We know that human error is almost always involved when it comes to cybersecurity breaches, and we know that these breaches can be very costly, running a tab well into the millions of dollars. For example, nearly half (45%) of the 1,000+ employees surveyed admitted to opening up emails they knew were suspicious. Note, 45% didn’t accidentally open suspicious emails, they knowingly opened suspicious emails.

Then, in 2020, large numbers of workers shifted to a WFH model. Gone was the corporate network security as they connected through their home WIFI. Gone were the endpoint monitoring systems as they traded in their work PCs for home laptops.

Strong security has always been a must, but remote work made it even more so. And even though many have returned to office work, a surprisingly large number of employees still work from home. The good news is that the tools exist to help fight the threats that WFH models present. This piece shows you everything about remote work security practices that will protect your distributed team from cyber threats.

Understanding Remote Work Security Risks

The cybersecurity attack surface has grown substantially since teams switched to remote operations. Whether it’s an increase in attack sophistication inspired by remote work, the use of more personal devices in work activities, or weak home network security, threats to remote teams are increasing.

Common security threats to remote teams

Remote teams now face sophisticated cyber threats from multiple directions. We noticed phishing attacks have become the top cyber threat targeting remote employees, with 80% of breaches starting with phishing emails. Meanwhile, 92% of remote workers use their personal devices for work tasks, and 46% keep work files on said devices. Home networks create another weak point in security. Remote workers encounter malware 3.5 times more often than their office counterparts.

And if we stop to think about this for just a moment, it really comes as no surprise. Afterall, many companies seem to believe that merely using a VPN is enough. And while a VPN certainly encrypts traffic, it doesn’t stop attackers from finding and entering through open ports.

And traditional malware scanners/antivirus programs are also great, but they aren’t useful for Zero Day vulnerabilities. Nor do they typically catch a backdoor entry-point left by a prior attack.

And finally, if we’re honest, we have to acknowledge that IT teams simply find it difficult to monitor and secure devices because remote work spreads everything out. It’s easy to know what your kids are up to when they’re at home, but it’s a lot more difficult when they’re at their friends’ houses.

So, how do we stop it? Well, the solution for remote work security is much like the solution for a company network: defense in depth. By introducing as many layers as you can, you help reduce the risks of attack. Let’s look at a few of these tools.

Essential Security Tools for Remote Teams

Remote teams need resilient security tools that work together naturally. Here are three vital tools are the foundations of remote work security. By no means are these the only tools, but together, they form a solid foundation of remote work security.

VPN and secure network access

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) protect remote teams as their first defense line. A VPN does more than create an encrypted tunnel between remote devices and company networks, it also lets companies control who can access specific parts of their network. For example, the latest VPN solutions come with split tunneling features that balance performance with security.

So while VPNs - as noted above - aren’t the end-all solution for security, they are still very important. Don’t rely solely on them, but definitely don’t abandon them.

Password management solutions

Password managers are vital tools to keep authentication strong. These tools store credentials in encrypted vaults so teams can create and use complex, unique passwords without remembering them all. The best password managers give you:

• Multi-factor authentication integration
• Secure password sharing capabilities
• Up-to-the-minute alerts for compromised credentials
• Automated password health checks

And, of course, you’ll want policies in place that require strong passwords, and frequent changes to passwords. While your specific needs on that point will vary, we recommend starting with at least every 90 days.

Device security software

Device security's life-blood is endpoint protection for remote teams. Modern security solutions can spot, analyze, and stop threats before they reach company data. Traditional anti-virus products catch all but 39% of threats, which makes advanced endpoint protection significant. These tools watch every device that connects to internal systems, from laptops to phones, and provide detailed security coverage.

These three security tools create multiple protection layers. The right setup and regular updates help block unauthorized access while remote teams stay efficient. Companies that use these tools face fewer security problems, and multi-factor authentication stops 99.9% of automated attacks by itself (although MFA fatigue attacks do exist, so it might be a good idea to train your employees on those).

Setting Up Secure Remote Workspaces

This section is for the remote worker, because a secure remote workspace needs strong security measures at home. The right workspace setup protects sensitive data and helps you work productively from home.

Home network security basics

Network security at home builds the foundation of remote work safety. We recommend configuring the Wi-Fi network with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to block unauthorized access. Your router needs regular firmware updates to fix security gaps. Home networks face an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours. Strong router passwords and encryption are vital to protect your network.

Device encryption requirements

Full disk encryption protects against data theft. All work devices need encryption to protect information if someone steals your equipment (for example, you frequent a local coffee shop to do work in every morning). Use this protection to cover laptops, tablets, and smartphones used for remote work.

Safe file sharing practices

Safe file sharing needs careful attention to stop data leaks. Here are the core practices to protect sensitive information:

• Store work files exclusively on approved company storage locations
• Use end-to-end encrypted messaging for sensitive communications
• Enable encryption features in collaboration tools like Microsoft Office
• Set expiration dates for external sharing links

Physical workspace security matters too. Keep computer screens away from windows to prevent visual data exposure. Use lockable storage for confidential documents, and secure work devices when not in use because physical theft risks data security.

Building a Security-First Culture

A company's remote work security thrives when team members understand their role in protecting data.

Training remote team members

Security awareness training enables remote employees to spot and avoid common threats like phishing fraud and malware (although, it’s clearly important to emphasize NOT opening an email you suspect is phishing). Companies should focus on informative sessions that include real-life examples. As humans, we tend to understand the what if we better understand the why. By demonstrating headline attacks that started with phishing emails, for example, you can help drive home the importance of email security.

Creating security champions

Security champions programs strengthen your defense against cyber threats. These champions connect the security team with other employees. A great security champion should have these qualities:

• Shows genuine interest in cybersecurity
• Has strong communication skills
• Is willing to learn
• Becomes the first contact for security concerns

Without doubt, security champions help spread awareness across the organization. Many companies report better security compliance after starting these programs.

Regular security updates and reminders

Best practices stay fresh in employees' minds through regular security updates. Remote teams need clear communication about new threats and security protocols, whatever their location. Teams should get updates through emails, virtual meetings, and interactive training modules. In other words, a security-first culture needs constant reinforcement.

Conclusion

Your team's defense against cyber threats relies on strong security tools, properly set up home networks, and trained team members. Single-measure security doesn’t work - we know this. However, setting up layers of defense using tools such as advanced VPNs, password managers, and endpoint protection software, can more effectively shield your remote operations from attacks.

Note that security goes beyond technical solutions. Your team needs knowledge and tools to prevent security incidents. Regular training and security champions create a security-first culture that substantially reduces breach risks. A secure remote work environment lets your distributed team focus on what truly matters - delivering value while protecting company data.