Nearly half (48%) of companies rank workplace security threats as their number one challenge. With cyber incidents increasing and the global average cost of a data breach reaching $4.88 million in 2024, organizations can no longer treat security as an afterthought.

But here's what's different about successful organizations: they implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans and security frameworks that defend against external threats.

The evolution of workplace security threats

Security threats in the workplace have evolved far beyond traditional concerns. Today's threats are more sophisticated and interconnected than ever before. Organizations believe generative AI will make it even more challenging to defend against external threats, with 77% of organizations expressing this concern.

The modern workplace faces unique challenges due to hybrid work models, increased visitor traffic, and the convergence of physical and digital security risks. To make matters worse, advancements in technology often lead to more sophisticated workplace threats. Ransomware cases accounted for 70 percent of incident response cases for small business customers in 2024, while physical security threats like unauthorized access continue to plague organizations.

10 types of workplace threats you should know

1. Unauthorized access, tailgating, and vandalism

Unauthorized access occurs when outsiders or employees gain entry to areas they're not permitted to access. Threats such as unauthorized access, tailgating, and vandalism create vulnerabilities that can compromise both physical security and sensitive information.

Tailgating (when someone follows an authorized person through a secure door) remains one of the most common security breaches. These incidents often go undetected because they appear natural, making them particularly dangerous for organizations handling intellectual property or confidential data.

2. Cyberattacks and digital security risks

Digital security risks like cyberattacks represent the fastest-growing category of workplace threats and challenges for security teams. Phishing attacks account for more than 80% of reported security incidents, making employee awareness critical for prevention.

Business-critical systems face constant attacks from increasingly sophisticated threat actors. Cyber threat risks could include privilege abuse, mishandling data, using unapproved hardware, and email misuse, creating multiple attack vectors that organizations must address through comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

3. Theft of physical and intellectual property

The most plain security threats may be those targeting a company's physical or intellectual property. This includes everything from trade secrets, laptops, and physical documents containing sensitive information.

Modern thieves target both traditional assets and digital devices that provide access to broader networks. Patent theft, employee know-how extraction, and unauthorized copying of proprietary information can cause long-term damage to competitive advantage.

4. Natural disaster or extreme weather events

Companies have identified climate change-induced flooding, geopolitical instability, natural disasters, and other external events pose significant threats to workplace operations. Organizations must prepare for events that can seriously impact business continuity and employee safety.

Emergency preparedness plans should account for various scenarios, from hurricane-force winds to earthquake damage. The key is ensuring everyone is informed and has clear evacuation procedures for an unexpected attack or emergency.

5. Supply chain disruption and vendor risks

Supply chain vulnerability assessments have become essential as attacks on software supply chains are expected to affect 45% of organizations worldwide by 2025. Third-party risks extend beyond cybersecurity to include physical security and business continuity.

Conduct regular supply chain vulnerability assessments to identify weak points in your vendor network. Risks from outside vendors can seriously impact your business, including unethical suppliers, partners with inadequate security, and dependencies on single-source providers, all of which create potential failure points.

6. Workplace violence and threatening behavior

Regulations around employee safety and violence prevention are becoming stricter nationwide. California's Senate Bill 553 now requires employers to implement workplace violence prevention plans or face fines starting at $18,000 per violation.

Other threatening behavior includes intimidation, harassment, and verbal threats that create hostile work environments. Organizations must train employees to recognize warning signs and provide clear reporting procedures for concerning behavior.

7. Technology failures and system outages

Network outages, software failures, and accidental damage to critical systems can create security vulnerabilities while disrupting operations. Inefficiencies from manual processes can cost companies up to 30% of their revenue annually.

Develop a clear outage response plan that addresses both operational continuity and security implications. Backup systems, redundant communications, and manual procedures help maintain security during the failure of a business-critical system.

8. Health threats and emergency response

Disease outbreaks, chemical spills, and medical emergencies require coordinated responses that balance health protection with security protocols. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how health threats can fundamentally alter workplace security requirements. As shown by the research from Duke University, disease outbreaks are likely to grow in the upcoming years.

