Let’s be honest, remote work isn’t “new” anymore. It’s the new normal. What started as a fast pivot during the pandemic has become a permanent fixture for most small businesses. And while flexible work has its perks (hello, pajama pants during meetings), it also opens the door to a whole new set of cybersecurity headaches.
If your team is working from home, coworking spaces, or occasionally hopping on coffee shop Wi-Fi, your business is exposed to more threats than ever. And unfortunately, the old “install antivirus and hope for the best” approach just doesn’t cut it anymore.
For our Layer 2 Managed Service clients, the good news is you’re already covered. If your team is following protocol and not going rogue with unapproved devices or apps, you can rest easy knowing your systems are protected. This guide is especially for those who don’t yet have a managed IT provider—or for anyone unsure whether their current setup is enough.
The Remote Reality: 2025 Edition
Remote and hybrid setups aren’t just perks. They’ve become baseline expectations. According to Gartner, 76% of employees now expect flexible work environments. That’s great for hiring and productivity, but it introduces serious security challenges.
Your team might be logging in from home offices, coworking spaces, airports, or even grandma’s house. And that creates a wide-open attack surface.
Protecting your business today means thinking beyond just handing out laptops. You need a modern, layered security strategy that can keep up with the risks.
6 Remote Work Security Moves for 2025
Here are some real-world steps we recommend for businesses that don’t already have a trusted IT partner watching their back.
1. Zero Trust: Trust No One (Literally)
Assume everything is a threat, even your own network. With a Zero Trust model, no device or user is automatically trusted.
How to get started:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every login
- Set access permissions based on roles, device status, and even location
- Monitor user activity and flag anything unusual
2. Upgrade From Antivirus to EDR
Basic antivirus isn’t built for modern threats. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools go further, watching behavior, flagging suspicious activity, and responding fast.
Look for EDR that offers:
- AI-based threat detection
- Fast response tools like device isolation
- Integration with your larger security tools
3. Automate Your Patch Updates
One of the easiest ways to get hacked? Skipping software updates. Patching is critical, but it’s often overlooked.
Our recommendations:
- Use Remote Monitoring tools to push updates automatically
- Run regular audits to make sure everything is current
- Test patches first to avoid compatibility issues
Fun fact: Most 2024 data breaches were traced back to unpatched systems
4. Stop Data Leaks Before They Happen
Whether it’s accidental or on purpose, data leaks are more common in remote environments. A good Data Loss Prevention (DLP) system helps monitor and control sensitive info.
What to use:
- Tools that classify and tag sensitive data
- Rules that limit data sharing based on device, location, or user role
- Alerts when something risky is happening
5. Keep Security Front and Center with Your Team
Even the best tech can’t help if your team isn’t on board. Ongoing training is key.
What works well:
- Short, simple security trainings throughout the year
- Routine phishing tests with feedback and education
- Clear, no-jargon policies your team can follow
6. Get the Full Picture with SIEM
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools give you a big-picture view of your environment, pulling data from devices, apps, and systems so you can spot trouble early.
What to expect:
- Real-time alerts powered by AI
- Actionable insights from behavior analytics
- Easier compliance reports and audit trails
How to Build a Cohesive Security Framework
A strong security system isn’t just a pile of tools. Everything needs to work together. That’s why we focus on creating a connected, adaptable, and proactive framework for our clients.
Here are a few final tips to unify your security:
Centralize Your Dashboard
Too many separate tools? That’s a recipe for missed threats. Pull everything into a central view.
Standardize Logins and Access
Make logins simple and safe. SSO plus MFA is the gold standard.
Also:
- Review who has access to what on a regular basis
- Follow the “least privilege” rule—only give access that’s truly needed
Automate What You Can
Speed matters. Use automation and AI to respond to threats as they happen.
Examples:
- Auto-lock an account after a suspicious login
- Set up automated response playbooks
- Let machine learning flag unusual behavior in real time
Don’t Skip Security Reviews
Security is not a “set it and forget it” job. Review regularly and adjust.
Our suggestion:
Quarterly or biannual check-ins to review tools, test incident response, and make sure your team’s still following best practices.
Build Flexibility Into Your System
Your workforce is evolving. Your tools should be able to keep up.
Look for:
- Cloud-native solutions that support hybrid work
- Platforms that integrate with what you already use
- Systems that can grow with your business
Already a Layer 2 Client? You're Covered.
If you're one of our Managed Service clients, breathe easy. You're already set up with everything we just talked about. As long as your team is staying within our protocols and not doing any risky solo setups, you’re in great shape.
Not Sure if You’re Secure?
That’s what we’re here for. Whether you need a full security overhaul or just want a second set of eyes, we’d love to talk. Let’s make sure your business is protected, productive, and ready for whatever comes next.
