Remote work is not a temporary phenomenon. For many businesses, it is a permanent part of everyday operations, and it creates a security challenge that will not go away on its own. When employees work from home, they operate on a network and a device that the IT department often has little to no control over.

The home office is not the office

At the office, computers are typically behind a managed firewall, the network is controlled, and unauthorized users have no access. At home, the situation is different:

  • The home router may never have been updated since installation by the provider
  • Spouses and children use the same network, and possibly the same computer
  • The home Wi-Fi password is "familyname+year" and hasn't been changed in five years
  • The antivirus on the personal laptop is free and rarely updated

None of these issues are the employee's fault. It is simply reality. And it is your responsibility as an employer to set the framework.

What IT must ensure

Company equipment for work

The greatest risk factor is personal devices used for work (BYOD: Bring Your Own Device). A personal computer that IT does not manage can contain anything from pirated software to malware from games installed by children. If possible, employees should have a dedicated work device that you manage and keep updated.

VPN for access to internal systems

If employees need to access internal systems, file drives, or specific applications, this should occur via VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPN encrypts the connection and ensures that data cannot be intercepted in transit. It is not complicated to set up, and it is one of the most tangible protections you can provide to remote workers.

MFA on all accounts

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is critical when employees log in remotely. Even if a password is compromised, the attacker cannot gain access without the second factor. Require MFA on email, Microsoft 365, VPN, and all other systems accessed from home.

Rule of thumb: Everything an employee accesses from home should require MFA. No exceptions. A compromised password without MFA is an open door.

What employees must do themselves

Even with the right technical foundation, employee behavior is critical. Ensure all remote workers know these basic rules:

  • Lock the screen when you leave the computer, even at home. Children and guests should not have access to work files.
  • Do not use public Wi-Fi for work without a VPN. Coffee shops, libraries, and hotels are risky networks.
  • Do not share the work device with family members, not even for "quick tasks."
  • Do not store work files locally on personal devices. Use the company's approved cloud solution.
  • Report suspected attacks immediately. A delayed report can turn a minor incident into a disaster.

A simple guide for employees

The best approach is to compile these rules in a brief, readable document, not a 20-page policy document, but a concrete one-page guide with checkboxes. Have employees sign off on having read it. It takes five minutes and provides you with a legal and practical foundation.

Remote work is here to stay. Your security practices should adapt accordingly.