Remote and hybrid work has evolved from trends into expectations, and for many, they’re deal-breakers when choosing an employer. According to a 2024 Marsh McLennan Agency survey, 60% of respondents expect options for remote workers. This shift, while offering more flexibility and efficiency, also creates new vulnerabilities.
Whether you’ve embraced hybrid work or are fully remote, here are key strategies every business should implement to stay secure and compliant while supporting remote employees.
Create a Remote Work Policy and Enforce It
Before you worry about technology, set the ground rules. A strong remote work policy outlines:
- Who can work remotely and under what conditions
- Approved devices and software
- Security expectations (password policies, VPN use, MFA, etc.)
- Guidelines for data handling, especially when dealing with client or confidential information
This document not only aligns your team but also protects you from compliance issues and liability.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Stolen passwords are still one of the most common causes of business data breaches. MFA makes it exponentially harder for unauthorized users to access your systems even if they have a password.
Make MFA mandatory for:
- Email accounts
- VPN access
- Cloud services (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, CRM systems)
Use Business-Grade VPNs for Secure Access
Public Wi-Fi and home networks are prime targets for cybercriminals. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your data and protects sensitive communications between remote workers and your internal network.
Look for business-grade VPNs that:
- Support split tunneling and secure encryption
- Offer centralized management and logging
- Integrate with identity access management (IAM) systems
Lock Down Devices with Endpoint Security
Company data lives on employee laptops, smartphones, and tablets. If one of those devices is lost, stolen, or compromised — so is your data.
Make sure all devices (whether company-owned or BYOD):
- Are protected with endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools
- Have remote wipe capabilities
- Enforce full-disk encryption
- Run regular software updates and patches
Train Employees to Spot Phishing and Scams
The weakest link in your cybersecurity chain is still human error. Remote employees must be trained to recognize:
- Phishing emails and social engineering tactics
- Fake login pages and credential harvesting
- Suspicious file attachments or downloads
Offer regular, engaging cybersecurity training and reinforce it with simulated phishing tests to measure and improve awareness.
Set Up Secure File Sharing and Collaboration Tools
Don’t let employees use personal email, USB drives, or unauthorized tools to share sensitive data. Instead:
- Use cloud platforms with auditing, access controls, and encryption (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive, Dropbox Business)
- Limit file access based on roles and need-to-know
- Monitor for shadow IT (unauthorized apps or tools)
Monitor and Manage Access to Business Systems
You should always know who has access to what and why. Use identity and access management (IAM) systems to:
- Enforce least privilege access
- Automatically revoke access when an employee leaves
- Require reauthorization for privileged accounts or sensitive systems
Periodic access reviews help ensure employees only have the permissions they need, reducing potential security risks.
Backup Everything and Test It
Whether employees work on-premises or remotely, data loss can strike at any time.
A robust backup strategy includes:
- Automated daily backups of cloud data, endpoints, and servers
- Offsite or cloud-based redundancy
- Routine testing to ensure your backups are restorable
Monitor for Suspicious Activity
Deploy security tools that provide visibility across your network including remote endpoints. This includes:
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools
- Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
- Centralized logging and alerts
Early detection of unusual login attempts, data transfers, or application use can stop a breach before it escalates.
Work with a Trusted IT Partner
Managing remote workforce security is complex. A trusted IT partner can help you:
- Conduct risk assessments
- Design secure remote work infrastructure
- Implement compliance frameworks (HIPAA, CMMC, SOC 2, etc.)
- Provide 24/7 monitoring and support
This ensures your business remains agile and protected — no matter where your team is located.
Allowing employees to work remotely shouldn’t mean sacrificing security. With the right mix of policies, tools, and training, your business can operate safely, stay compliant, and maintain productivity in today’s remote-first world.
Need help evaluating or securing your remote work environment? Our team can assess your current setup and recommend a strategy that balances security, compliance, and employee experience.