5 Critical Security Measures Every Remote Team Needs
Remote and hybrid working is here to stay. While it offers flexibility and productivity benefits, it also creates new security challenges. Your employees are now accessing company data from home networks, coffee shops, and co-working spaces.
Here are the five essential security measures every remote team needs.
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Why It's Critical
Passwords alone are no longer enough. With data breaches exposing billions of credentials, attackers can easily try stolen passwords against your systems.
MFA adds a second verification step - typically a code from an app or SMS. Even if an attacker has your password, they can't access your account without the second factor.
Implementation Tips
- Enable MFA on all cloud services (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, CRM, etc.)
- Use authenticator apps (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator) rather than SMS
- Consider hardware keys for high-risk users
- Don't allow "remember this device" on personal computers
The Numbers
MFA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks and 76% of targeted attacks.
2. Endpoint Protection
Why It's Critical
Remote workers use devices that connect to untrusted networks. Traditional antivirus isn't enough against modern threats like ransomware, fileless malware, and zero-day exploits.
Implementation Tips
- Deploy next-generation endpoint protection (EDR/XDR)
- Enable device encryption (BitLocker on Windows, FileVault on Mac)
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) for company-owned devices
- Consider BYOD policies that require security software on personal devices
What to Look For
- Behavioural analysis, not just signature-based detection
- Ransomware protection and rollback capabilities
- Cloud-based management for remote deployment
- Integration with your security ecosystem
A robust cyber security setup ties these endpoint tools into a single managed view so nothing slips through the cracks.
3. Secure Access to Company Resources
Why It's Critical
Remote workers need to access files, applications, and systems from anywhere. Without proper controls, this creates opportunities for attackers.
Options
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Creates an encrypted tunnel between the remote device and your network. Best for accessing on-premises resources.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Modern approach that verifies every access request based on user identity, device health, and context. Better for cloud-first businesses. An IT consultancy engagement can help you decide which model fits your setup.
Conditional Access
Microsoft 365 and other platforms can enforce policies like "block access from unknown devices" or "require MFA when outside the UK."
Implementation Tips
- Don't rely solely on VPN - it's not designed for cloud access
- Implement conditional access policies
- Block access from countries where you don't do business
- Monitor for unusual access patterns
4. Security Awareness Training
Why It's Critical
Remote workers are prime targets for phishing attacks. Without colleagues nearby to ask "does this email look suspicious?", they're more likely to fall for scams.
Human error is involved in 95% of security breaches.
Training Topics
- Recognising phishing emails and messages
- Safe handling of sensitive data
- Secure use of public Wi-Fi
- Reporting suspicious activity
- Password hygiene
Implementation Tips
- Regular, short training sessions (monthly 10-minute modules work better than annual marathons)
- Simulated phishing tests to reinforce learning
- Positive reinforcement, not punishment for clicks
- Role-specific training for high-risk employees
Healthcare and financial services firms should tailor training to cover sector-specific phishing templates and compliance reporting requirements.
5. Secure Collaboration Tools
Why It's Critical
Remote teams share sensitive information through chat, video calls, and file sharing. If these tools aren't properly configured, data can leak.
Implementation Tips
Microsoft Teams / Slack
- Disable guest access or tightly control it
- Set data retention policies
- Enable DLP (Data Loss Prevention) for sensitive information
- Review external sharing settings
File Sharing
- Disable anonymous sharing links
- Set expiration dates on shared links
- Audit who has access to sensitive folders
- Enable alerts for unusual download activity
Video Conferencing
- Require passwords or waiting rooms
- Disable file transfer in meetings with external parties
- Be cautious of screen sharing sensitive information
For Teams telephony and VoIP setup, make sure the voice platform is covered by the same security policies. Cloud-hosted phone systems are generally easier to lock down than on-premises PBX.
Bonus: Incident Response Planning
Even with these measures, breaches can happen. Ensure your remote team knows:
- How to report suspicious activity
- Who to contact in an emergency
- What to do if a device is lost or stolen
- How to preserve evidence
If you're working towards Cyber Essentials Plus, incident response planning is one of the areas the auditor will review.
Getting Started
Implementing these five measures significantly reduces your risk profile. But security isn't a one-time project - it requires ongoing attention.
LeapIT helps Birmingham and West Midlands businesses secure their remote workforces with:
- Security assessments and gap analysis
- Tool selection and implementation
- Policy development
- Ongoing monitoring and support
- Security awareness training programmes
Our managed IT support includes all of this as standard, so you're not paying extra for security basics. If you're still on reactive support, check whether you've outgrown break-fix before investing in standalone security tools.
Book a security consultation to protect your remote team, or learn more about us.
