.png)
Cybersecurity Best Practices for Remote Employees
Working remotely has become the new normal—whether it’s from your home office, a cabin getaway, or the corner table at your favorite coffee shop. The flexibility is great, but it also creates new cybersecurity challenges. Without the right protection in place, remote work can expose your business to risks like data breaches, phishing attacks, or compromised devices.
At Honorbound IT, we believe your employees should be able to work securely from anywhere. Whether you rely on our fully managed IT services or co-managed IT support to back up your in-house team, here are some best practices every remote employee should follow:
________________________________________
1. Use Secure Remote Access
Always connect to your company’s network through a business-approved Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your traffic and protects sensitive data, keeping cybercriminals from “listening in” while you work remotely.
________________________________________
2. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s rarely secure. Avoid logging into work accounts or accessing sensitive files on open networks. If public Wi-Fi is unavoidable, use your VPN, disable auto-connect features, and consider using your phone’s hotspot for extra protection.
________________________________________
3. Avoid Public USB Charging Stations
That free charging kiosk at the airport? It could be a trap. Cybercriminals use “juice jacking” to install malware or steal data through USB ports. Instead, use your own charging block, a wall outlet, or carry a portable power bank.
________________________________________
4. Secure Personal Devices Used for Work
If employees are using personal devices for work, they should follow the same standards as company-issued devices:
• Strong passwords or biometrics
• Regular updates to software and apps
• Device encryption enabled
• Separate profiles for work and personal use
This keeps business data safe even when devices are shared.
________________________________________
5. Disable Extra Connectivity Features
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi auto-connect, and other unused features create opportunities for attackers. When not in use, turn them off—especially in crowded public areas.
________________________________________
6. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the simplest, most effective cybersecurity measures. By requiring an extra verification step (like a text code or authentication app), it adds a strong layer of protection beyond passwords. Every remote employee should have MFA enabled on email, VPN, cloud accounts, and collaboration tools.
________________________________________
7. Prepare for Lost or Stolen Devices
Travel and remote work increase the chance of misplaced laptops, phones, or tablets. A mobile device management (MDM) solution allows your IT team—or your managed IT provider—to remotely lock, locate, or wipe a device before sensitive data falls into the wrong hands.
________________________________________
8. Watch Out for Seasonal Scams
Hackers love to take advantage of distractions. Phishing emails disguised as travel deals, urgent work messages, or “password reset” requests are especially common. Always double-check before clicking links or downloading files and verify suspicious requests with your IT team.
________________________________________
9. Make Security a Daily Habit
At the end of the day, cybersecurity isn’t just company policy, it’s a personal responsibility. Remote work offers freedom, but it also requires every employee to stay vigilant and follow best practices daily.
________________________________________
Protect Your Work—Anywhere You Go
At Honorbound IT, we help businesses create secure, flexible remote work environments that keep data protected without slowing employees down. From VPN setup and device management to ongoing monitoring, training, and support, we’re here to give you peace of mind—whether your employees are in the office or halfway across the country.
📞 Call 877-686-6642 today to learn how our managed and co-managed IT services can keep your remote workforce secure.
