How To Create a Secure IT Environment For Hybrid Teams: A Complete Guide

Remote work is no longer a temporary trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. A 2023 study by Gartner reveals that 48% of employees now work remotely at least part-time, and this number continues to grow. However, with this flexibility comes a pressing concern: IT security.

Unlike traditional office setups, remote teams introduce unique vulnerabilities. Employees access company data from unsecured networks, use personal devices that may lack proper security protocols, and inadvertently expose sensitive information to risks like phishing and ransomware attacks.

These issues not only threaten business continuity but also put compliance and customer trust on the line.

In this article, we’ll explore practical steps to secure remote IT environments and ensure compliance. Along the way, we’ll understand how Deel IT can streamline this process with features like zero-touch deployment, mobile device management (MDM) integration, and certified data erasure, helping organizations safeguard their distributed workforce effectively.

Why securing remote teams is more challenging than in-office setups

Securing remote teams poses a unique set of challenges that go beyond the scope of traditional in-office IT security. Here’s a closer look at the key pain points and their real-world implications:

1. Unsecured networks

Remote employees often connect to company systems from home, cafes, or coworking spaces, each with varying levels of security.

For instance, a financial analyst reviewing sensitive client data at a coffee shop may unknowingly expose their device to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks on public Wi-Fi. Without proper VPNs or network encryption, these unsecured networks create vulnerabilities that attackers can easily exploit.

2. Device risks

Unlike office environments where devices are centrally managed and secured, remote work shifts the responsibility to individual endpoints. This increases the risk of theft, loss, or unauthorized access.

Imagine a sales executive losing their laptop during travel, potentially exposing customer contracts and sales forecasts to bad actors. Endpoint security measures like device encryption and remote wiping are critical in such scenarios.

3. Compliance complexities

Distributed teams must adhere to local and international regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA, depending on where employees and customers are located.

However, remote work introduces significant compliance issues, making it a logistical challenge to ensure adherence to regulations. For example, ensuring all employee devices comply with data retention policies or secure file-sharing practices can become a daunting task without automated systems.

4. Limited IT visibility

In an office, IT teams have physical access to devices, making it easier to monitor and address issues. Remote work, however, introduces blind spots. IT administrators often struggle to track device usage, apply updates, or detect shadow IT (unauthorized tools or software employees use).

This lack of visibility makes businesses more susceptible to security incidents like unpatched vulnerabilities or rogue software installations.

Common IT security threats faced by remote teams

Securing remote teams is a complex challenge, with a variety of threats targeting the vulnerabilities of distributed workforces. Here’s a look at the most pressing threats, their implications, and how they manifest in real-world scenarios:

1. Phishing and social engineering attacks

Phishing attacks exploit the relative isolation of remote employees, preying on their lack of immediate access to IT support. For example, an employee receives a seemingly urgent email from “IT support,” claiming their account is compromised and instructing them to reset their password via a provided link. Without the ability to verify the email, they unknowingly hand over their credentials to an attacker.

Such scenarios are alarmingly common—36% of data breaches in 2023 were caused by phishing. The fallout can include unauthorized access to sensitive company data, disruption of operations, and reputational damage.

2. Unpatched devices

Remote workers often delay software updates, unaware that unpatched devices are prime targets for cybercriminals.

Imagine an employee ignoring repeated notifications to update their laptop’s operating system, thinking it’s a minor inconvenience. A week later, an attacker exploits a known vulnerability, gaining access to the employee’s device and the company’s internal systems.

This isn’t rare—60% of data breaches involve unpatched vulnerabilities.The result? Compromised data, hefty fines, and costly downtime to remediate the breach.

3. Shadow IT

Shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorized tools by employees to simplify their tasks. While these tools can boost productivity, they often come with weak or non-existent security measures. For instance, an employee might rely on a free, non-compliant file-sharing app for project collaboration. Unbeknownst to them, the app could store files unencrypted, leaving sensitive client data vulnerable to breaches.

This growing trend is significant—41% of employees are acquiring, modifying, or creating technology without IT's approval. As a result, organizations face heightened risks, including data breaches, compliance violations, and diminished IT oversight.

