The best examples of secure remote work guidelines: 3 key examples that actually work

1. Example of secure remote work guidelines for devices and access

When people say “remote work security,” they usually mean VPNs and passwords. That’s a start, but the best examples of secure remote work guidelines go much further. They assume laptops get lost, Wi‑Fi gets sketchy, and people reuse passwords (because of course they do).

A strong example of device and access guidelines usually covers:

• How employees access company resources
• What they can and can’t install
• What happens if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised

Here’s how that looks in real life.

Example 1: Zero‑trust access with managed devices

A mid‑size software company decides that all remote employees must use company‑managed laptops. No exceptions. The guideline isn’t written as a vague “use secure devices.” It’s specific:

All remote work must be performed on company‑issued, encrypted laptops enrolled in our management system. Personal laptops may not be used to access production systems, customer data, or internal code repositories.

Behind that one sentence sits a stack of controls:

• Full‑disk encryption enabled by default
• Automatic screen lock after 10 minutes
• Mandatory OS and browser updates pushed centrally
• Remote wipe capability if a laptop is lost

This is one of the clearest examples of secure remote work guidelines: 3 key examples in this article all share this trait—each guideline is written in plain language, but backed by serious technical controls.

Why it matters in 2024–2025: attackers are increasingly going after endpoints, not just networks. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports billions in annual losses tied to business email compromise and credential theft, much of it originating on personal and poorly managed devices. You can read their latest data in the IC3 annual report.

Example 2: Multi‑factor authentication for everything that matters

Another strong example of secure remote work guidelines is an explicit rule on MFA:

Multi‑factor authentication (MFA) is required for all remote access to email, cloud services, VPNs, code repositories, and administrative tools. Password‑only access is not permitted for any account with access to customer data or internal financial systems.

Notice what this guideline does:

• Names specific systems (email, VPN, code repos, finance tools)
• Bans password‑only access for sensitive systems
• Makes MFA a default expectation, not a “nice‑to‑have”

This lines up with recommendations from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which repeatedly highlights MFA as a top control for stopping account takeover. See CISA’s guidance on MFA here: https://www.cisa.gov/mfa.

In 2024, many organizations are also adding passkeys and phishing‑resistant MFA (like FIDO2 security keys) to their remote work guidelines. A modern example of secure remote work guidelines might say:

Where supported, employees must use phishing‑resistant MFA methods (hardware security keys or platform passkeys) for administrator accounts and access to production infrastructure.

This is where examples of secure remote work guidelines really start to diverge from the old “strong passwords” advice. The best examples recognize that phishing tools are now automated and AI‑assisted; passwords alone are a liability.

Example 3: Clear rules for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

In the real world, not every company can afford to issue hardware to every contractor or part‑time employee. That’s where BYOD guidelines come in. A practical example of secure remote work guidelines for BYOD might look like this:

Personal devices may be used only for low‑risk tasks such as calendar access, chat, and email. Access to customer data, internal code, and financial systems from personal devices is prohibited unless the device is enrolled in mobile device management (MDM) and meets our security baseline (disk encryption, screen lock, up‑to‑date OS).

This example does three valuable things:

• Limits what personal devices can access
• Requires enrollment in MDM for higher‑risk access
• Defines a measurable “security baseline”

Again, this is why real examples of secure remote work guidelines matter. A vague “keep your devices updated” line in a policy doesn’t change behavior. A specific rule tied to access does.

2. Examples of secure remote work guidelines for networks and data

Even if devices are locked down, remote workers still connect through hotel Wi‑Fi, home routers that haven’t been patched in five years, and mobile hotspots. The best examples of secure remote work guidelines: 3 key examples in this article all treat the network as hostile by default.

Example 4: VPN and Wi‑Fi rules that people can actually follow

Here’s a realistic example of secure remote work guidelines for networks:

Employees must use the company VPN for any access to internal tools, code repositories, or file shares when outside the office. Public Wi‑Fi (cafés, airports, hotels) may only be used in combination with the VPN. Connecting to open Wi‑Fi without VPN is prohibited for work activities.

