How SMBs Feel About Remote Worker Security

The TSL Tech Research 2024 SMB IT Security Insights Survey found that 56% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have created a hybrid workplace that combines in-office and remote work environments for employees. According to the survey, this finding corresponded to an interest in investing in security technology related to remote work, including endpoint security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and email threat defense. 

We wanted to know how SMBs feel about the state of remote worker security, so we asked more than 450 IT leaders at SMBs if they thought solutions for remote computing are becoming more secure or less secure.  

Our survey results showed that more than a third of SMBs feel that remote work is becoming more secure than in the past.  

The State of Remote Solution Security for SMBs 

When TSL Tech Research asked IT leaders at SMBs if they felt remote computing solutions are becoming more secure or less secure, almost 75% of respondents indicated that security for remote workers was either holding steady or improving. 

Of the SMBs surveyed: 

• 38% Chose about the same 

• 36% Chose more secure 

• 19% Chose less secure 

• 8% Chose unsure/other 

Key Takeaways: 

The good news for SMBs is that security for remote workforces seems to be improving. This means that SMBs can feel confident about continuing to use remote and hybrid work environments to offer employees flexibility and work/life balance.  

Remote work security defends against phishing attacks and other types of threats that target mobile devices, laptops, and the networks that connect them to company systems. 

Remote Work Security Challenges 

The improvement in remote workforce security is a positive trend for SMBs because it means they are better able to control cybersecurity risks and overcome challenges created by remote and hybrid work environments.  

Remote workplaces have expanded attack surfaces created by employees using mobile devices and home networks. Remote workers may experience increased vulnerability to phishing schemes and ransomware attacks. Employee-owned devices may lack the security controls needed to protect sensitive company information. Business data is also exposed to threats when transmitted between employee devices and the office.  

Security Tools and Services for Remote Work  

While SMBs feel positively about the state of remote work security, there is still room for improvement. For example, nearly 40% of SMBs feel remote solutions security is about the same as it was previously. Almost 20% of respondents felt remote security has become less secure. 

 That’s where IT service firms come in.  

 Managed security service providers (MSSPs) should note that SMBs need cybersecurity services for remote work solutions to continue the upward trajectory of remote workplace security. MSSPs should promote their expertise and experience in the areas of: 

• IAM 

• Data Encryption 

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) 

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Network Operations Center (NOC) capabilities would also be an asset for an IT security service provider looking to partner with SMBs. 

Keeping Remote Workplaces Secure 

At TSL Tech Research, we are dedicated to conducting online surveys that help IT service firms understand the needs of real companies. We also use our research to match organizations with IT providers that deliver the solutions and services which best align with their requirements. 

We can work with your IT services firm to develop and run online surveys that capture the remote workplace insights that mean the most to you. 

Learn more about TSL Tech Research and how you can leverage our online survey results to find the right IT service partner.