4. Data leakage

Data leakage often stems from mishandling sensitive files or transferring data through insecure channels. For instance, an employee working remotely might download a client contract onto their personal device to review over the weekend. If the device lacks encryption and is later stolen, the sensitive data could fall into the wrong hands.

These incidents have significant repercussions—40% of data breaches involve data stored across multiple environments. Breached data stored in public clouds incurred the highest average breach cost at USD 5.17 million.

5. Weak passwords and credential theft

Remote employees often rely on easily memorable passwords, making them vulnerable to brute-force attacks. For example, an employee might reuse their personal password—"password123"—for a work application. An attacker could easily crack the password, gaining access to the corporate account and potentially sensitive company data.

Credential theft remains a pressing issue, with web application breaches account for 25 percent of all breaches, consisting mostly of stolen credentials and vulnerabilities.

6. Device theft or loss

With remote work enabling employees to operate from virtually anywhere, the risk of lost or stolen devices increases significantly.

Imagine an employee leaving their work laptop in a cafe while taking a call. If the laptop, containing critical company files, is stolen and lacks encryption or remote wiping capabilities, the company becomes vulnerable to a data breach.

One in ten laptops issued to employees will be stolen during its lifetime, highlighting the critical need for endpoint security to safeguard sensitive information on remote devices.

These examples underscore the importance of implementing robust security measures to protect against common IT security threats in remote work environments.

Steps to create a secure IT environment for remote teams

Establishing a secure IT environment for remote teams requires a combination of robust solutions, employee training, and leveraging efficient tools. Here's how you can do this effectively while integrating Deel IT services.

1. Provide secure, pre-configured devices

Starting employees off with secure devices ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed before they arise. Configure laptops, desktops, or tablets with encrypted storage, robust antivirus software, VPNs, and limited administrative access.

For example, imagine an employee in a high-risk region receiving a laptop that’s already equipped with multi-factor authentication and pre-approved applications, minimizing setup errors and reducing exposure to threats.

Deel IT simplifies this process by offering global device delivery and zero-touch deployment. Devices are pre-configured with organizational policies and security protocols, ensuring employees can begin working securely from the moment they receive their equipment—no matter where they are in the world.

2. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM)

MDM tools allow organizations to maintain control over company devices remotely. These tools can enforce policies like mandatory encryption, restricted app downloads, and automatic locking after inactivity. For instance, if an employee misplaces their device at a coffee shop, the IT team can instantly lock or wipe it using MDM, ensuring sensitive data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Deel IT integrates seamlessly with MDM platforms, enabling IT administrators to enroll, configure, and manage devices remotely. This ensures compliance with security policies, even for globally distributed teams.

3. Monitor devices in real-time

Real-time monitoring helps organizations identify and mitigate risks before they escalate into full-scale breaches. Use centralized dashboards to track device health, location, and usage patterns.

For example, if a laptop suddenly connects from an unfamiliar location, your IT team can investigate and lock the device as a precaution.

Deel IT provides a centralized dashboard that offers full visibility into all managed devices. This allows teams to detect anomalies, unauthorized logins, or risky behaviors, and respond promptly to safeguard sensitive data.

See also: How Deel IT Saves Time & Money at Every Stage of the Device Lifecycle

4. Automate security updates

Outdated software and firmware are among the leading causes of data breaches, making regular updates crucial.

Automate updates to ensure all devices run the latest versions of their operating systems, applications, and security patches. For instance, when a critical vulnerability is discovered, automated updates ensure that all devices are patched promptly, even if employees forget to install updates manually.

With Deel IT, organizations can schedule and enforce updates across all devices, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited. This ensures that remote teams remain protected without requiring constant manual intervention.

5. Secure onboarding and offboarding

The onboarding process should involve issuing secure, pre-configured devices and equipping employees with clear cybersecurity guidelines. During offboarding, it’s crucial to revoke access to company systems, recover devices, and securely erase any sensitive data to prevent future risks.

For example, Deel IT provides certified data erasure services that ensure no confidential information remains on an employee’s device after they leave the organization. This safeguards the company from potential data breaches and other security threats.

