Remote work is here to stay and so are the security risks.
If you're like most small business owners, you want to protect your team without turning into a full-time IT admin. You don’t need a corporate budget or a massive tech team. You just need smart systems, clear rules, and a few essentials in place.
Let’s break it down into what actually matters.
1. Protect the Devices (Your First Line of Defense)
Every device your team uses for work - laptops, tablets, phones - becomes a potential entry point. Here’s what they need to stay safe:
- Antivirus (reputable, lightweight, and always up to date)
- Firewall (and yes, even on home Wi-Fi)
- Full disk encryption (especially on laptops)
- Remote wipe options (so you’re not panicking if a laptop gets left in an Uber)
Bonus tip: Buy your team devices instead of letting them use personal ones. It gives you more control and less risk.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA stops the majority of account hacks dead in their tracks. It should be turned on everywhere, not just email, but also cloud storage, accounting tools, project management, CRM systems… all of it.
✅ Use app-based MFA (like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator) - not just SMS codes, which are easier to spoof.
3. Require a VPN (Always)
Remote teams working from home, coffee shops, or co-working spaces should never connect to work tools over unsecured Wi-Fi.
Use a company-approved VPN that encrypts traffic.
Better yet: block work access unless they’re connected to the VPN.
Bonus: Some firewalls and RMM tools let you geo-lock access or block traffic from high-risk countries.
4. Train Your Team (Often)
Your tools are only as strong as the people using them.
Phishing emails are getting harder to spot. Fake login pages look shockingly real. Remote workers are even more vulnerable because they’re isolated.
Train your team to:
- Spot sketchy emails
- Avoid bad downloads
- Use secure passwords (with a password manager)
- Know what to do if something feels off
Run short, friendly training every 3–6 months. It makes a big difference.
5. Keep Files in the Cloud (Not on the Desktop)
Files saved to local desktops get lost, corrupted, or stolen.
Encourage your team to save everything to cloud storage - Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, whatever you're using. It enables:
- Real-time backup
- File recovery
- Easier onboarding and offboarding
- Secure sharing with permissions
And yes, that means no more “Version 9 FINAL REALLY FINAL v2.docx” emails.
6. Lock Down Access Permissions
Here’s where things get messy fast - shared logins, all-access file sharing, admin rights for everyone.
Implement:
- Role-based access (people only see what they need)
- Auto-offboarding when someone leaves
- Alerts for strange login behavior
- Periodic audits to clean things up
Not every remote worker needs access to everything.
7. Partner with a Good MSP
Let’s be honest, you don’t want to spend your evenings configuring routers or resetting user permissions. That’s what we’re here for.
A Managed Service Provider (like us!) gives you:
- A dedicated team to set up secure systems
- 24/7 monitoring, updates, and backups
- Fast support when things go sideways
- Peace of mind that you’re not exposed
You Can Have a Secure Remote Team (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Remote security doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does have to be intentional. The more systems you put in place now, the less you’ll worry later.
Want a hand? We help SMBs secure their remote teams without micromanaging or overcomplicating.
Check out our Managed IT Services or Reach Out to Us!
