Cyber security for remote working

Remote and hybrid working have revolutionised how we do business. But while ditching the daily commute has its perks, it also brings new cyber security risks. Whether your team is working from home, a co-working space, or a beach in Brighton with patchy Wi-Fi, keeping sensitive data protected and your business compliant has never been more important. This guide explores the essentials of remote work cyber security—and how Focus Group helps you stay secure, wherever your workforce roams.

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Why cyber security Is essential for remote teams

When your team is spread out across towns, time zones, or just working in slippers from the sofa, traditional in-office security measures aren’t enough.

Remote working cyber security risks include:

Unsecured networks: Public Wi-Fi at cafés or hotels may be convenient—but it’s also a hacker’s dream.
Personal devices: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies can blur the line between personal and business use, increasing risk.
Lack of oversight: Without visibility into user behaviour, suspicious activity can go unnoticed.
Phishing and ransomware attacks: Remote workers are prime targets for cybercriminals looking to exploit isolated users or unprotected systems.

If you’re managing a remote workforce, cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought-it needs to be baked into every process.

Man smiling while typing on laptop in dark

Common cyber threats faced by remote workers

Phishing & social engineering

Fake emails or texts designed to trick employees into handing over credentials or clicking malicious links.

Weak or reused passwords

A top culprit in remote security breaches. One compromised account can unlock access to your whole system.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks

Whether it’s home broadband or public hotspots, unsecured networks leave the door wide open to eavesdropping.

Outdated software & devices

Unsupported operating systems or unpatched software create vulnerabilities just waiting to be exploited.

Shadow IT

When employees use unsanctioned apps or tools without IT approval, it creates blind spots and potential security holes.

Best practices for secure remote working

Looking to boost cyber security for remote workers? Start here. These are the remote work cybersecurity best practices every business should adopt:

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password.
Enforce strong password policies: Encourage unique, complex passwords and regular updates.
Use secure VPNs and encrypted connections: Ensure data is protected in transit, especially on public networks.
Keep systems up to date: Run regular updates and patching for both company and BYOD devices.
Provide cyber security training: Educate employees on the latest threats, phishing tactics, and response protocols.
Deploy endpoint protection and monitoring tools: Prevent, detect, and respond to threats on every device connected to your network.

Following these remote working security tips can dramatically reduce your exposure to risk.

Focus Group cyber security solutions for remote working

No two remote teams are the same. That’s why Focus Group offers a suite of flexible, enterprise-grade solutions tailored for remote work cyber security:

Endpoint protection: From antivirus to patch management, keep every device secure, wherever it’s used.
VPN & remote access solutions: Provide encrypted, secure connections to your systems, no matter the location.
Cyber security awareness training: Empower employees with the knowledge to spot threats and act safely online.
Cloud backup and recovery: Protect your data with automated backups and quick recovery in case of a breach or failure.
Employee monitoring tools (e.g. Teramind): Gain insight into user activity and detect risky behaviour before it becomes a problem.

Whatever your setup, Focus Group has the tools to lock it down—without locking down your team’s flexibility.

Building a secure remote work policy

A few good tools aren’t enough. To truly secure your remote workforce, cybersecurity needs to be built into your company culture.

Here’s how to get started:

Define roles and responsibilities: Make it clear who owns what in your security ecosystem—from IT leads to everyday users.
Create an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): Outline what tools are approved, how they should be used, and what's off-limits.
Develop incident response protocols: What happens if something goes wrong? A plan helps minimise damage and downtime.
Communicate policies clearly: Ensure every employee knows the dos and don’ts, and who to contact for help or to report issues.

These steps lay the foundation for a secure, scalable remote environment—one that works as your team grows and evolves.

How Focus Group supports your remote security strategy

At Focus Group, we do more than supply security tools—we become your technology partner.

Our support includes:

Expert consultation & risk assessments to evaluate your current setup and vulnerabilities
Fully managed cyber security services, freeing up your internal teams
Seamless integration with your existing IT infrastructure and business tools
Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprise operations

Let Focus Group help you build a secure, flexible working environment that empowers your team—wherever they are. Talk to our cyber experts today.