Deel IT’s secure device recovery and certified data erasure services ensure that devices are safely reclaimed, sanitized, and prepared for future use—eliminating any risk of data leakage during the offboarding process.

See also: How to Enhance HR Efficiency with Deel HR and Deel IT: Hire, Equip, and Onboard the Best Talent at Speed

6. Educate employees on cybersecurity

Human error remains one of the most significant threats to IT security. Regular training helps employees recognize phishing attempts, practice safe browsing habits, and maintain password hygiene. For example, you can simulate phishing attacks to test and educate employees on identifying suspicious emails.

Deel IT complements these efforts by providing resources and tools to streamline employee training. Combined with actionable guidelines, this reduces the risk of human error compromising your IT security environment.

By implementing these measures, supported by Deel IT’s comprehensive solutions, organizations can build a secure and efficient IT environment for remote teams while minimizing risks.

See also: How to Simplify Global IT Operations Throughout the Employee Lifecycle

Benefits of a secure remote IT environment

Creating a secure IT environment for remote teams is more than a necessity—it's a strategic investment that brings long-term benefits to both employees and the organization. Here's why prioritizing security is essential:

1. Enhanced security

A secure IT environment protects sensitive company and customer data, reducing the risk of cyberattacks such as phishing, ransomware, and unauthorized access.

For example, if a team member’s laptop is lost or stolen, encryption and remote wiping ensure that sensitive information is inaccessible to malicious actors. Proactive measures like pre-configured devices, MDM, and regular security updates also create layers of defense, significantly lowering the likelihood of breaches.

This approach safeguards critical assets and fosters trust among clients and stakeholders, demonstrating that your organization takes security seriously.

See also: How to Cut Device Security Costs and Risks with Mobile Device Management

2. Improved productivity

When employees have access to secure, well-functioning devices and systems, they can focus on their tasks without interruptions caused by security threats or system failures. For instance, real-time monitoring and automated updates prevent productivity slowdowns caused by outdated software or malware infections.

Furthermore, secure onboarding ensures that new employees can start working without delays, while secure offboarding ensures business continuity without risks of data leakage. Overall, security measures streamline workflows and reduce downtime.

See also: A Complete Guide to Global IT Asset Management for Managers

3. Regulatory compliance

Many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. A secure IT environment ensures adherence to these global standards, helping businesses avoid hefty fines, legal complications, and reputational damage.

For example, implementing certified data erasure during offboarding ensures compliance with regulations requiring secure disposal of sensitive information. Comprehensive security practices demonstrate accountability and professionalism, which is especially important for organizations operating across borders.

4. Scalability

As remote teams grow, the need for scalable security measures becomes more critical. A well-designed secure IT environment is flexible enough to accommodate new team members, devices, and locations. For instance, with tools like MDM and centralized dashboards, organizations can seamlessly add new devices while maintaining consistent security standards.

Scalability also ensures that security systems evolve alongside emerging threats, preparing organizations to face challenges without overhauling their infrastructure. By using solutions like Deel IT for global device delivery and management, businesses can expand securely and efficiently.

Investing in a secure remote IT environment not only addresses immediate risks but also sets the foundation for long-term growth and resilience.

See also: How 24/7 IT Support Builds Stronger, Safer Global Operations

Future-proofing your IT environment with Deel

As remote work grows, Deel IT equips businesses to secure, scale, and streamline global IT operations in 130+ countries. From onboarding to offboarding, Deel IT ensures a seamless and efficient device management process.

• Procure, deploy, and track IT assets effortlessly with centralized visibility. Deliver pre-configured, secure devices worldwide in 3-5 days.
• Simplify onboarding, offboarding, and app access with automation, freeing up time for strategic tasks.
• From procurement to repair, upgrades, and recovery, Deel IT handles it all—ensuring sustainability and cost savings.
• Easily maintain consistent IT and security standards as your team grows across regions.

Deel IT helps your business stay productive, secure, and future-ready while reducing IT overhead.

See how Deel IT can transform your operations—book a demo today.