3 Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers

Did you know 1 in 3 remote workers don’t use basic cybersecurity tools like VPNs? With majority of workforces still remote after 5 years post-pandemic, cybersecurity tips for remote workers remains critically important. Whether you’re working from your kitchen or a coffee shop, staying cyber-safe is essential to protect your personal information and your company’s sensitive data.

Why Cybersecurity for Remote Work Matters

A recent McKinsey & Company survey found 58% of Americans can now work from home at least one day per week, a significant increase from just 6% in 2018. Remote work has also become a key motivator for employees considering new job opportunities, ranking behind only greater pay and better career advancement.

From a cybersecurity perspective, working from home, hotels, or client sites presents similar risks. Employees connecting remotely must follow essential tips to stay protected to avoid costly breaches.

This new paradigm has also changed the way in which workers view job opportunities. Hiring managers should be aware that remote work is now a top three motivator for employees looking for a new job—behind only greater pay and better career opportunities. And ahead of more traditional metrics like benefits and paid leave.

Since the McKinsey survey is focused only on those working from home, the number of people working remotely is surely greater when you consider those traveling or working in the field. This is important to note because from a cybersecurity perspective, there is little difference between working from home, from a hotel room, or from a client’s job site. If an employee is connecting to company systems from outside the organization there are basic cyber hygiene practices that need to be followed.

Mandate a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Why VPNs Are Essential

If your company has remote workers, investing in a VPN and requiring its use is critical. A VPN encrypts the connection between your employees’ devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) and the company network, safeguarding sensitive data.

Without a VPN, cybercriminals can access browsing activities and IP addresses, dramatically increasing the risk of cyber threats for remote workers.

Recommended VPN Tools

• NordLayer
• Cisco AnyConnect
• ProtonVPN

A VPN ensures remote employees inherit the same security protections as their in-office colleagues.

Be Mindful of Wi-Fi

Secure Your Home Wi-Fi

Securing home Wi-Fi is vital for work from home security:

• Change the default password on your Wi-Fi router to a unique, strong password (at least 9 characters, including upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters).
• Disable the router’s “name broadcasting” feature to hide your Wi-Fi network from public view.
• Enable WPA3 encryption on your router if supported, providing an extra layer of security.
• Use guest networks for personal devices, separating your home and work internet traffic.

Avoiding Public Wi-Fi Risks

Public Wi-Fi networks found in airports, cafes, or hotels are prime targets for hackers, making it vital to travel smart and stay secure. If connecting to public Wi-Fi is unavoidable:

• Always use your VPN to encrypt the data connection, concealing it from hackers.
• Be cautious and avoid accessing sensitive company resources or personal banking.

Protect Data by Encrypting Devices

Encrypting your devices protects valuable company data, which is often more critical than the device itself. As remote work increases, so does the chance of lost or stolen devices. Protect yourself and your company by:

• Using built-in encryption: Most iPhones, iPads, and Android devices have encryption enabled by default.
• Enabling BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on MacOS for hard drive encryption.
• Ensuring Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is installed on employee devices.

Quick Tip: Combine encryption with multi-factor authentication (MFA) for even stronger protection.

Additional Cybersecurity Best Practices for Remote Teams

In addition to VPNs and secure Wi-Fi, remote teams should adopt these cybersecurity best practices:

• Conduct quarterly phishing simulations to keep cybersecurity awareness high.
• Regularly update software and operating systems to close security vulnerabilities.
• Set up alerts for unusual login locations or unrecognized devices.
• Educate your employees about emerging scam trends, such as fake IT support calls and MFA fatigue attacks.

These cyber hygiene practices greatly enhance your overall security posture.

Create a Remote Work Security Policy

A clearly defined remote work security policy ensures employees know what is expected and how to stay secure. Include these essentials:

• Password standards and management guidelines.
• Rules for personal and company device usage.
• Procedures for reporting suspicious activity or security breaches.
• Approved cybersecurity tools and cloud services.

Providing clear guidelines is key to managing cybersecurity for your remote workforce, minimizing risks and enhancing compliance.

Conclusion: Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Job

Cybersecurity isn’t just the IT department’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s job. Adopting these cybersecurity tips for remote workers creates a safer digital environment, protects company assets, and empowers your team.

Ready to test your remote security readiness? Get a 30-min personalized cyber risk assessment today .