Key takeaways
- Give remote staff secure access through a VPN or zero-trust (ZTNA) gateway, never by opening RDP to the internet.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication everywhere, starting with email, VPN and admin accounts.
- Manage and protect every laptop: encryption, endpoint security, patching and remote wipe.
- Move files to secure cloud storage with backups, and give staff fast remote IT support.
Remote and hybrid working lets your team stay productive from home, a client site or another city. But every home network and personal device is also a new way in for attackers. This checklist shows how to set up work from home securely, without slowing your people down.
1. Secure remote access
Staff need to reach files, ERP, Tally and internal applications from outside the office.
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SSL / IPsec VPN | Encrypted tunnel from the laptop to the office firewall | Access to office servers and file shares |
| Zero-trust network access (ZTNA) | Grants access per application after checking user and device | Growing and security-conscious teams |
| Remote desktop gateway | Users connect to an office PC or server through a secure gateway | Legacy desktop applications |
| Cloud apps | Email, files and software run in the cloud | Reducing dependence on office servers |
Pro tip: Never expose Remote Desktop (port 3389) directly to the internet. It is one of the most common ways ransomware gets in. Put it behind a VPN or gateway with MFA.
2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Stolen passwords cause a large share of breaches. MFA adds a second step, such as an authenticator app or security key, so a password alone is not enough.
- Turn it on for email (Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace), VPN, remote desktop and admin accounts first.
- Prefer authenticator apps or passkeys over SMS codes.
- Block legacy sign-in methods that cannot use MFA.
3. Protect every laptop and device
- Disk encryption (BitLocker or FileVault) so a lost laptop does not mean lost data.
- Endpoint protection or EDR that is monitored centrally.
- Automatic patching for Windows, macOS, browsers and Office.
- Device management (such as Microsoft Intune) to enforce settings and wipe lost devices remotely.
- Standard user accounts, with admin rights only for IT.
4. Files, collaboration and backup
- Store work files in OneDrive, SharePoint or Google Drive instead of on laptops or USB drives.
- Use Teams or Google Meet for meetings and chat, with external sharing controlled.
- Back up Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace data separately, and back up office servers off-site.
5. Home network basics for staff
- Change the default Wi-Fi router password and use WPA2 or WPA3.
- Keep router firmware updated.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for work unless the VPN is connected.
- Use a separate device or browser profile for personal browsing where possible.
6. Policies and training
- A short remote work policy covering devices, data handling and reporting incidents.
- Regular phishing awareness training, since remote staff are frequent targets.
- A clear process for joiners and leavers, including disabling accounts on the last day.
7. Remote IT support
Remote staff cannot walk to the IT desk. Fast remote desktop support lets engineers fix problems on any laptop in minutes, wherever your people are working.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most secure way for employees to work from home?
Use company-managed laptops, connect through a VPN or ZTNA with multi-factor authentication, store files in secure cloud storage, and keep devices patched and monitored.
Is a VPN still needed if we use Microsoft 365?
If staff only use cloud apps, a VPN may not be needed for those. You still need one, or ZTNA, for office servers, ERP and file shares.
Can staff use personal laptops?
It is possible with controls such as device management, app protection policies and virtual desktops, but company-managed devices are much safer.
How quickly can you set up remote access?
For most small and mid-sized businesses, secure remote access and MFA can be set up within a few days, depending on your firewall and applications.
Do you support staff in other cities?
Yes. We support remote and hybrid teams across India and in other countries through secure remote support.
Set up secure remote working with Altn Technology
We design and manage secure remote access, firewalls, Microsoft 365, device management and 24×7 remote support for remote and hybrid teams. See IT remote support and firewall security services, or request a free quote.
