Why a VPN Isn’t Enough: Simple Security Layers for Remote Teams
Remote work gives your staff flexibility, but it also increases the risk of downtime and data loss. Unfortunately, many of the small and mid-sized businesses we start to work with in Western Canada rely only on a VPN for remote work security. While a VPN is useful, it doesn’t cover all the risks. Think of it as locking the front door but leaving the windows open. To truly protect your business, you need a few extra layers.
1. Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Why you need it: Passwords are often stolen or reused. That can give attackers direct access to your systems.
Business impact:
- Prevents costly breaches caused by stolen credentials.
- Quick extra step that employees are already familiar with, so adoption is simple.
How to get started: Most email and collaboration platforms include MFA. Turn it on for every employee account.
Read more about MFA and password management:
2. Regular Updates and Patching
Why you need it: Out-of-date laptops and apps leave gaps attackers can exploit, especially when staff connect from home or on the road.
Business impact:
- Timely patches close known vulnerabilities that attackers target, reducing the chance of ransomware or malware disrupting operations.
- Minimizes downtime by addressing issues before they cause outages.
How to get started: Enable automatic updates where possible but test critical applications first to avoid compatibility issues for operating systems and business apps.
3. Endpoint Protection
Why you need it: Endpoint protection combines antivirus and device management to guard against malware, control lost or stolen devices, and keep company data safe.
Business impact:
- Company-owned devices remain protected and manageable even outside the office.
- Reduces the chance of data leaks from lost or stolen hardware.
How to get started: Use managed antivirus and mobile device management (MDM) tools so every device is monitored and controlled.
4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Why you need it: Staff working outside (and inside) the office may share or download files in ways that put sensitive data at risk. DLP (Data Loss Prevention) monitors and controls how information is shared or accessed to reduce those risks
Business impact:
- Prevents accidental sharing of confidential information through unsecured apps or personal email.
- Blocks downloads to unmanaged devices, reducing the risk of leaks during remote work.
How to get started: Apply DLP rules in email, cloud storage, and collaboration tools to automatically prevent risky file activity.
5. Secure File Storage
Why you need it: Saving files to desktops or personal devices makes them vulnerable to loss or theft and creates version control problems for remote teams.
Business impact:
- Employees have secure, remote access to the latest version of files without needing to save them to local laptops.
- Simplifies collaboration by keeping documents in one place with built-in protections.
How to get started: Move company data to secure cloud storage such as OneDrive or SharePoint so staff can work safely and consistently from anywhere.
Not sure which you should use? Read more:
Choosing the Right Tool: SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Google Drive?
6. Backup and Recovery
Why you need it: Accidental deletion, lost laptops, or ransomware can cause critical files to be lost or become inaccessible.
Business impact:
- Restores can happen in hours instead of days, minimizing downtime and client disruption.
- Automated backups save employee time and reduce human error.
- Prevents the financial hit of paying ransoms or recreating lost work.
How to get started: Implement automated cloud backups that protect files without staff needing to take action.
Did you know your Microsoft 365 Data needs a backup? Learn more.
Protect your Microsoft 365 Data: 7 Compelling Reasons to Invest in a Backup Solution
Making All the Pieces Work Together
All these tools might seem complex when looked at separately, but when managed together as part of a well-designed tech stack, they work smoothly. An efficient stack brings security and productivity together, gives staff flexibility, and allows businesses to adopt the latest tools without adding unnecessary complexity.
Remote work can be safe and seamless when businesses add a few simple security layers beyond the VPN. With the right setup, teams can stay productive anywhere without putting company data at risk.
Next Step for Businesses in Western Canada
Horizon provides managed IT services and remote work IT support to businesses in Western Canada. From Saskatoon and Regina to Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, we help SMBs go beyond a basic VPN and build true, end-to-end remote work security.