Remote work has become the norm for many organisations.
While it offers flexibility and comfort, it significantly increases cyber risk — from phishing to data leaks.
That’s why every company, regardless of size, must implement strong remote-work security practices.
Why Remote Work Security Matters
Remote environments combine private Wi-Fi networks, personal devices, shared documents, and video calls.
Each element is a potential attack vector if not properly secured.
The goal is business continuity while keeping corporate data safe.
Use Secure Connections
- VPN – mandate the use of corporate VPN for all connections to company resources.
- Secure home Wi-Fi – enforce WPA3 encryption and strong router passwords.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi – never access corporate systems on open hotspots without VPN.
The network connection is your first line of defence — everything else depends on it.
Secure End-User Devices
- Keep OS and applications fully patched
- Deploy reputable antivirus/EDR with real-time protection
- Enable full-disk encryption (BitLocker, FileVault, VeraCrypt) on laptops and external drives
An unpatched or unencrypted device is an open invitation to attackers.
Enforce Strong Access Controls
Follow the principle of least privilege:
- Grant access only to those who truly need it
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA/2FA) everywhere possible
- Require strong, unique passwords (or passwordless where feasible)
- Automatically lock accounts after failed login attempts
Train Employees – The Human Firewall
Human error remains the #1 cause of breaches.
Run regular training on:
- spotting phishing and social engineering,
- secure file sharing and communication,
- how and when to report suspicious activity.
Awareness is the cheapest and most effective control.
Monitor Activity & Respond to Threats
- Continuously monitor remote sessions and data transfers (within legal limits)
- Detect anomalies: logins from unusual locations, large data exfiltration, off-hours activity
- Deploy EDR/XDR and, if possible, automated response via SOAR
Speed of response is as important as prevention.
Summary – The Three Pillars of Remote-Work Security
Effective protection requires the combination of:
Technology (VPN, encryption, EDR, MFA)
Processes (policies, access reviews, incident playbooks)
People (ongoing training and awareness)
Only a holistic approach delivers real security for distributed teams.
Get in Touch
I help organisations design and roll out secure remote-work policies, including VPN/2FA/MDM deployments, audits, and incident-response playbooks.
Email: biuro@wichran.pl
Phone: +48 515 601 621
Author: Piotr Wichrań – Court-appointed IT forensic expert, IT/OT cybersecurity specialist, licensed private investigator
@Informatyka.Sledcza