Cybersecurity Best Practices for Remote Work

Secure Connections: Your First Line of Defense

Zero-trust networking (ZTN) can be a game-changer for remote work security. Unlike traditional setups, it doesn’t assume trust based on location or device—it abstracts users from resources and places security controls directly around the data and tools employees access. This helps keep sensitive information locked down, no matter where your team works from. If ZTNs are out of reach, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a solid fallback, creating an encrypted tunnel between employees’ devices and company networks to shield data from prying eyes.

For extra defense, ensure home Wi-Fi uses WPA3 encryption, a strong passphrase, and updated router firmware—outdated systems are a quiet risk. Activate device firewalls or opt for secure, browser-based apps. Steer clear of public Wi-Fi or use a personal hotspot instead.

Employee Education: Turning Your Team into Cyber Warriors

Human error drives over 70% of data breaches, so train your team regularly. Teach them to spot phishing (e.g., “Paypa1” typos or urgent demands), create strong passphrases, and share files securely. Use free resources like CISA’s training modules and ongoing phishing simulation programs.

Don’t overlook IT crews—misconfigured systems, like an exposed server or weak settings, can invite trouble. Make cybersecurity a team-wide habit, not a one-time lesson.

Device Management: Protecting Your Digital Fleet

Company data lives on countless devices now. Issue company laptops with pre-installed security if you can or use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools. For personal devices, enforce a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy with antivirus, separate work profiles, and endpoint monitoring tools. Add remote-wipe capabilities for lost or stolen gadgets—it’s some peace of mind in a pinch.

Access Control: The Right Data for the Right People

Implement strict access controls to ensure employees only have access to the data they need—follow the principle of least privilege to minimize risks. Use unique user accounts, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems (opt for authenticator apps over SMS), and regularly review permissions to lock things down tight.

Software Updates: Patching the Holes

Outdated software is a hacker’s playground—think WannaCry, which crippled unpatched systems. It’s not just about first-party updates like Microsoft or macOS fixes, though—third-party apps (think Adobe, Zoom, or even that niche tool your team loves) are just as critical. In fact, vendor-specific apps can rack up hundreds of new vulnerabilities each month—CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) details reports an average of over 1,500 across popular software vendors in 2024 alone.

To help stay safe, enforce regular updates and automate them wherever you can. Use patch management tools to keep everything compliant and running smoothly.

Encryption & Backups: Scrambling and Saving Your Secrets

Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest to add an extra layer of protection, helping to ensure that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized parties. Pair it with regular data backups to help keep data recoverable when needed. It’s a simple combo that packs a punch.

Incident Response: Preparing for the Worst

Despite best efforts, breaches can still happen, so build a well-defined incident response plan. Identify key personnel (IT support, legal, marketing, insurance broker, etc.), reporting steps (compliance deadlines, FBIs, IC3) and a communication strategy for staff and customers. Test it yearly with the FCC’s free Cyber Planner Template to sharpen your approach.

But incident response is just one piece of the puzzle. For business continuity, have downtime processes ready: think backup systems to keep critical operations running, remote access options for employees, and a plan to prioritize what gets fixed first.

Cloud Security: Securing Your Digital Sky

As small businesses embrace cloud services, locking them down is non-negotiable. Vet providers for creds like ISO 27001 or SOC 2 compliance and get clear on the shared responsibility model—they handle the infrastructure, but your data’s on you. Beef up protection with extras like encryption where it counts. And don’t stop there—run regular audits to help catch security misconfigurations, like open permissions or weak settings, that could leave vulnerabilities wide open. Staying proactive helps keep your cloud from turning stormy.