Security for Remote Teams: Tools & Tactics
Remote work is here to stay, but it's expanded the attack surface significantly. Here's how to secure your distributed team without sacrificing productivity.
The Remote Work Security Challenge
What Changed
- No more corporate network perimeter
- Personal devices and networks
- Shared home spaces
- Harder to verify identity
- Less visibility into endpoints
New Attack Vectors
- Home router vulnerabilities
- Unsecured Wi-Fi networks
- Physical security gaps
- Video call hijacking
- Increased phishing success
Essential Security Tools
Identity & Access
Single Sign-On (SSO)
What it does: One login for all applications Why it matters: Reduces password sprawl, enables MFA everywhere, simplifies offboarding
Recommended:
- Okta
- Azure AD
- Google Workspace
- JumpCloud
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
What it does: Requires second factor beyond password Why it matters: Stops credential theft attacks
Recommended:
- Hardware keys (YubiKey, Google Titan)
- Authenticator apps (Authy, Microsoft Authenticator)
- Push notifications (Duo)
Password Manager
What it does: Generates and stores unique passwords Why it matters: Eliminates password reuse
Recommended:
- 1Password (business)
- Bitwarden
- LastPass
Device Security
Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
What it does: Advanced threat detection on devices Why it matters: Catches threats antivirus misses
Recommended:
- CrowdStrike Falcon
- SentinelOne
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
What it does: Manages and secures company devices Why it matters: Enforce policies, remote wipe, deploy software
Recommended:
- Kandji (Mac)
- Jamf
- Microsoft Intune
- Mosyle
VPN or Zero Trust Access
What it does: Secure connection to company resources Why it matters: Protects data in transit
Recommended:
- Cloudflare Access (Zero Trust)
- Tailscale
- WireGuard
- Traditional VPN (Cisco, Palo Alto)
Data Protection
Secure File Sharing
What it does: Collaboration without data sprawl Why it matters: Keeps data in controlled systems
Recommended:
- Google Drive (with DLP)
- Microsoft SharePoint/OneDrive
- Dropbox Business
- Box
Email Security
What it does: Filters threats from email Why it matters: Email is #1 attack vector
Recommended:
- Proofpoint
- Mimecast
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Abnormal Security
Communication
Secure Messaging
What it does: Encrypted team communication Why it matters: Protects sensitive discussions
Recommended:
- Slack (Enterprise Grid with DLP)
- Microsoft Teams
- Signal (for sensitive comms)
Video Conferencing
What it does: Secure virtual meetings Why it matters: Prevents meeting hijacking
Recommended:
- Zoom (with security settings enabled)
- Google Meet
- Microsoft Teams
Security Policies for Remote Teams
Device Requirements
- Company-managed devices preferred
- Full-disk encryption required
- Screen lock after 5 minutes
- No jailbroken/rooted devices
- Regular patching required
Network Requirements
- VPN required for sensitive resources
- No public Wi-Fi for sensitive work
- Home router security guidelines
- Personal firewall enabled
Physical Security
- Private workspace for sensitive calls
- Screen privacy in public spaces
- Clean desk (even at home)
- Secure document disposal
Data Handling
- No local storage of sensitive data
- Use approved cloud services only
- No personal email for work
- Approved file sharing methods
Practical Remote Security Tactics
For Employees
Start Every Day:
- Check for software updates
- Connect to VPN if required
- Verify you're not on suspicious networks
During Work:
- Lock screen when away
- Be aware of surroundings on calls
- Verify unusual requests through separate channel
- Report anything suspicious
End of Day:
- Log out of sensitive applications
- Secure any physical documents
- Lock devices
For IT/Security Teams
Onboarding:
- Provision devices before start date
- Pre-configure security tools
- Provide security training
- Verify home setup
Ongoing:
- Monitor for policy compliance
- Regular phishing simulations
- Quick response to lost/stolen devices
- Periodic access reviews
Offboarding:
- Immediate account termination
- Remote device wipe
- Recover company equipment
- Revoke all access
Home Network Security Guide
Share this with employees:
Router Security
- Change default admin password
- Update firmware
- Use WPA3 or WPA2
- Disable WPS
- Create separate guest network
Network Hygiene
- Strong Wi-Fi password (not your pet's name)
- Segment IoT devices
- Disable remote management
- Regular device inventory
Work Setup
- Wired connection if possible
- Dedicated work area
- Screen not visible from windows
- Secure document storage
Responding to Remote Incidents
Lost/Stolen Device
- Employee reports immediately
- IT initiates remote wipe
- Revoke active sessions
- Reset credentials
- Issue replacement device
- Document incident
Suspected Compromise
- Disconnect from network
- Don't turn off device
- Contact IT/security
- Preserve evidence
- Follow incident response plan
Phishing Success
- Change passwords immediately
- Report to IT
- Check for unauthorized access
- Enable additional monitoring
- Provide additional training
Measuring Remote Security
Metrics to Track
- MFA adoption rate (target: 100%)
- Patch compliance rate
- Phishing simulation results
- VPN/Zero Trust adoption
- Incident response times
Regular Audits
- Monthly: Patch compliance
- Quarterly: Access reviews
- Annually: Security assessment
- Ongoing: Phishing simulations
Need help securing your remote team? Contact us: m1k3@msquarellc.net