Remote work security has become essential for businesses of all sizes. With more employees working from home than ever before, protecting sensitive company data requires a thoughtful approach to cybersecurity.
Here are the most effective best security practices to secure your remote workforce:
- Create or update your remote work security policy
- Mandate device-level encryption and endpoint protection
- Enforce regular employee cyber training
- Implement MDM (mobile device management) software
- Conduct regular security audits and phishing simulations
- Partner with a managed IT service provider (like CMIT Solutions) for remote compliance
Remote teams face numerous security risks that can threaten your business:
- Weak or reused passwords
- Use of personal devices and unsecured Wi-Fi
- Phishing emails and business email compromise
- Shadow IT and unsanctioned apps
- Missing security patches and outdated software
- Lack of employee cybersecurity training
Our cybersecurity solutions help businesses safeguard their remote teams with comprehensive protection strategies.
5 Remote work security best practices for businesses
1. Create or update your remote work security policy
A documented policy sets clear expectations for remote workers. Your security policy should outline approved technologies, acceptable use guidelines, and security protocols. This foundation ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities in maintaining security.
⚠️ Companies without formal remote work security policies are at a higher risk of security incidents, as remote work introduces unique vulnerabilities, including the use of personal devices and unprotected networks.
Your policy should address data handling, device management, and reporting procedures for potential security incidents. Review and update this document quarterly to address evolving threats.
2. Mandate device-level encryption and endpoint protection
Every device accessing company data should have robust protection. This includes:
- Full-disk encryption
- Next-generation antivirus security software
- Advanced threat protection
- Automated patching systems
These security layers prevent unauthorized access if devices are lost or stolen—a common occurrence with remote teams.
💡 Endpoint protection platforms that incorporate behavioral analysis can detect unusual patterns that signature-based systems might miss.
3. Enforce regular employee cyber training
Human error remains the leading cause of security breaches. Develop a comprehensive training program that includes:
- Recognizing phishing attempts
- Password management best practices
- Secure file sharing protocols
- Incident reporting procedures
Conduct quarterly refresher courses and send simulated phishing emails to test awareness. This ongoing education transforms employees from security vulnerabilities into your first line of defense.
✔️The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes the importance of such training, noting that employees should be educated to recognize phishing attempts, manage passwords securely, and understand secure file-sharing protocols.
4. Implement MDM (mobile device management) software
MDM solutions allow IT teams to monitor, manage, and secure employee devices remotely. These platforms can:
- Enforce security policies
- Deploy software updates
- Remotely wipe lost devices
- Separate work and personal data
This centralized control is essential for maintaining security standards across distributed teams, especially when employees use personal devices for work.
5. Conduct regular security audits and phishing simulations
Regular security assessments identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Implement:
- Quarterly security audits
- Monthly vulnerability scans
- Regular penetration testing
- Simulated phishing campaigns
These proactive measures help you stay ahead of emerging threats while testing your team’s security awareness.
6. Partner with a managed IT service provider (like CMIT Solutions) for remote compliance
Partnering with a managed IT service provider like CMIT Solutions ensures that your remote workforce remains compliant with security standards. They help implement and manage security measures, ensure secure remote access, and keep your business in line with industry regulations, minimizing the risk of cyber threats and compliance violations.
For a comprehensive approach to protecting your business, review our 16-way checklist to protect your business from cyberattacks.
Key policies and habits for secure remote workers
Creating a security-conscious workforce requires establishing clear guidelines and promoting good data security habits:
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require MFA for all business applications and services to prevent unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
- Secure VPNs (virtual private networks): Ensure employees use company-approved VPN solutions with split tunneling disabled to protect data transmission.
- Password management: Implement enterprise password managers to generate and store strong, unique credentials for each service.
- Auto-locking devices: Configure all devices to lock automatically after brief periods of inactivity to prevent unauthorized access.
- Least privilege principle: Limit access permissions to only what each employee needs for their specific role.
- Regular updates: Establish mandatory patching schedules for all software and operating systems.
- Clean desk policy: Encourage employees to secure sensitive information, even at home, by keeping workspaces free of confidential materials.
⚠️Remote employees should never access company systems from public Wi-Fi without a secure VPN.
| Secure Remote Practices | Vulnerable Remote Practices |
|---|---|
| Using company-approved VPN | Connecting directly to public Wi-Fi |
| Regular software updates | Postponing security patches |
| Complex, unique passwords | Reusing passwords across accounts |
| Verifying email senders | Clicking links without inspection |
| Encrypted file sharing | Using personal email for company files |
| Reporting suspicious activity | Handling security concerns alone |
6 Remote work cyber security risks
1. Weak or reused passwords
Despite years of warnings, weak password practices remain a leading security vulnerability. Remote workers often:
- Use the same password across multiple services
- Create simple passwords that are easy to remember
- Share credentials with household members
- Store passwords in unsecured locations
One compromised account can quickly cascade into a major breach when passwords are reused across services.
