Network Security for Remote Work: Australian SMB Guide

Remote and hybrid work is the permanent reality for Australian businesses. The flexibility benefits are clear, but so are the security challenges. Your network perimeter no longer ends at the office firewall; it extends to every home office, coffee shop, and airport lounge where your employees work.

At CloudGeeks, we’ve helped Australian SMBs transition from pandemic-era quick fixes to sustainable, secure remote work architectures. This guide provides the framework and practical steps to secure your distributed workforce.

The Remote Work Security Challenge

Traditional network security assumed a clear perimeter: protect the office network, and assets inside are safe. Remote work breaks this model:

Changed Attack Surface:

• Employees on home networks with consumer-grade security
• Personal devices potentially accessing business data
• Increased reliance on cloud services
• Direct internet access bypassing corporate security

Australian-Specific Factors:

• Varied NBN connection quality affecting security solutions
• Geographic spread requiring reliable remote access
• Regulatory requirements for data protection
• Limited local IT support in regional areas

Common Remote Work Security Gaps

Based on our assessments of Australian SMBs:

Gap	Prevalence	Risk Level
No MFA on remote access	35%	Critical
Outdated VPN or no VPN	45%	High
Unmanaged personal devices	60%	High
No endpoint protection on remote devices	40%	Critical
Weak home router security	80%	Medium
No data loss prevention	70%	Medium

Security Architecture Options

Option 1: Traditional VPN

How It Works: Users connect to corporate network through encrypted tunnel. All traffic routes through office network.

Pros:

• Familiar technology
• Full network access
• Works with legacy applications
• Relatively simple to implement

Cons:

• Creates single point of failure
• Bandwidth constraints (all traffic through VPN)
• Performance issues for cloud applications
• Requires VPN client management

Best For: Businesses with significant on-premises infrastructure and legacy applications.

Recommended Solutions:

Solution	Best For	Monthly Cost (25 users)
FortiClient VPN	Existing Fortinet users	$200-400
Cisco AnyConnect	Enterprise environments	$300-500
OpenVPN	Budget-conscious SMBs	$100-200
WireGuard	Tech-savvy teams	Free-$150

Option 2: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

How It Works: Instead of network-level access, users get application-level access based on identity, device health, and context. “Never trust, always verify.”

Pros:

• More granular access control
• Better security posture
• Cloud-native approach
• No network-level access reduces blast radius

Cons:

• More complex to implement
• Requires application-by-application configuration
• May not work with all legacy applications
• Higher initial effort

Best For: Cloud-first businesses, organisations with sensitive data, those planning for growth.

Recommended Solutions:

Solution	Best For	Monthly Cost (25 users)
Microsoft Entra Private Access	M365 shops	Included in some M365 tiers
Cloudflare Access	Cloud-native teams	$100-400
Zscaler Private Access	Enterprise	$400-800
Tailscale	Tech teams	$75-200

Option 3: Hybrid Approach

How It Works: VPN for on-premises resources, ZTNA or direct access for cloud applications.

Pros:

• Optimises performance (cloud apps don’t go through VPN)
• Supports legacy and modern applications
• Gradual migration path
• Balances security and usability

Cons:

• More complex to manage
• Multiple security policies to maintain
• User training for different access methods

Best For: Most Australian SMBs with mixed on-premises and cloud environments.

Recommendation by Business Profile

Business Profile	Recommended Approach
Cloud-first, SaaS-heavy	ZTNA or Conditional Access only
Significant on-prem servers	Hybrid (VPN + cloud direct)
Legacy applications	Traditional VPN with split tunnelling
Highly sensitive data	ZTNA with strong device compliance

Implementation: Microsoft 365 Security Stack

For businesses on Microsoft 365, a comprehensive remote security approach uses the built-in capabilities.

Layer 1: Identity Security

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Non-negotiable for all users.

Configuration steps:

1. Enable Security Defaults (simplest option) or
2. Configure Conditional Access policies for granular control

Conditional Access Policies Control access based on conditions:

Policy	Condition	Action
Require MFA	All users, all apps	MFA required
Block legacy auth	Legacy protocols	Block
Require compliant device	Sensitive apps	Require Intune compliance
Block risky sign-ins	High risk detected	Block and require password change
Location-based	Outside Australia	Require MFA + approval

Layer 2: Device Security

Microsoft Intune Device Management

For company-owned devices:

• Full device management
• Configuration policies
• Application deployment
• Remote wipe capability

For personal devices (BYOD):

• App protection policies (MAM)
• Selective wipe of company data
• Conditional Access compliance requirements

Compliance Policies to Enforce:

Requirement	Windows	macOS	iOS/Android
Encryption enabled	Required	Required	Required
Antivirus active	Required	Required	N/A
Minimum OS version	Windows 11 22H2+	macOS 14+	iOS 17+/Android 13+
PIN/password	6+ characters	6+ characters	6+ digits
Jailbreak/root	N/A	N/A	Not allowed

Layer 3: Application Security

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps (CASB) Visibility and control over cloud application usage.

Key capabilities:

• Discover shadow IT (unapproved cloud apps)
• Apply access policies to cloud apps
• Detect anomalous user behaviour
• Data loss prevention for cloud apps

Application Protection Policies For mobile access to company data:

• Prevent copy/paste to personal apps
• Require app PIN
• Block screenshots in company apps
• Encrypt app data

Layer 4: Network Security

Microsoft Entra Private Access ZTNA solution for accessing on-premises resources without VPN.