Emergency protocols should address quarantine procedures, access control during health emergencies, and coordination with medical responders while maintaining facility security.

9. Brand and reputation crises

Brand reputation directly ties to perceived security capabilities. Security incidents that become public can damage customer trust, regulatory standing, and competitive position far beyond the immediate incident costs.

Crisis communication plans should address both internal stakeholders and external parties, including customers, vendors, and regulators. Quick, transparent communication helps minimize reputational damage during security incidents.

10. Insider threats and privilege abuse

57% of fraud involves company insiders, making insider threats one of the most challenging security risks. These threats include both malicious employees and unintentional security violations.

Risk factors include employees with excessive system access, inadequate background checks, and insufficient monitoring of privileged user activities. Regular access reviews and behavioral monitoring help identify potential insider threats before they cause damage.

Prevention strategies that work

Implement layered security controls

Effective workplace security requires multiple defense layers working together. Access control systems, visitor management, surveillance technology, and employee training create overlapping protection that addresses various threat vectors.

Develop comprehensive emergency response plans

An unexpected attack or emergency could seriously impact your operations and disrupt your business. Respond quickly to security incidents through well-planned procedures that account for various scenarios. Training employees in emergency response procedures ensures they stay informed during a critical event and can take coordinated action when threats materialize.

Regular drills help identify gaps in procedures while building confidence in response capabilities. Document all procedures clearly and ensure everyone understands their role during emergencies.

Focus on employee training and awareness

Most security incidents involve human error, making employee education critical for prevention. Regular security awareness training helps employees recognize threats like phishing emails, social engineering attempts, and suspicious behavior.

Training should be practical, relevant to specific roles, and updated regularly to address emerging threats. Hybrid workplace strategies must include security training that addresses both in-office and remote work vulnerabilities.

Establish visitor management protocols

Proper visitor management serves as a critical first line of defense against unauthorized access and security threats. 74% of workplaces struggle with unauthorized visitors, making robust visitor management essential for workplace security.

Modern visitor management systems provide capabilities that traditional paper-based processes cannot match. Pre-registration, real-time notifications, and integration with access control systems help ensure only authorized individuals have access to sensitive areas.

The role of technology in workplace security

Technology solutions should enhance rather than complicate existing security processes. Organizations using security AI and automation realize average cost savings of $2.22 million compared to those without these capabilities. However, many companies believe that generative AI will make threat prevention harder.

Smart office technology that combines access control, visitor management, and emergency communication provides centralized monitoring while reducing complexity. Integrated workplace management platforms help organizations track occupancy, manage security protocols, and respond to incidents more effectively.

Advanced analytics help identify patterns and potential security concerns before they become incidents. Data-driven insights enable continuous improvement of security procedures while maintaining operational efficiency. Workplace experience strategies that integrate security considerations create environments where safety and productivity work together.

Building a security-first workplace culture

Creating a culture where security is everyone's responsibility requires leadership commitment and employee engagement. Companies with engaged employees see a 63% decrease in safety incidents, demonstrating the connection between engagement and security outcomes.

Regular communication about security threats, clear reporting procedures, and recognition for security-conscious behavior help reinforce the importance of workplace security. Comprehensive workplace security guides provide frameworks for building security-first cultures that protect both people and assets.

Encourage open dialogue about security concerns and near-miss incidents. Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting potential threats helps identify and address vulnerabilities before they're exploited.

Conclusion

Security threats will continue to evolve, but organizations that take proactive approaches to workplace security can effectively protect employees and business operations. Start by assessing current vulnerabilities, implementing appropriate controls, and training teams to recognize and respond to various threats.

The most successful organizations treat security as an ongoing process rather than a one-time project. Regular reviews, employee feedback, and continuous improvement help ensure security measures remain effective against emerging threats. Flexible office space strategies should incorporate security considerations from the planning stage through implementation.