2. Use of personal devices and unsecured public or home Wi-Fi networks
The blurring of work and personal technology creates significant security gaps. Personal devices often:
- Lack enterprise-grade security
- Run outdated operating systems
- Contain potentially malicious applications
- Connect to unsecured home networks
Home networks typically have weaker security than corporate environments, with vulnerable routers and connected devices creating multiple entry points for attackers.
3. Phishing emails and business email compromise
Remote workers are prime targets for sophisticated phishing attempts. Without colleagues nearby to consult, they may:
- Fall for urgent requests from spoofed executives
- Enter credentials on convincing but fake login pages
- Open malicious attachments from seemingly legitimate sources
- Transfer funds based on fraudulent instructions
⚠️ Phishing attempts have increased by 600% since the widespread adoption of remote work, with business email compromise scams costing organizations over $2.1 billion annually.
4. Shadow IT and unsanctioned apps
When official tools don’t meet their needs, remote employees often turn to unauthorized applications. This “shadow IT” creates significant risks:
- Unvetted cloud services may have weak security
- Company data gets stored outside protected environments
- IT departments lose visibility into data access and movement
- Compliance violations occur without knowledge
A single employee using an unsanctioned file-sharing service can inadvertently expose sensitive company information.
5. Missing security patches and outdated software
Without IT supervision, remote workers often delay critical updates, creating security gaps. Common issues include:
- Postponing operating system updates
- Running outdated browser versions
- Using end-of-life software no longer receiving security patches
- Disabling security features that seem inconvenient
Each unpatched vulnerability provides attackers with potential entry points into your network.
6. Lack of employee cybersecurity training
Untrained employees make predictable security mistakes. Without proper education, remote workers might:
- Accept connection requests from unknown contacts
- Overshare company information on social media
- Use weak security answers for password recovery
- Fall victim to social engineering attacks
✔️A joint study by Stanford and Tessian found that employee mistakes account for 88% of data breach incidents. These statistics underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity training and awareness programs to mitigate risks associated with human error.
💡Hypothetical scenario: An accounting employee receives an urgent email appearing to be from the CEO requesting an immediate wire transfer. Working remotely without colleagues to consult, they process the transaction, not realizing it’s a business email compromise attack. The company lost $75,000 before discovering the fraud.
Worried about the security risks of a remote workforce? Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment and let our team help you close the gaps before attackers find them.
Types of security breaches in the workplace
- Data exfiltration via insecure cloud storage: Sensitive files stored in improperly configured cloud services can be discovered and downloaded by unauthorized parties. This is particularly common with remote workers who use personal cloud accounts for convenience.
- Unauthorized access via weak credentials: Attackers commonly use credential stuffing or brute-force attacks to gain unauthorized access to systems. According to a report from Google Cloud, weak credentials were the most common attack vector in cloud environments, representing a significant risk for remote workers who may use multiple devices to access business networks.
- Malware infection through phishing: Employees open seemingly legitimate attachments containing ransomware, trojans, or other malware. A report by Lookout revealed that 13% of employees admitted to falling for phishing attacks while working from home.
- Insider threats (accidental or malicious): Employees may mishandle data or intentionally abuse their access. Remote work environments make detecting unusual data access patterns more difficult.
- Compliance violations: Remote work creates challenges for maintaining regulatory standards like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR. Improper data handling at home can lead to significant penalties.
- DDoS or ransomware via endpoint compromise: Attackers target vulnerable home devices to gain network access, then move laterally to company systems. Home networks rarely have the same protection levels as corporate environments.
📌 Remote environments are particularly vulnerable to phishing and credential-based attacks, while hybrid environments see more issues with inconsistent security between locations.
Remote workforce security: what’s at stake?
The shift to remote work has dramatically expanded the potential attack surface for most organizations. When employees work from various locations on different networks and devices, each connection point becomes a potential vulnerability.
For small and mid-sized businesses, the consequences of a security breach can be devastating. Research from the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers shows that 62% of cyber-attacks target small businesses, which are often more vulnerable due to limited resources.
The financial impact extends beyond immediate losses: according to a Ponemon Institute report, the average cost for a small business to recover from a cyber-attack can exceed $690,000, with mid-market companies facing even higher recovery costs. Learn more about the full cost of a data breach and how it can affect your bottom line.