This is not security theater. It’s a clear, enforceable rule. It also anticipates common scenarios:

• Working from a coffee shop before a flight
• Checking logs from a hotel room
• Joining a meeting from a coworking space

Many organizations pair this with a router guideline for home workers:

Employees working remotely on a regular basis must change the default password on their home router, enable WPA3 or WPA2‑AES encryption, and install firmware updates at least twice per year.

That last line might sound optimistic, but it’s realistic if you support people with simple guidance. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes accessible recommendations on home and small‑office security; see NIST’s small business cybersecurity resources here: https://www.nist.gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber.

Example 5: Data classification and handling for remote work

Here’s where many policies fall apart. They say “protect sensitive data” but never define what “sensitive” means or how to handle it from a kitchen table.

A better example of secure remote work guidelines might define three or four data categories—say, Public, Internal, Confidential, and Restricted—and then spell out remote handling rules. For example:

Confidential and Restricted data may not be stored on local device desktops or personal cloud storage (e.g., personal Google Drive, Dropbox). These data types must remain in approved company systems (SharePoint, OneDrive for Business, company Git repositories) and accessed via VPN or SSO.

And for printing, which people still do more than security teams like to admit:

Printing Confidential or Restricted documents at home is discouraged. If printing is necessary for business reasons, employees must store documents out of sight when not in use and shred them using a cross‑cut shredder immediately after use.

This is the kind of detail that turns a vague “protect data” statement into one of the best examples of secure remote work guidelines. It anticipates real behavior and sets realistic, enforceable expectations.

Example 6: Cloud storage and file‑sharing rules

Remote teams live in cloud tools. That’s fine—as long as you don’t let data sprawl into every personal app someone happens to like.

A strong example of secure remote work guidelines for cloud storage might say:

All work files must be stored in approved company platforms (e.g., OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, Google Workspace). Storing work files in personal accounts (e.g., personal Gmail, personal Dropbox, personal iCloud) is prohibited. Sharing links to external recipients must use time‑limited, access‑restricted links with view‑only permissions by default.

This addresses three common risks:

• Employees walking out with data in personal accounts
• Over‑shared documents with “anyone with the link can edit” permissions
• Lack of visibility into where sensitive files live

Again, you’re seeing real examples of secure remote work guidelines that map directly to buttons people click every day.

3. Examples of secure remote work guidelines for people and process

Technology alone doesn’t secure remote work. The human side is where things usually break—especially with phishing, social engineering, and burnout.

Example 7: Phishing and social engineering playbook

Remote workers live in their inboxes and chat apps. Attackers know this. According to the FBI’s IC3 data, phishing and business email compromise remain among the most costly cybercrimes reported every year.

So a modern example of secure remote work guidelines should include a short, plain‑English playbook for phishing. For instance:

*If you receive an unexpected message asking you to:
– Change bank account details
– Pay an invoice urgently
– Share MFA codes or passwords
– Install remote access software

You must verify the request using a separate channel (phone call, chat, or in‑person) before taking any action. Never share passwords or MFA codes over email, chat, or phone. Report suspicious messages using the “Report Phishing” button in Outlook or by forwarding to security@company.com.*

That’s an example of secure remote work guidelines that people can remember under pressure. It also gives them a simple escalation path.

For training, point employees to external, trustworthy resources. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) maintains accessible guidance on phishing and scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams.

Example 8: Incident reporting from the living room

In an office, someone might walk over to IT and say, “Uh, I clicked something weird.” At home, they’re more likely to panic quietly.

One of the best examples of secure remote work guidelines is a short, non‑punitive incident reporting rule:

*If you suspect your device or account has been compromised (you clicked a suspicious link, entered your password on a strange site, or see unexpected MFA prompts), immediately:
– Disconnect from the network (turn off Wi‑Fi)
– Call the IT/security hotline listed on your badge or in your onboarding materials
– Do not power off the device unless instructed by IT

Reporting quickly will not result in disciplinary action. We are far more interested in fixing issues than assigning blame.*

That last line is the difference between incidents you hear about and incidents you never do. In 2024–2025, with AI‑generated phishing emails that look eerily legitimate, you want people to report early and often.

