Staying secure while working from home (or anywhere) isn’t about buying more tools—it’s about a few consistent habits that make attacks harder and mistakes less costly. This practical, up-to-date checklist focuses on what actually reduces risk for everyday remote work, without jargon or fluff. Use it to audit your setup in 20–30 minutes, then schedule a quarterly tune-up to keep things tight.

Summary — Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize phishing-resistant sign-ins (passkeys or security keys) and least-privilege access.
  • Keep devices locked down: updates on, full-disk encryption, reputable EDR/antivirus, and no risky admin use.
  • Secure the network you use every day (WPA3, updated router, no default passwords); treat public Wi‑Fi as untrusted.
  • Protect data with sensible classifications, secure cloud sharing, and 3-2-1 backups with MFA on backup accounts.
  • Have a simple incident plan: how to isolate, reset, recover, and who to tell—before something goes wrong.

The Remote-Work Risk Snapshot (Why this matters)

Most breaches still start with compromised credentials and social engineering—think phishing and MFA fatigue. Strong identity, patched devices, and secure networks cut through the noise. These are the areas attackers target because they work. The checklist below puts your effort where it counts most, aligning to well-tested guidance from NIST, CISA, and the Wi‑Fi Alliance (see references).

The Practical Checklist

  • Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere; prefer phishing-resistant methods like passkeys or FIDO2 security keys where available (aligned with NIST SP 800‑63B guidance).
  • For accounts without passkeys, use an authenticator app (not SMS) and enable number matching or equivalent anti-prompt-spam features.
  • Use a reputable password manager; create unique, long passphrases for every account.
  • Reduce account sprawl: close or consolidate old accounts; revoke app connections you no longer use.
  • Use single sign-on (SSO) where possible; fewer logins means fewer weak links.
  • Review account recovery options; remove phone/SMS recovery if you can use more secure alternatives.

Tip: If your organization supports passkeys, enroll them on two devices (e.g., phone and hardware key) for backup continuity. Learn more about phishing-resistant MFA in NIST’s guidance on digital identity SP 800‑63B.

2) Device and Endpoint: Lock down the hardware you carry

  • Auto‑update enabled for OS, browsers, and apps.
  • Full‑disk encryption on (BitLocker, FileVault, or equivalent) with a recovery key stored securely.
  • Reputable endpoint protection (EDR/AV) enabled; don’t run two AVs at once.
  • Standard user account for daily work; only elevate to admin when needed.
  • Screen lock set to auto after 5–10 minutes; require a password/biometric to unlock.
  • Turn on device‑location and remote‑wipe where available (laptops, phones, tablets).
  • Keep firmware/BIOS and drivers current; update docks, webcams, and peripherals occasionally.

Pro move: Maintain a short “post-travel” device checklist—scan for malware, apply updates, rotate Wi‑Fi passwords if you used untrusted networks.

3) Network and Wi‑Fi: Start secure at the gateway

  • Home router firmware updated; disable remote admin; change default admin credentials.
  • Use WPA3 (or at least WPA2‑AES); avoid WEP or “TKIP” options entirely.
  • Separate guest network for visitors and IoT; keep work devices on a trusted SSID.
  • Prefer your own hotspot over public Wi‑Fi; if you must use public Wi‑Fi, use your company’s ZTNA/VPN and assume the network is hostile.
  • Turn off WPS; consider disabling UPnP.

For Wi‑Fi security best practices, the Wi‑Fi Alliance keeps guidance current on modern standards like WPA3: Wi‑Fi Security.

4) Data Protection and Backups: Prepare to recover

  • Classify your data: public, internal, confidential. Handle accordingly.
  • Store sensitive files only in approved, encrypted cloud or drives.
  • Enable version history in cloud apps to recover from mistakes or ransomware.
  • Follow 3‑2‑1 backups for critical personal or business data: 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite/offline.
  • Turn on MFA for backup accounts and storage providers; test restores quarterly.

CISA’s Ransomware Guide recommends resilient backups and practicing restores before you need them: CISA Ransomware Guide.

5) Cloud, SaaS, and File Sharing: Control who sees what

  • Default to “only people invited” sharing; avoid public links unless necessary.
  • Set link expirations and view‑only access by default; add download blocks for sensitive docs.
  • Review third‑party app integrations every quarter; revoke unused or over‑privileged access.
  • Turn on alerting for unusual login locations, mass downloads, or file sharing spikes (many SaaS tools support this).

6) Email and Messaging Hygiene: Outsmart the inbox

  • Be cautious with QR codes, “urgent” payment requests, and MFA push spam.
  • Hover to preview links; when in doubt, type the website address manually.
  • Don’t forward work mail to personal accounts; keep ecosystems separate.
  • Use built‑in “Report phishing” features—reporting helps everyone.
  • Disable auto‑loading remote images in email to limit tracking.

For recognizing and reporting phishing, see CISA’s practical tips: Recognizing and Reporting Phishing.

7) Browser and Web: Reduce your attack surface

  • Keep your browser updated; enable automatic updates.
  • Limit extensions to those you truly need from trusted publishers; audit monthly.
  • Use separate profiles for work and personal to isolate cookies and sessions.
  • Turn on site isolation, HTTPS‑only mode, and privacy‑preserving defaults where available.
  • Block third‑party cookies unless required by your organization; clear site data periodically.

8) Travel and Physical Security: Don’t make it easy

  • Shoulder‑surfing is real; use a privacy screen in public spaces.
  • Never leave devices unattended; hotel safes are better than nothing, a cable lock is better still.
  • Avoid charging via public USB ports; use your own charger or a “USB data blocker.”
  • Keep a list of device serial numbers and support contacts separate from the device.

9) Incident Readiness: If something feels off, act fast

  • Know your “oh no” playbook: disconnect from network, inform IT/security, and don’t wipe evidence unless told.
  • Reset passwords and revoke sessions for affected accounts; rotate app tokens.
  • Check cloud sharing/activity logs for unfamiliar access; roll back suspicious changes.
  • If a device is lost or stolen, trigger remote lock/wipe and notify your employer and relevant providers.

NIST’s Zero Trust guidance underlines limiting blast radius and quick containment—principles that help during incidents, too: NIST SP 800‑207.

10) For Managers and Teams: Make secure the easy default

  • Enforce phishing‑resistant MFA and SSO; require device compliance before access.
  • Baseline with a simple, enforced configuration: full‑disk encryption, auto‑updates, EDR, least privilege.
  • Prefer ZTNA over “always‑on” VPN; restrict access by user, device health, and app sensitivity.
  • Provide a one‑page incident guide and run a 15‑minute tabletop twice a year.
  • Educate with short, scenario‑based refreshers; reward reporting over perfection.

For broad telework security practices, see NIST’s guide to enterprise telework and BYOD: NIST SP 800‑46 Rev. 2.

Quick 30‑Minute Hardening Plan

  1. Turn on passkeys/security keys for your primary accounts; lock down recovery options (10 minutes).
  2. Enable full‑disk encryption, confirm auto‑updates, and check EDR is active (8 minutes).
  3. Update router firmware, change the admin password, and confirm WPA3 (7 minutes).
  4. Audit your cloud sharing and install a reputable password manager if you don’t have one (5 minutes).

Conclusion: Security that travels with you

Remote work isn’t a set of products—it’s a system of small, consistent habits. Start with identity, lock down devices and networks, and practice recovery so incidents don’t become catastrophes. Bookmark this checklist, schedule a quarterly review, and iterate. The goal isn’t perfect security; it’s practical resilience.