Remote work is here to stay, but it introduces security challenges that many businesses haven't fully addressed. Here's how to protect your company when employees work from anywhere.
The Remote Work Security Challenge
- -The network they connected to
- -The devices they used
- -Physical access to systems
- -What they could access
- -Home networks (often insecure)
- -Coffee shops and public WiFi
- -Personal devices (sometimes)
- -Anywhere with internet access
Essential Security Controls
1. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is the single most important remote security control.
Enable MFA on:
- -Email (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
- -VPN access
- -Cloud applications
- -Remote desktop connections
- -Password managers
MFA Methods (Best to Worst): 1. Hardware security keys (FIDO2) 2. Authenticator apps (Microsoft, Google) 3. Push notifications 4. SMS codes (better than nothing)
2. Require VPN for Sensitive Access
A VPN encrypts traffic and provides a secure connection back to your network.
When to Require VPN:
- -Accessing internal applications
- -Connecting to file servers
- -Using internal databases
- -Any access to sensitive data
VPN Best Practices:
- -Use modern protocols (IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN)
- -Require MFA for VPN login
- -Enable split tunneling carefully (or not at all)
- -Monitor VPN logs for anomalies
3. Secure Endpoints
Remote devices need protection even when off your network.
Endpoint Security Essentials:
- -Modern antivirus/EDR (Microsoft Defender for Business, etc.)
- -Device encryption (BitLocker, FileVault)
- -Automatic OS updates
- -Application updates
- -Host-based firewall
Mobile Device Management (MDM):
- -Enforce security policies remotely
- -Require device encryption
- -Enable remote wipe capability
- -Separate work and personal data
4. Secure Cloud Applications
Most remote work happens in cloud apps. Secure them properly.
Microsoft 365 Security:
- -Enable Security Defaults or Conditional Access
- -Configure DLP policies
- -Enable audit logging
- -Use sensitivity labels
- -Review external sharing settings
For All Cloud Apps:
- -SSO integration where possible
- -Regular access reviews
- -Session timeouts
- -IP restrictions (if practical)
5. Employee Training
Your employees are working in uncontrolled environments. Train them accordingly.
Training Topics:
- -Recognizing phishing (more targeted at remote workers)
- -Securing home networks
- -Physical security (locking screens, paper documents)
- -Public WiFi risks
- -Reporting security concerns
- -Data handling outside the office
Home Network Security Guidance
Help employees secure their home networks:
For Employees - Basic Steps:
- **Change router default password** - Admin passwords are often "admin"
- **Update router firmware** - Security patches matter
- **Use WPA3 or WPA2** - Never WEP
- **Create strong WiFi password** - 16+ characters
- **Consider separate network** - Some routers support guest networks
Advanced (If Technical):
- -Disable WPS
- -Change default SSID
- -Enable router firewall
- -Disable remote management
Device Policies
Decide and document your device requirements:
Company-Owned Devices **Advantages:** - Full control over configuration - Consistent security posture - Easier to manage
Requirements:
- -Encryption enabled
- -Security software installed
- -Updates enforced
- -MDM enrolled
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) **Advantages:** - Lower cost - Employee flexibility
Requirements:
- -Minimum security standards defined
- -MDM or MAM (Mobile Application Management)
- -Container/separation of work data
- -Clear acceptable use policy
- -Ability to wipe work data only
Hybrid Approach Many businesses allow BYOD for mobile while providing company laptops. This balances control with flexibility.
Remote Access Architecture
How employees connect matters:
Option 1: VPN to Office Traditional approach. Employees VPN in to access internal resources.
Pros: Familiar, works with legacy apps Cons: VPN can be bottleneck, requires office infrastructure
Option 2: Cloud-First Move applications to cloud. VPN only for legacy access.
Pros: Better performance, location-independent Cons: Requires cloud migration, more complex identity
Option 3: Zero Trust Verify every access request regardless of location. No implicit trust.
Pros: Most secure, works from anywhere Cons: Most complex to implement, requires modern tools
Incident Response for Remote Workers
Update your incident response for remote scenarios:
New Considerations:
- -How do you isolate a remote device?
- -Can you remotely wipe if needed?
- -How do employees report incidents?
- -Who has physical access to devices?
- -How do you ship a replacement device?
Document:
- -Remote reporting procedures
- -After-hours contacts
- -Remote isolation capabilities
- -Shipping procedures for devices
Remote Work Security Checklist
Identity & Access:
- -[ ] MFA enabled on all accounts
- -[ ] VPN available and enforced for sensitive access
- -[ ] SSO implemented for cloud apps
- -[ ] Regular access reviews conducted
Devices:
- -[ ] Device encryption required
- -[ ] Endpoint protection deployed
- -[ ] MDM/MAM implemented
- -[ ] Update policies enforced
Data Protection:
- -[ ] DLP policies configured
- -[ ] Cloud storage secured
- -[ ] Backup includes remote data
- -[ ] Encryption for sensitive data
People:
- -[ ] Security training completed
- -[ ] Acceptable use policy signed
- -[ ] Home security guidance provided
- -[ ] Reporting procedures communicated
Need Help Securing Remote Work?
Remote work security is complex, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. We help businesses implement practical security measures that protect data without hindering productivity. Contact us to assess your remote work security posture.