Example 9: Working securely in shared spaces

Remote work doesn’t always mean home. It often means coworking spaces, shared apartments, and airport gates. Policies that ignore this reality get ignored in return.

A practical example of secure remote work guidelines for shared spaces might say:

When working in public or shared spaces, employees must:
– Use a privacy screen if viewing Confidential or Restricted data
– Avoid discussing sensitive topics (customer names, financials, incident details) where they can be overheard
– Lock their screen whenever stepping away, even briefly
– Never leave laptops unattended, even if “just running to the restroom”

This sounds basic, but it addresses the very real risk of shoulder‑surfing and opportunistic theft. It also acknowledges how people actually work today.

Example 10: Health, burnout, and security mistakes

This might sound soft, but there’s a hard security angle: exhausted, distracted people click on bad links. They reuse passwords. They ignore updates.

If you want real examples of secure remote work guidelines that work long‑term, include something like:

Remote employees are expected to take regular breaks, avoid working from bed, and maintain a dedicated workspace where possible. Managers must monitor workload and watch for signs of burnout. Employees should report sustained stress or health issues to HR; extended overwork is a risk factor for security incidents as well as health problems.

For health‑related guidance on remote work ergonomics and stress, HR teams often reference sources like the Mayo Clinic, which offers advice on healthy home office setups: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169.

This is where examples of secure remote work guidelines: 3 key examples in this article intersect: devices, networks, and people. Ignore any one of those, and the whole structure wobbles.

Pulling it together: how to adapt these examples for your policy

So how do you turn these real examples into your own policy without writing a 40‑page PDF no one reads?

Use these examples of secure remote work guidelines as building blocks and:

• Start with the three big areas from our 3 key examples: devices & access, networks & data, people & process
• For each area, write 3–5 short, specific rules like the examples you’ve seen here
• Tie every rule to something you can actually enforce (VPN, MDM, SSO, access controls)
• Add a one‑page “Remote Work Security Quick Start” that summarizes the rules in plain language

The best examples of secure remote work guidelines read more like operating instructions than legal disclaimers. They:

• Use everyday language
• Anticipate realistic scenarios (lost laptop, hotel Wi‑Fi, phishing email)
• Give people a clear “what to do next” when something feels off

If your policy does those three things—and borrows generously from the examples of secure remote work guidelines: 3 key examples we’ve walked through—you’ll be miles ahead of the companies still hoping a one‑time security training will save them.

FAQ: examples of secure remote work guidelines

Q1. What are some basic examples of secure remote work guidelines for small teams?
For a small team, start with three simple examples: require MFA for email and any cloud tools, require a VPN for accessing internal systems from outside the office, and ban storing work files in personal accounts. Those three examples of secure remote work guidelines will block a surprising amount of common attacks.

Q2. Can you give an example of a clear rule about personal devices?
Yes. A practical example of a BYOD rule is: “Personal laptops may only be used for email and calendar access. Any access to customer data or internal systems from personal devices requires enrollment in mobile device management and full‑disk encryption.” It’s specific, enforceable, and easy to understand.

Q3. How often should remote work security guidelines be updated?
At least once a year, and after any major change in your tech stack (new VPN, new SSO provider, migration to a new cloud platform) or major incident. Because threat patterns change quickly—especially phishing and credential theft—reviewing your examples of secure remote work guidelines annually keeps them aligned with current risks.

Q4. What are examples of training topics that support secure remote work?
Useful training topics include phishing recognition, safe use of public Wi‑Fi, secure password and MFA practices, handling sensitive data at home, and how to report incidents quickly without fear of blame. Each training topic should connect directly back to at least one example of secure remote work guidelines in your written policy.

Q5. Do remote contractors need the same security guidelines as employees?
If contractors access the same data and systems, they should follow the same or stricter guidelines. That means applying the same examples of secure remote work guidelines—managed devices, MFA, VPN, data handling rules—to contractors, and writing them into contracts and onboarding materials.