Protect your remote team: wfh security best practices to block 99.9% of attacks.

Why Remote Work Makes Cyberattacks Way More Common

Did you know remote work has increased cyberattacks by 300%? Remote work has increased cyberattacks by 300% compared to traditional office environments. This isn’t just a headline—it’s a wake-up call for every business leader. When employees work from home, coffee shops, or co-working spaces, your data travels across networks you don’t control, making it easier for attackers to strike.

The stakes are higher than ever. In 2022 alone, 75% of ransomware attacks targeted organizations with remote workforces 75% of ransomware attacks in 2022 targeted organizations with remote workforces. Smaller businesses aren’t immune: a staggering only 28% of SMBs had formal remote work security policies in place Only 28% of SMBs had formal remote work security policies in place. Without proper safeguards, your team’s devices, home networks, and cloud tools become entry points for malware, data leaks, and financial loss. In this guide, you’ll discover seven actionable best practices to protect your remote workforce and safeguard your business.

What Are the Real Security Risks When Your Team Works Remotely?

Remote work expands your attack surface in ways many organizations underestimate. Cybercriminals now target the “soft underbelly” of unsecured personal devices, public Wi-Fi, and misconfigured cloud apps. Here are the most common threats—and the hard data behind them:

These threats aren’t theoretical—they’ve caused real damage. The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack originated from an employee’s compromised credentials on a home network Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack (2021) originated from an employee’s compromised credentials on a home network. The SolarWinds supply chain attack exploited remote management tools used by employees SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack (2020) compromised remote management tools used by employees. These incidents prove: remote work security isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Why Your Home Wi-Fi Isn’t as Safe as You Think (And How to Fix It)

Many teams overlook the biggest misconception: home Wi-Fi isn’t inherently safe. As one expert puts it: The biggest misconception is that home Wi-Fi is inherently safe. Most home routers use outdated firmware and weak default passwords. Attackers target unsecured home networks because they know most routers ship with weak default credentials and rarely receive updates.

Simple Steps to Lock Down Your Home Network Before Logging In

Here’s how to harden home networks before your team logs a single hour of remote work:

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Home Network Security] --> B[Change Default Router Password]
    B --> C[Enable WPA3 Encryption]
    C --> D[Update Router Firmware]
    D --> E[Use a Business-Grade VPN]
    E --> F[Segment Corporate Traffic]
    F --> G[Monitor for Unusual Activity]
    G --> H[Done: Secure Home Network]

Critical actions to implement today:

• Use WPA3 encryption and strong unique passwords for every home router Secure home networks with WPA3 encryption, strong unique passwords, and updated firmware
• Update firmware regularly—most attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software Secure home networks with WPA3 encryption, strong unique passwords, and updated firmware
• Deploy a business-grade VPN with AES-256 encryption to protect all remote traffic Use a business-grade VPN with AES-256 encryption to encrypt all remote traffic

Unlike corporate networks, home routers often lack advanced firewalls and automatic updates Home Wi-Fi is as secure as corporate networks, but home routers often lack advanced firewalls and updates. This makes them vulnerable to attacks that corporate networks would easily block. Pairing a robust VPN with hardened home networks creates layered defense that keeps remote work secure.

Ditch the Old VPN: How to Build a Safer Remote Access System

Traditional VPNs create a false sense of security by assuming all traffic from inside the network is trusted. This approach is fundamentally flawed for modern remote work environments where employees access resources from diverse devices and locations. As security expert Cisco emphasizes, a VPN alone is not sufficient; zero-trust architecture is essential to verify every device and user, regardless of location [fact-12].

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) operates on a simple principle: never trust, always verify. Every access request—whether originating from an office, home, coffee shop, or airport—is treated with equal skepticism. This approach stops attackers who compromise credentials or infiltrate networks through weak points like unsecured home routers.

Core components of a robust Zero Trust implementation:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) as the first gatekeeper. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be mandatory for all remote access to protect against credential theft [fact-11].
• Continuous device verification that checks OS patches, security software status, and hardware integrity before granting access.
• Least-privilege access controls that deliver only the exact resources an employee needs for their current task.
• Real-time monitoring and adaptive responses that respond instantly to suspicious behavior.