In addition to the direct costs, a breach can lead to:
- Customer trust, once broken, is difficult to rebuild
- Intellectual property theft can eliminate competitive advantages
- Regulatory fines add significant financial penalties
✔️For businesses concerned about covering the financial risks of cyber security threats, see our full breakdown in cyber insurance explained.
Remote work also complicates regulatory compliance. Industries handling sensitive data must maintain strict standards:
- Healthcare organizations must ensure HIPAA compliance
- Financial services must adhere to SEC and FINRA regulations
- Retailers must maintain PCI-DSS standards
- Any company handling EU citizen data must follow GDPR requirements
⚠️A single compromised remote device can provide attackers with a foothold to move laterally through your network, potentially accessing your most sensitive systems and data.
Unsure if your remote setup is secure? Contact us today to identify hidden risks and strengthen your defenses before it’s too late.
Creating a secure remote work environment
Building a secure remote work environment requires a multi-layered approach that balances network security with productivity. The most effective strategies combine technical controls, policy enforcement, and human factors.
✔️At CMIT Solutions, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses implement comprehensive remote security frameworks. Our approach focuses on three critical components:
- Technical infrastructure: Implementing enterprise-grade security solutions scaled appropriately for your business size and needs.
- Policy development: Creating clear, enforceable guidelines that protect company assets without impeding productivity.
- Security culture: Fostering an environment where security becomes everyone’s responsibility through education and positive reinforcement.
The most successful organizations develop a strong cybersecurity culture where employees understand not just what security protocols to follow, but why they matter. This ownership mentality transforms remote workers from security liabilities into security assets.
Remote work cybersecurity statistics
Recent data reveals the growing security challenges for remote teams:
- According to IBM’s 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report, data breaches where remote work was a factor cost over $1 million more on average than those where remote work was not a factor.
- According to a Malwarebytes report, 20% of organizations reported a security breach caused by a remote worker since shifting to remote operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Research from Absolute Security found that 72% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) agreed that remote working had complicated their organization’s cyber resilience posture, with 73% identifying remote devices as their biggest security weakness.
- According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, the three primary ways attackers access an organization are stolen credentials, phishing, and exploitation of vulnerabilities.
| Security Risk Factor | In-Office Environment | Remote Environment | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phishing Susceptibility | Lower click rates on phishing emails | Remote workers are more susceptible to phishing attacks | CISA |
| Time to Detect Breach | Average of 197 days | Average of 207 days | IBM |
| Malware Infection Rate | Lower infection rates | Increased malware incidents due to remote work vulnerabilities | Verizon |
| Unpatched Vulnerabilities | 22% of systems remain unpatched | 46% of systems remain unpatched | CISA |
| Unsecured File Sharing | 17% of documents shared insecurely | 41% of documents shared insecurely | FTC |
Secure your remote workforce with CMIT Solutions
In today’s digital landscape, securing your remote workforce isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a business imperative. At CMIT Solutions, we understand the unique security challenges faced by distributed teams.
Our comprehensive approach combines enterprise-grade technology, proven policies, and ongoing support to keep your business protected, no matter where your employees work. We’ll help you implement the security measures discussed in this article while tailoring our approach to your specific business needs.
Contact our experts today at (800) 399-2648 or request a consultation to learn how we can secure your remote workforce.
FAQs
What should I do if a remote employee loses a company device?
Implement your incident response plan immediately by remotely wiping the device, changing all associated passwords, and monitoring for suspicious activity. Having MDM software in place allows you to remotely locate or erase lost devices, significantly reducing risk exposure.
Can remote workers safely use their personal laptops for work?
While possible, personal devices increase security risks substantially. If budget constraints require BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), implement strict policies including endpoint protection, network segregation, and clear guidelines on acceptable use to minimize vulnerabilities.
How do I know if our remote work policy is secure enough?
Conduct regular security assessments including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and policy compliance audits. A comprehensive evaluation should analyze your technical controls, employee behavior, and incident response capabilities to identify potential weaknesses.
Are remote teams more vulnerable to phishing attacks?
Yes, remote workers are approximately 3 times more likely to fall for phishing attempts than office-based employees. This increased vulnerability stems from isolation, divided attention, and the absence of immediate IT support, making regular phishing awareness training essential.
How can CMIT Solutions help secure my remote workforce?
CMIT Solutions provides comprehensive remote security services including endpoint protection, secure access solutions, policy development, employee training, and 24/7 monitoring. Our managed IT approach ensures your remote teams have enterprise-grade security protection without the enterprise-level costs.
