Remote and hybrid work have permanently changed how small businesses operate. Employees now connect from homes, coffee shops, or airports — and those connections introduce new security challenges. Without the protection of an office firewall, every remote device becomes a potential entry point for cyberattacks.
If your business has any remote employees, your network perimeter no longer exists. Protecting this distributed workforce means combining the right tools, consistent policies, and expert oversight. Here are seven key ways to secure your remote workforce in 2025.
1. Advanced Endpoint Protection on Every Device
Every laptop, tablet, and smartphone that connects to your data is a target. When those devices operate outside the office, centralized control becomes critical. Modern endpoint security tools like Microsoft Defender for Business, CrowdStrike Falcon, and Bitdefender GravityZone use behavioral AI to detect and stop malware before it spreads.
According to the Ponemon Institute, 68% of breaches originate from endpoints lacking proper visibility. Centralized endpoint monitoring ensures that even devices outside your office follow security policies. Your IT provider should be able to remotely enforce updates, manage antivirus protection, and instantly lock or wipe lost devices.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for All Accounts
Stolen passwords are still the leading cause of breaches. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of verification — usually through an app like Google Authenticator or Authy — that dramatically reduces risk.
Microsoft Security reports that enabling MFA can prevent over 99% of automated account attacks. Use app-based authentication rather than text message codes, which can be intercepted. Require MFA across all business tools, including email, cloud storage, and remote-desktop access.
3. Use a Secure VPN for All Remote Connections
Public Wi-Fi is convenient but risky. Attackers can intercept unencrypted data or spoof legitimate networks. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts traffic and hides sensitive information from prying eyes.
Business-grade VPNs such as Cisco AnyConnect, NordLayer, and Perimeter 81 provide secure tunnels between employees and your corporate network.
Even if your business uses cloud tools, a VPN remains valuable for encrypting all web activity and ensuring traffic flows through trusted gateways. It’s one of the most effective ways to secure data for employees who work from hotels, airports, or shared spaces.
4. Cloud Security and File-Sharing Controls
Cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace make collaboration simple but can also lead to accidental overexposure. Files are often shared publicly without realizing it.
A Varonis report found that the average SMB leaves 17% of files accessible to all employees, even when they shouldn’t be. Use built-in tools to monitor access permissions and set expiration dates for shared links.
Enable Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies to flag when sensitive data (like financial or customer information) is shared outside your organization. When employees leave, revoke their cloud access immediately through identity management systems such as Microsoft Entra ID.
5. Centralized Patch Management and Regular Updates
Many successful attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have already been patched. CISA reports that over 60% of data breaches involve unpatched systems.
Use a centralized patch management platform such as NinjaOne, Atera, or ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus to deploy updates automatically across all devices.
Your IT team should enforce policies that apply critical security updates within 24 hours. Combine automated patching with regular vulnerability scans to ensure compliance and minimize exposure.
6. Employee Cybersecurity Awareness Training
No tool can replace an educated workforce. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, over 70% of breaches involve human error. Employees who can spot phishing emails or social engineering attempts are your best defense.
Interactive training programs like KnowBe4 and Cofense help staff practice recognizing suspicious behavior. Use quarterly phishing simulations and refresher sessions to keep awareness high.
A well-trained team reduces the number of incidents your IT department has to handle — and helps ensure everyone contributes to keeping the company safe.
7. Automated Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Even with top-tier security, accidents and ransomware happen. Regular, automated backups are your insurance policy against data loss.
Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep three copies of your data, on two types of media, with one stored offsite. Cloud services like Acronis Cyber Protect, Datto, and Backblaze Business Backup provide secure, automated backup with version control.
Backups should be tested regularly. Your IT provider can perform simulated restores to verify that data is recoverable and that recovery times meet your business requirements.
Adopt a Zero-Trust Mindset
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines Zero Trust as “never trust, always verify.” Instead of assuming that anything inside your network is safe, this model requires continuous verification of every user and device.
Implementing Zero Trust with identity-based access, micro-segmentation, and constant monitoring prevents compromised devices or accounts from spreading attacks laterally across your environment.
Putting It All Together
Securing a remote workforce is not just a one-time project — it’s a continuous effort. By combining advanced tools with employee training and proactive monitoring, you can maintain security without sacrificing flexibility.
If your team needs help implementing or managing these systems, MyNewITGuys specializes in managed IT services and cybersecurity solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. Our experts can deploy these protections, manage updates, and respond quickly to threats so you can focus on running your business safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the first step in securing remote workers?
Start with multi-factor authentication across all accounts. It’s fast to implement and prevents most password-related breaches.
2. Do I still need a VPN if my team uses Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?
Yes. A VPN encrypts all network traffic, not just cloud activity, and adds another layer of protection against eavesdropping.
3. How often should we patch remote devices?
Critical vulnerabilities should be patched within 24 hours. Use automated tools to deploy updates weekly.
4. What is Zero Trust, and why does it matter?
Zero Trust assumes no device or user is inherently safe. It requires constant verification to reduce the damage from breaches.
5. How often should backups be tested?
At least quarterly. Testing ensures your backup files are usable and that recovery times meet your business continuity goals.
In Summary
Remote work is here to stay — and so are the risks that come with it. With the right mix of endpoint protection, MFA, VPNs, patch management, and human training, small businesses can operate securely from anywhere.
For expert support in building a secure remote environment, contact MyNewITGuys today.
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