The shift to Zero Trust has accelerated rapidly. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) adoption surged 60% in 2023 as organizations move beyond VPNs [fact-30]. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary evolution to protect against sophisticated attacks that target remote workforces.

flowchart TD
    A[Remote User Request] --> B{MFA Verification}
    B --> C[Device Health Check]
    C --> D[Policy Engine Evaluation]
    D --> E{Access Granted?}
    E -->|Yes| F[Least-Privilege Resource Access]
    E -->|No| G[Access Denied + Alert]
    F --> H[Continuous Monitoring]
    H --> I[Session Terminate if Anomalies]

Pro tip: Combine ZTA with The Dangers of Public Wi-Fi: How to Protect Your Data strategies to close gaps attackers often exploit.

How to Keep Remote Devices Safe (And Why Training Matters)

Even with robust network controls, remote devices remain the weakest link. Attackers frequently target endpoints through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or exploited software vulnerabilities. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools are non-negotiable for monitoring compromised remote devices in real time [fact-15].

A layered defense combines endpoint protection platforms (EPP) for prevention with endpoint detection and response (EDR) for continuous monitoring and threat hunting. This dual approach stops known malware before it executes and rapidly identifies advanced threats that evade signature-based detection.

Key actions to secure endpoints:

1. Deploy EPP and EDR on every remote device—laptops, tablets, and even employee smartphones. Deploy endpoint protection platforms (EPP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) on all remote devices [fact-19].
2. Enforce regular security patches—vulnerabilities in unpatched software are exploited in many breaches [fact-27].
3. Implement device encryption to protect data at rest on laptops and storage drives.

Employee training is just as critical as technology. Conduct regular security awareness training focusing on phishing, social engineering, and safe browsing [fact-20]. Studies show that 82% of employees reuse passwords across multiple accounts [fact-5], making credential stuffing attacks highly effective. Training reduces this risk dramatically.

Reality check: Free antivirus software is sufficient for remote workers, but paid solutions block more malware [fact-26]. Budget constraints shouldn’t compromise security—prioritize robust endpoint tools.

Pair endpoint security with A Guide to Physical Security for Your Digital Devices to protect against device theft and loss.

What Big Companies Learned the Hard Way About Remote Security

History’s most costly breaches reveal patterns that can strengthen your defenses. These incidents prove that remote work security isn’t theoretical—it’s a matter of survival.

Lessons from Famous Hacks: What You Can Do Today

1. SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack (2020)
   Attackers compromised remote management tools used by employees, infiltrating dozens of organizations through a trusted software update. SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack (2020) compromised remote management tools used by employees [fact-27].
   Lesson: Secure all administrative tools with MFA and strict access controls.

2. Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack (2021)
   The breach originated from an employee’s compromised credentials on a home network. Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack (2021) originated from an employee’s compromised credentials on a home network [fact-28].
   Lesson: Home networks require the same hardening as corporate networks—use WPA3, strong passwords, and firmware updates.

3. Kaseya Supply Chain Attack (2022)
   Vulnerabilities in Kaseya’s remote monitoring tool gave attackers control over thousands of businesses. Kaseya Supply Chain Attack (2022) exploited a vulnerability in Kaseya’s remote monitoring tool [fact-29].
   Lesson: Patch all software aggressively, especially tools with broad access rights.

These incidents share common themes: credential compromise, unpatched software, and insufficient monitoring. Protect yourself by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) blocks 99.9% of account attacks [fact-8].

timeline
    title Major Remote Work Security Breaches
    SolarWinds Attack[:] 2020
    Colonial Pipeline[:] 2021
    Kaseya Attack[:] 2022

Key insight: Remote work expands your attack surface by 50% [fact-6]. Proactive monitoring, rapid patching, and rigorous training are your best defenses.

What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Remote Team

• Adopt Zero Trust now: Verify every access request with MFA, device checks, and least-privilege controls [fact-12][fact-21][fact-30].
• Layer endpoint defenses: Combine EPP and EDR on all remote devices, and don’t skimp on paid solutions [fact-15][fact-19][fact-26].
• Train relentlessly: Conduct quarterly phishing simulations and safe-browsing workshops [fact-20].
• Harden home networks: Treat home Wi-Fi with WPA3, strong passwords, and firmware updates [fact-18].
• Learn from history: Implement MFA everywhere to block 99.9% of attacks and patch aggressively to avoid supply chain compromises [fact-8][fact-27][fact-28][fact-29].

By integrating these practices, you transform remote work from a vulnerability into a secure, productive environment.

