Remote Work Security Checklist for Modern Teams (2026)

Remote and hybrid work are now standard operating models for SMBs, but the security risks have changed and even somewhat escalated.

Here, in this guide for SMB owners, IT managers, operations leads, and team leaders who are responsible for protecting company data while enabling flexible work, we talk about the most common remote work risks in 2026:

• Compromised endpoints (laptops, mobile devices)

• Identity and access abuse

• File leakage through uncontrolled sharing

• Phishing and business email compromise

• Shadow IT and unmanaged collaboration tools

What you'll get in this article:

• A practical remote work threat model

• A minimum security baseline for SMBs

• A Risk → Control → Implementation table you can use internally

• Download-ready policy templates and checklists

• Clear guidance aligned with NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0), CISA guidance for SMBs, and Zero Trust principles

The 2026 Remote Work Security Baseline

If you implement only the essentials, start here:

• Enforce MFA + role-based access control (RBAC) for all systems

• Centralize work inside a controlled digital workspace (e.g., Bitrix24)

• Prohibit unmanaged file sharing and personal cloud storage

• Maintain a documented BYOD or company-device policy

• Run a monthly access and permissions audit

• Train employees quarterly on phishing and social engineering

• Apply Zero Trust: verify identity, device, and access continuously

Below, we go into deeper detail and explain how to operationalize this.

1. Remote Work Threat Model (2026)

Before implementing tools, define your threat surface. According to NIST and CISA guidance for small and medium businesses, risk management starts with identifying assets, threats, and controls.

For remote teams, threats cluster into five areas:

A. Devices & Endpoints

Risk: unpatched laptops, personal devices, malware infections, lost/stolen hardware.

Typical failure point: employees using personal laptops without endpoint protection or OS updates.

Controls:

• Mandatory OS auto-updates

• Endpoint protection/EDR

• Disk encryption

• Remote wipe capability

• Device inventory

Implementation tip: maintain a simple device register: device owner, OS version, encryption status, last update date, etc.

B. Identity & Access Management (IAM)

Risk: credential theft, reused passwords, excessive permissions, ex-employees retaining access.

Controls:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• Role-based access control (RBAC)

• Least privilege principle

• Automated deprovisioning

For example, Bitrix24 allows administrators to:

• Assign access by role

• Restrict file/document access per department in Bitrix24 Drive

• Revoke access centrally when employment ends (Bitrix24 Company Structure)

• Enforce secure login policies (Single Sign-On and 2FA)

This moves security from “policy on paper” to enforceable technical control.

C. File Sharing & Data Leakage

Risk: sensitive files shared via personal Google Drive, Dropbox, email attachments, or messaging apps.

Controls:

• Centralized file storage & knowledge base

• Controlled external sharing

• Access expiration for shared links

• Activity logs and audit trails

For example, use Bitrix24 as the primary document hub:

• Store files in permission-based folders

• Disable public links

• Monitor access logs for anomalies

This reduces shadow IT and uncontrolled distribution.

D. Communication Channels

Risk: business email compromise (BEC), phishing, impersonation via messaging platforms.

Controls:

• MFA on email

• Domain protection (SPF/DKIM/DMARC)

• Internal communication within a secured platform

• Verification process for financial requests

Operational rule: no payment instruction or bank detail change is processed without secondary verification.

E. Human Factor/Phishing

Risk: employees clicking malicious links, sharing credentials, or falling for social engineering.

Controls:

• Quarterly phishing awareness training

• Simulated phishing campaigns

• Clear escalation path (report phishing to IT)

• Documented incident response steps

Security awareness is not a one-time onboarding event. It is ongoing risk management.

2. Minimum Security Baseline for SMBs (2026)

If you manage a team under 250 employees, this is your non-negotiable baseline:

Identity

• MFA everywhere

• Role-based permissions

• Immediate deactivation upon offboarding

Devices

• Encrypted drives

• Automatic updates enabled

• Approved antivirus/EDR

Data

• All business documents stored inside a controlled workspace (e.g., Bitrix24)

• No personal cloud storage for business files

• Defined data retention policy

Access Governance

• Monthly access review

• Quarterly permission audit

• Documented approval workflow for new access requests

Incident Response

• Defined security contact

• Documented breach response plan

• Log retention enabled in core systems

This aligns with NIST CSF functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.

3. Risk → Control → Implementation Table

Use this internally with your leadership team.

4. Practical Templates & Artifacts

Below are working templates you can adapt immediately.

A. Remote Work Security Checklist (Operational)

Daily

• Use only company-approved systems

• Do not download company data locally unless required

• Lock device when unattended

Weekly

• Install OS and software updates

• Verify MFA devices are functional

Monthly (IT)

• Review access logs in Bitrix24

• Audit new user accounts

• Remove unused permissions

B. BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) Policy Template

1. Scope

Applies to all employees accessing company systems from personal devices.

2. Requirements

• Device must have OS auto-update enabled

• Disk encryption must be active

• Approved antivirus installed

• Screen lock enabled (max 1 minute idle)

3. Access Limitations

• Sensitive financial/HR data accessible only from company-managed devices

• Company reserves right to revoke access if security requirements are unmet

4. Data Handling

• No permanent local storage of company files

• All work conducted within Bitrix24

C. Access & Permissions Policy Template

Principles

• Least privilege

• Role-based access

• Time-bound access for contractors

Process

1. Manager submits access request

2. IT assigns role inside Bitrix24

3. Access logged and reviewed monthly

4. Immediate revocation upon termination

D. Monthly Security Audit Checklist

• Review new user accounts

• Remove inactive accounts

• Verify MFA enforcement

• Audit shared links in Bitrix24

• Confirm backups are operational

• Review incident log

5. Implementing Zero Trust in a Remote Team

Zero Trust is not a product. It is a model that stands by the “Never trust. Always verify” pricinple. For SMBs, this translates to:

• Every login requires MFA

• Every file access is permission-based

• Every device must meet baseline security

• Every access change is documented

Platforms like Bitrix24 support this by allowing structured role management, centralized document control, and monitored internal communication – reducing reliance on fragmented, uncontrolled tools.

6. Ongoing Governance: What Mature Teams Do Differently

Teams that successfully secure remote work:

• Treat security as an operational process, not a one-time setup

• Integrate access reviews into monthly management meetings

• Keep documentation current

• Use a central digital workspace instead of scattered tools

• Assign clear ownership (security is everyone's responsibility, but accountability is defined)

Final Thoughts

Remote work security in 2026 is not about installing a VPN and hoping for the best.

It is about:

• Defined controls

• Enforceable permissions

• Centralized collaboration

• Ongoing review

For SMBs, the goal is not enterprise-grade complexity. It is consistent execution of a strong baseline.

If your team works remotely or in hybrid mode, use this guide as your starting framework – and operationalize it inside your workspace platform, not just in policy documents.