risks that outsourced teams can face and how to secure them against these risks.
Why Security Matters More in Outsourced Teams?
Before delving into the cybersecurity challenges that outsourced teams face, let’s discuss why they are important.
- Sensitive client data is often shared remotely, increasing the risk of leaks.
- Inconsistent security practices across borders (e.g., weak passwords, outdated devices).
- Higher chances of phishing and social engineering attacks on remote workers.
- A single weak link can expose the entire team.
Strong security fosters client trust and maintains stable outsourcing relationships.
Common Security Risks Outsourced Teams Face
The following are some common cybersecurity risks that outsourced teams and remote workers often encounter.
Unsecured Wi-Fi and Public Networks
The first and most common risk comes from public Wi-Fi networks. Many of the outsourced teams include freelance members who work independently, such as from coffee shops, airports, or shared workspaces. That is where most of them get their device connected to a public Wi-Fi network that is easy for hackers to exploit.
This becomes riskier when people connect to wifi by scanning the QR codes using the mobile's built-in feature. When scanned, their device instantly connects to the network without displaying the network name or password. The person getting connected doesn’t know whether they are routed via a third party.
This is where cybercriminals manipulate QR codes and carry out attacks on outsourced teams. And know that, without proper protection, sensitive data can be intercepted and compromised.
Weak or Shared Passwords
After the network comes the passwords.
Many remote workers are accustomed to using the same generic passwords for all their accounts. This is good for them in remembering the password. However, the practice is too dangerous, as generic passwords are among the easiest targets of cybercriminals.
Plus, there is a mistake that outsourcing companies also made. They share login details with the entire team, which also puts the accounts' security at risk.
Both the habits mentioned above make it easier for attackers to gain access.
Phishing and Social Engineering
Yet many of the outsourced workers are now familiar with phishing attacks and know the importance of clicking on a link. They know how to inspect a link before clicking on it.
However, many new remote workers often become the target of phishing scams and social engineering attacks. They are frequently targeted by phishing emails that impersonate clients, managers, or reputable services. A single click on a malicious link can open the door to a cyberattack. The primary reason is a lack of awareness.
Use of Personal vs. Company-Owned Devices
Not all businesses provide devices to outsourced teams. Many people use their own laptops or phones, which may lack essential security features such as security updates, firewalls, or antivirus protection. This creates uneven levels of safety.
How to Get Secured Against These Risks?
Now, you know the cybersecurity risks faced by outsourced teams. Below is how to get protected against these risks.
Use Safer Methods When Connecting to Wi-Fi
As mentioned earlier, public Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways for hackers to slip into a device. The primary reason for being targeted is being directly connected to them.
However, this can be avoided by using a QR scanner tool instead of a phone’s built-in feature. This is because online QR scanners let you preview the actual network name and details before joining.
This helps ensure that the QR code for Wi-Fi has not been tampered with, routing you through a malicious connection.
Avoid Weak or Shared Passwords
Never reuse the same password for multiple accounts. Plus, avoid sharing credentials across the team. A simple fix is to enforce unique, strong passwords for every account.
To make your passwords stronger, use a mix of:
- Capital letters
- Small letters
- Numbers
- Special characters
Add two-factor authentication (2FA) on top, so even if one password is leaked, the account remains protected.
Verify Suspicious Links
Remember the phishing attacks we talked about in the previous section. They involve the use of phishing emails, which trick newbies into clicking on fake links that seem identical to real ones.
So, if you receive emails from a new address asking you to click on a link, do one thing: perform a DNS lookup. Run the domain name inside that email address through an online DNS lookup tool. This will help you confirm whether the domain is genuine or linked to something suspicious.
This might look like an extra step to you, but in reality, it can save entire teams from falling victim to phishing attacks.
End Lines
Outsourcing work to remote teams around the globe is a good practice for both companies and service providers. It allows companies to reduce project costs and enables remote/freelance workers to work from their comfort zone.
However, despite the benefits of outsourcing, it also poses certain cybersecurity risks that put the company's data/information at risk. A few such risks have been described in this blog post and shared the ways you can get secured against them.
We hope that going through them has helped you learn what necessary measures should be taken when outsourcing work or accepting an outsourced project.
Explore more on these topics
Guest Blogging: The Definitive Guide
Top Trending Topics
Share This
Link copied!
Recently Updated News