Remote work security: tips to safeguard your data in 2025

The shift to remote and hybrid work models offers plenty of reasons to celebrate. These new approaches have delivered numerous benefits to both employers and employees. However, like any major change, they come with their own set of challenges. For instance, when employees worked solely from the office, organizations handled the responsibility of safeguarding sensitive company information. Now, with the “security bubble” of the office no longer in place, employees must take a more active role in protecting data.

So, what are the cybersecurity risks associated with remote work? And what best practices can help safeguard against data breaches in this new era? Let’s explore.

New work models, new threats 

Cybercriminals have adapted their tactics to take advantage of new work models, frequently targeting remote workers who tend to lack the strong security measures found in office environments. When you bring your work laptop home, you leave behind the layers of protection that offices generally provide. This, then, requires companies to adapt their cybersecurity strategies to address the risks unique to WFH settings. At home, many responsibilities that once fell to the IT department now rest with you — like securing your Wi-Fi connection, setting up multi-factor authentication, and not skipping software updates.

What is remote work security?  

Corporate security is undergoing major changes. To create a more secure remote work environment, organizations must rethink their policies: what worked in a traditional office setting is no longer effective for distributed teams. Security policies designed to mitigate threats targeting an on-site workforce now need to be extended to cover the unique challenges that dispersed employees are facing.

What does that look like in practice? The core elements of secure remote work are zero trust principles, secure access, and robust data protection.

1. Zero Trust Principle: “Never trust, always verify.” This strategy is built on the idea that it’s safer to assume a breach could happen and to continuously verify every request, no matter its source.
2. Secure Access: This involves using personal credentials to securely log in to administrator or end-user accounts. Ideally, it also includes the use of a VPN (virtual private network) to protect connections between remote workers and the organization’s network by creating encrypted tunnels.
3. Data Protection: The process of safeguarding data to prevent damage, loss, or corruption.

What are the biggest security risks for remote workers?

Understanding the cybersecurity risks of remote work is an essential first step in building effective countermeasures. Among the most significant threats, we count a general lack of cybersecurity awareness, the use of unsecured network connections, reliance on personal devices that store sensitive data, and some more. Let’s look at the major risks one by one.

• Unsecured networks: Switching from a company’s firewall-protected network to public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop or your home Wi-Fi can cause major security vulnerabilities. Public networks, in particular, are unsecured, making them a risky option for accessing sensitive company information.
• Personal devices: Storing or accessing company data on personal devices introduces another layer of risk. These devices often lack the strong security settings and antivirus protection found on corporate equipment. Similarly, avoid plugging personal USB sticks into work computers — they’re a common source of viruses and malware.
• Weak passwords: Passwords that are easy to guess or reused across multiple platforms also pose a major security risk.
• Phishing attacks: Remote workers are especially vulnerable to phishing scams. Attackers often take advantage of their isolation and increased use of less formal communication channels to have them share sensitive information.
• Outdated software: Keeping software up to date is a key part of remote work security. It’s not just about having the newest features — it’s about ensuring we install the system’s latest security patches. Remote workers often skip this simple step, not realizing how crucial it is.
• Video attacks: Online meetings can become targets for cyberattacks, with hijackers taking over to spread malicious content — a practice commonly known as “Zoom bombing.”
• Delayed detection of threats: Remote work can make it harder to detect and respond to security threats, leading to delays that increase risk.

Remote work cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, requiring employers and employees to collaborate so they can better tackle potential risks. Employers must address the unique challenges their distributed teams face and continuously adapt their security measures as these challenges evolve. Meanwhile, employees play a vital role by staying alert and following corporate guidelines to minimize the risk of cyberattacks. With this in mind, let’s explore some remote work security best practices that employers and employees can implement.

Remote work security tips for employers

1. Establish secure connections: Using a VPN (virtual private network) is one of the simplest ways to protect remote workers’ internet traffic and detect potential threats. Ensure you choose a trustworthy VPN provider that meets your organization’s specific security needs.
2. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA, grounded in the Zero Trust approach, adds another layer of security by requiring employees to verify their identity at each login. This extra step significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies: MDM policies are clear rules and procedures for using company-owned or personal devices. These policies define acceptable activities on devices and outline the consequences for non-compliance. Clear expectations help ensure that all devices remain secure and compliant.
4. Train employees on security awareness: An informed workforce is a more prepared and vigilant workforce. As such, providing continuous training on cybersecurity best practices for employees empowers them to recognize and respond to threats.
5. Conduct regular security audits: Regular audits are another essential step in protecting sensitive company data. These checks ensure your security systems are robust, up-to-date, and capable of addressing emerging challenges.

Remote work security tips for workers

1. Use strong, unique passwords: As a remote worker, complex and unique passwords are your first line of defence against cyberthreats. Create passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols, and ensure each account has a unique one. Struggling to keep track? Consider using a password manager.
2. Keep devices and software updated: As mentioned earlier, software updates usually contain the latest security patches. Make it a habit to keep your devices and software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN: Public Wi-Fi networks are generally not secure. If you must use one, always connect through a reliable VPN to encrypt your data and protect your online activities.
4. Stay alert for phishing emails: Always think twice before clicking on suspicious links coming from unknown sources. In a way, you should also adopt a certain Zero Trust mindset — it’s best to be suspicious than falling victim to a phishing attack. And when you do suspect one, immediately report it to your IT department.
5. Back up work regularly: Regular backups ensure your data is safe, even in the event of a cyberattack. By saving copies to a secure location, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can recover your work if something goes wrong.

Conclusion: balancing flexibility and security in remote work

As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. These cybersecurity tips for remote workers and employers all play crucial roles in keeping company data safe. While working from home offers flexibility, it also introduces unique security challenges. Still, with the right mix of caution, vigilance, and adaptability, these risks can be effectively managed.

If you’d like to continue working from a secure environment without compromising flexibility, coworking spaces present an ideal alternative. These collaborative workspaces are endowed with anything a modern professional may need to thrive. Plus, WeWork locations around the globe prioritize security, ensuring individuals and businesses can focus on growth instead of worrying about cybersecurity threats. Ready to give it a try? With WeWork On Demand, you can access hundreds of workspaces for the day whenever you need or unlock the full potential of our locations with a WeWork All Access membership.