SOC 2 Type II audited 24/7 help desk Microsoft Solutions Partner Business IT support since 2010 Nationwide service, offices in NJ, PA, DE and NY

Working From Anywhere, Securely

Employees who work from home or travel use the same email, files and applications as the office, but from networks and places the business does not control. A few clear rules and the right settings keep that work secure without slowing people down.

This checklist covers devices, accounts, access, home networks, files and support. Use it to review your current setup or to plan before more people work remotely. For the wider basics, see our small business cybersecurity checklist.

Checklist Sections

  • Company devices
  • Accounts and access
  • Home networks and public Wi-Fi
  • Files and data
  • Support and lost devices

Company Devices

  • Provide company-managed laptops for work rather than personal computers where you can.
  • Keep security updates, endpoint protection and disk encryption on every work device.
  • Lock screens automatically after a few minutes and require a password, PIN or fingerprint.
  • Set rules for personal phones that receive company email, such as a screen lock and the ability to remove company data.

Accounts and Access

  • Require multi-factor authentication for email, Microsoft 365 and every remote access tool.
  • Use a business password manager so every account has a unique password.
  • Connect to office systems through secure remote access, never by leaving remote desktop open to the internet.
  • Give each person access only to the systems and files their job needs, and remove it promptly when they leave. See our onboarding and offboarding checklist.

Home Networks and Public Wi-Fi

  • Change the default password on the home router and keep its firmware updated.
  • Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on home Wi-Fi, with a strong password.
  • Avoid sensitive work on public Wi-Fi without a secure connection, or use a phone hotspot instead.
  • Keep work devices for work, not shared with family members.

Files and Data

  • Store work files in company cloud storage such as OneDrive and SharePoint, not on the desktop or a USB drive.
  • Share files with links that require sign-in instead of email attachments.
  • Back up company data, including Microsoft 365 email and files. See backup and disaster recovery.
  • Agree how employees should handle client and customer information at home.

Support and Lost Devices

  • Give remote employees one number to call for help, with remote support for their work devices.
  • Tell employees to report a lost or stolen device immediately, so its access can be removed.
  • Verify unusual requests for payments or passwords by phone, using a known number.
  • Write down who to contact if a remote employee suspects an account or device has been compromised.

How TechStarters Helps

Our 24/7 help desk supports employees who work from home or travel in the same way as staff in the office, and remote monitoring keeps managed devices updated wherever they connect. Network security covers secure remote access to office systems.

Every engagement starts with a free IT assessment and a written proposal; see how managed IT pricing works. We support businesses nationwide from offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York.

Remote Work Security FAQs

Do remote employees need a VPN?

It depends on what they use. Cloud services such as Microsoft 365 can be reached securely without a VPN when MFA is required. Systems kept in the office usually need a VPN or another secure remote access tool.

Should employees use personal computers for work?

Company-managed devices are easier to keep secure and to recover when someone leaves. If personal devices are allowed, limit them to approved apps and require MFA.

What should an employee do if a work laptop is lost?

Report it right away. The help desk removes its access to company email and files, and disk encryption protects the data on the device.

Is home Wi-Fi safe for work?

It can be, if the router has a strong password, current firmware and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, and work devices have their own protection.

Can you support our remote employees?

Yes. Request a quote and we will start with a free IT assessment covering your office and remote employees.

Explore Our Managed IT Services

Request a Managed IT Services Quote

Tell us about your business, your locations and your devices, and we will send a written proposal with per-device monthly pricing. Prefer to talk? Call (877) 932-0040.

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