Cybersecurity Best Practices for Remote Employees
Make Secure Remote Access Your First Step
When working away from your home or office—whether at a café or a vacation rental—always connect through your company-approved secure access tools. These solutions encrypt your connection, shield your data from prying eyes, and ensure you’re safely integrated into your organization’s network.
Guard Against Public Wi‑Fi Risks
Public Wi‑Fi can be a major vulnerability. Cybercriminals may intercept your data or set up deceptive networks mimicking trusted ones. Never conduct high-value activities—like logging into work systems or handling sensitive client data—on open networks. Whenever possible, opt for your personal mobile hotspot, or only connect to trusted networks through your secure remote access tool.
Secure Your Devices—Even If They’re Personal
Using personal laptops or phones for work? Treat them with the same rigor as corporate devices. This means using strong passwords or biometric locks, keeping your OS and apps updated, enabling full-device encryption, and maintaining antivirus or endpoint protection tools. Whenever possible, use separate profiles or virtual workspaces to segregate personal data from work systems.
Add Extra Protection with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone aren’t enough. MFA adds a second layer of security—like a code or app confirmation—that blocks attackers even if a password is compromised. Enable MFA on all work platforms including email, file storage, VPNs, and collaboration tools.
Minimize Exposure by Disabling Auto-Connections
Features like Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth auto-connect can unknowingly expose your device. When not in use, disable them to reduce the chance of unauthorized access—especially in environments with multiple devices or public networks.
Be Vigilant of Phishing & Social Engineering
Scams spike during holidays, when security can take a backseat amid distractions. Be wary of emails touting vacation deals, urgent requests, or odd attachments. Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading unsolicited files, and always verify senders if something appears suspicious.
Prepare for Lost or Stolen Devices
Travel increases the risk of misplacing devices. Ensure your organization can remotely lock, track, or wipe devices in case they fall into the wrong hands. That way, lost hardware doesn’t become a gateway for data breaches.
Make Security a Solo—and Team—Habit
At PCG IT, we believe cybersecurity is a shared responsibility—especially when employees work off-site. From secure remote access solutions and multi-factor tools to endpoint protection and staff training, we begin with trusted connections and end with secure outcomes.
Let us help you protect your work wherever your travels take you.
PCG IT is a managed service provider who has been proudly serving New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts for decades. We provide complete technology solutions to local small and medium-sized businesses. It’s always been our goal to provide enterprise-level IT solutions to the small business sector at competitive prices. Schedule a complimentary technology assessment today!
