Remote Work Security: Staying Safe from Home
Remote work is convenient, but it moves company data into home networks and personal spaces that are not centrally managed. A few good habits keep you, and your employer, protected.
Secure your home network
Your home Wi-Fi is now part of your security:
- Change the default router admin password and keep its firmware updated.
- Use strong WPA2/WPA3 Wi-Fi encryption and a strong Wi-Fi password.
- Consider a separate guest network for smart-home and IoT devices.
- Use your company VPN when required.
Devices and data
Keep work and personal separate:
- Use work devices for work, and keep them updated and locked.
- Do not let family members use your work computer.
- Store company files in approved locations, not random personal drives.
- Lock your screen when you step away, even at home.
Stay alert to phishing
Remote workers are prime phishing targets, it is harder to walk over and verify a request in person. Confirm unusual money or data requests by calling the person, and report anything suspicious to IT even when you are off-site.
How it plays out in the real world
Based on real, widely reported incident patterns; names and details are illustrative.
The game mod on the family laptop
A remote developer occasionally checked work email from the family laptop, the same machine his teenager used for gaming. A downloaded game mod carried an infostealer, which found the saved sessions and the VPN credentials cached in the browser.
The attackers then logged into the corporate VPN with valid credentials from a residential IP address. Nothing about the login looked wrong, because everything about it was real, except the person typing.
- Personal devices carry the whole household's risk. One shared laptop mixes work access with game mods and random downloads. Keep work on managed, work-only devices.
- Stolen sessions skip the login page. Infostealers grab cookies and cached credentials, bypassing even strong passwords. Signing out and device separation shrink what there is to steal.
- Home networks deserve basic hygiene. A patched router, changed default passwords, and a guest network for smart-home gadgets keep the home side of remote work from becoming the entry point.
Test yourself
Test your work-from-home security, free.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a VPN when working from home?
If your employer provides one, use it, especially for accessing internal systems. A VPN encrypts your connection and is essential on untrusted networks. Follow your company’s policy on when it is required.
Is it okay to use my personal computer for work?
Only if your organization allows it and you follow their rules. Personal devices are often less protected. Where possible, use a managed work device kept separate from personal use.
Why is home Wi-Fi a security concern?
Many home routers run with default passwords and outdated firmware, making them easy to attack. Securing your router and Wi-Fi protects the company data now flowing through your home network.