How to Effectively Protect Your Employees Working Remotely from Abroad

The market is changing. It’s no secret that the workforce has shifted; a considerable number of companies are hiring fully remote employees in 2025. Not everyone is onboard, though, and there are controversial calls to “return to offices.” One of the biggest barriers that businesses face when managing international workforces or frequent employee travel is safety. How will they protect devices from digital attacks?

Ultimately, location shouldn’t matter. A protected system should be watertight, no matter where your employees are clocking in. In fact, experts are encouraging companies to stop discouraging remote working and simply design it better. Ready to bite that bullet? Here’s how to effectively protect your employees working remotely from abroad.

 1. Enforce Strong, Unique Passwords and MFA

The importance of a strong and complex password cannot be overstated. A robust password is a primary line of defence, so set strong expectations and mandatory requirements, such as including special characters, numbers, and capital letters. Another essential protective measure is multi-factor authentication — every staff member should have this enabled.

 2. Secure Remote Device Management and Updates

Advanced device management is non-negotiable. Every employee should have endpoint protection in place, which is essentially software that protects access points, such as laptops and mobile devices. As a company, it is important to keep these updated and as efficient as possible. One method of maintaining this is through regular patching, whereby defensive systems analyze potential vulnerabilities and optimize protection.

If employees are traveling to countries with weaker internet infrastructure, these steps become even more essential.

 3. Use Strong ‘business password’ Protocols for Shared VPN Accounts

Education is your best approach. Create a business password protocol, with a list of non-negotiable rules and regulations. Enforce password rotation, encourage the use of VPNs, and utilize a password vault for shared resource passwords.

 4. Encrypt Communications and Leverage Secure VPNs

The value of encrypted communication channels is another non-negotiable. Investing in VPNs and secure email systems is worth its weight in gold. These are forms of protection that cannot be overlooked, especially for companies handling sensitive information over international networks. Provide employees with tools for their use and stress the importance of using them properly. 

 5. Educate Employees on Local Threats and Compliance

In an ideal world, every employee would have an expert level of risk awareness and compliance knowledge. Unfortunately, that’s just not realistic. Instead, take control of the situation by educating employees about local threats and compliance. This may include privacy laws abroad, country-specific threats such as state-level phishing, or even device inspections at customs. Tailor advice to their country of residence and encourage open conversations about staying safe digitally abroad.

There is no singular method of protecting employees who are living abroad. Adopt a multi-strategy approach, and focus on education and tangible protective measures.