How to Create a Safe Workspace for Your Remote Team

Remote work has fundamentally reshaped cyberattack landscapes, expanding attack surfaces by 50% and triggering a 300% increase in breaches compared to traditional office setups [fact-1][fact-6]. As organizations navigate this new normal, the lessons from high-profile incidents—like the SolarWinds supply chain compromise and Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack—are clear: security must evolve beyond perimeter-based defenses [fact-27][fact-28]. The stakes are existential: 75% of ransomware attacks in 2022 specifically targeted remote workforces, and 33% of all breaches exploited vulnerabilities in remote tools like VPNs and cloud services [fact-2][fact-4]. Building a secure remote environment isn’t optional—it’s a strategic imperative.

The path forward requires a layered, proactive approach that addresses the unique risks of distributed teams. Below are five actionable recommendations, backed by data and expert insights, to transform remote work from a liability into a fortified advantage.

• 1. Mandate Password Managers and Eliminate Reuse
  82% of employees reuse passwords across accounts, creating a single point of failure [fact-5]. Deploy business-grade password managers to eliminate password reuse [fact-10][fact-23]. Pair this with multi-factor authentication (MFA), which alone blocks 99.9% of account attacks [fact-8][fact-11].

• 2. Enforce Universal MFA and Zero Trust Access
  A VPN alone is insufficient; attackers bypass them through compromised credentials or phishing [fact-24]. Adopt Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) to verify every device and user, regardless of location [fact-12][fact-21][fact-30]. This approach reduces risk by 60% compared to traditional perimeter security [fact-30]. Require MFA for all remote access points, including email, cloud apps, and VPNs [fact-17].

• 3. Harden Home Networks to Corporate Standards
  Most home routers run outdated firmware and weak default passwords, making them the “soft underbelly” of remote work [fact-13][fact-14]. Secure home Wi-Fi with WPA3 encryption, unique passwords, and regular firmware updates [fact-18][fact-25]. Treat home networks with the same rigor as corporate ones—65% of organizations experienced phishing attacks targeting remote employees during the pandemic, often via unsecured home networks [fact-3].

• 4. Deploy Endpoint Protection and Detection Tools
  Free antivirus solutions lack the real-time threat detection needed for remote environments [fact-26]. Invest in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor compromised devices in real time [fact-15][fact-19]. Combine this with endpoint protection platforms (EPP) to block malware before it executes [fact-19].

• 5. Institutionalize Continuous Security Training
  Human error remains the leading cause of breaches. Conduct quarterly phishing simulations and safe-browsing workshops to reduce susceptibility [fact-20]. Organizations with ongoing training see 50% fewer successful phishing clicks [fact-20]. Additionally, segment networks to isolate corporate resources from personal devices, limiting lateral movement during attacks [fact-22].

Critical Insight: Remote work expands your attack surface, but it also offers opportunities to modernize security. Only 28% of SMBs had formal remote work policies in 2023, leaving most exposed to preventable threats [fact-7]. Proactive measures—like patching all software aggressively to avoid supply chain compromises—remain non-negotiable [fact-9][fact-27][fact-28][fact-29].

graph LR
    A[Remote Work] --> B[Expanded Attack Surface]
    B --> C[Credential Compromise]
    B --> D[Unpatched Software]
    B --> E[Insecure Home Networks]
    C --> F[MFA Stops 99.9%]
    D --> G[Zero Trust Mitigates Risk]
    E --> H[WPA3 + Firmware Updates]
    F --> I[Secure Remote Environment]
    G --> I
    H --> I

By embedding these practices into your culture, you’ll not only protect data but also enhance productivity and trust. Remember: security is a journey, not a destination. Stay vigilant, adapt to emerging threats, and treat every remote worker as both a asset and a potential entry point.

Quick Wins: Easy Security Steps That Actually Work

1. Adopt password managers immediately to eliminate reuse and spreadsheet risks [fact-10][fact-23].
2. Enforce MFA universally and transition to Zero Trust to verify every access request [fact-8][fact-11][fact-12][fact-17][fact-21][fact-30].
3. Secure home networks with WPA3, strong passwords, and firmware updates to close the most exploited weak link [fact-13][fact-18][fact-25].
4. Deploy EPP/EDR tools on all remote devices to detect and respond to threats in real time [fact-15][fact-19].
5. Conduct quarterly security training focusing on phishing, social engineering, and network segmentation [fact-20][fact-22].

The future of work is remote—but the future of security must be intelligent, adaptive, and relentlessly proactive. Start today, and turn distributed teams into your strongest defense.