Configuration:

1. Deploy connector in on-premises environment
2. Define application segments
3. Create access policies based on user/device
4. Users access via Global Secure Access client

Benefits over VPN:

• Application-level access, not network-level
• No exposed VPN endpoints
• Adaptive access based on risk

Implementation Roadmap (M365 Security)

Week 1-2: Identity Foundation

• Enable MFA for all users
• Create basic Conditional Access policies
• Block legacy authentication
• Configure password protection

Week 3-4: Device Management

• Enrol devices in Intune
• Deploy compliance policies
• Configure app protection policies
• Test enforcement

Week 5-6: Advanced Protection

• Enable Microsoft Defender for Business
• Configure Defender for Cloud Apps
• Implement data loss prevention
• Deploy secure access if needed

Week 7-8: Monitoring and Refinement

• Review sign-in logs and alerts
• Adjust policies based on feedback
• Document procedures
• Train IT staff on monitoring

Endpoint Security for Remote Devices

Remote devices need comprehensive endpoint protection.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

EDR goes beyond antivirus to detect and respond to advanced threats.

Minimum EDR Capabilities:

• Behavioural analysis (not just signature matching)
• Real-time monitoring and alerting
• Automated response actions
• Forensic investigation capabilities
• Centralised management console

Recommended Solutions:

Solution	Included With	Standalone Cost (25 devices)
Microsoft Defender for Business	M365 Business Premium	~$300/month
CrowdStrike Falcon Go	N/A	~$750/month
SentinelOne	N/A	~$600/month
Sophos Intercept X	N/A	~$500/month

Recommendation: Microsoft Defender for Business provides excellent protection at no additional cost for M365 Business Premium subscribers.

Device Hardening

Configure devices to minimise attack surface:

Windows Hardening Checklist:

• BitLocker encryption enabled
• Windows Hello for Business configured
• Local admin password randomised (LAPS)
• Windows Firewall enabled
• Automatic updates enabled
• SmartScreen enabled
• Attack surface reduction rules configured

macOS Hardening Checklist:

• FileVault encryption enabled
• Gatekeeper enabled
• Firewall enabled
• Automatic updates enabled
• Screen lock timeout configured

Patch Management

Unpatched systems are the top attack vector.

Patch Management Requirements:

• Critical patches: Within 48 hours
• Important patches: Within 2 weeks
• Other patches: Within 1 month

Implementation Options:

Solution	Best For	Monthly Cost
Windows Update for Business	Windows devices in Intune	Free
Intune	Microsoft ecosystem	Included in M365
Automox	Cross-platform	$3-5/device
Action1	Budget option	Free-$2/device

Securing Home Networks

While you cannot fully control home networks, you can mitigate risks.

Employee Guidance

Provide clear guidance for home network security:

Router Security:

1. Change default admin password
2. Enable WPA3 (or WPA2 minimum)
3. Use strong Wi-Fi password (12+ characters)
4. Disable WPS
5. Update router firmware
6. Enable router firewall

Network Segmentation (for tech-comfortable employees):

• Separate IoT devices on guest network
• Work devices on primary network
• Gaming/streaming on separate network if possible

Company-Provided Solutions

For high-risk roles or sensitive data access:

Option 1: Mobile Hotspot Provide dedicated mobile hotspot for work use.

• Bypasses home network entirely
• Controlled by company policy
• Cost: $50-80/month data plan

Option 2: Secure Router Provide preconfigured secure router.

• Consistent security configuration
• Company-managed updates
• Cost: $200-400 one-time + management

Option 3: Network Security Appliance Deploy small security appliance for home use.

• Enterprise-grade protection
• VPN endpoint capability
• Cost: $500-1,000 + subscription

Data Loss Prevention

Prevent sensitive data from leaving your control.

DLP Strategy

Step 1: Identify Sensitive Data

• Customer personal information
• Financial records
• Intellectual property
• Employee records
• Credentials and access tokens

Step 2: Label and Classify Use sensitivity labels in Microsoft 365:

• Public
• Internal
• Confidential
• Highly Confidential

Step 3: Apply Protection Policies

Label	Email	SharePoint	Devices
Public	No restrictions	No restrictions	No restrictions
Internal	Warning on external	Internal only	No restrictions
Confidential	Block external	Specific users	Encrypt
Highly Confidential	Encrypt + audit	Named individuals	Encrypt + audit

Microsoft Purview DLP

Built-in DLP for Microsoft 365:

Key Policies to Implement:

1. Detect and warn when sharing Australian personal information externally
2. Block sharing of financial data to personal email
3. Audit access to highly confidential documents
4. Prevent download of sensitive data to unmanaged devices

Monitoring and Incident Response

Security Monitoring

Essential Monitoring Points:

Log Source	What to Monitor	Tool
Sign-in logs	Failed attempts, unusual locations	Entra ID
Conditional Access	Blocked access attempts	Entra ID
Endpoint alerts	Malware, suspicious activity	Defender
Email	Phishing attempts, malware	Defender for Office
Cloud apps	Unusual file sharing, downloads	Defender for Cloud Apps

Alert Priorities

Alert Type	Response Time	Action
Active malware detection	Immediate	Isolate device, investigate
Impossible travel sign-in	1 hour	Verify with user, block if fraudulent
Multiple failed MFA	2 hours	Contact user, check for attack
Sensitive file shared externally	4 hours	Verify legitimacy, revoke if needed
New admin created	Same day	Verify authorisation

Incident Response Plan

Document procedures for common incidents:

Compromised Account:

1. Disable account immediately
2. Revoke all sessions
3. Reset password
4. Review recent activity
5. Check for mail forwarding rules
6. Review shared files and permissions
7. Re-enable with MFA verification

Malware Detection:

1. Isolate device from network
2. Review alert details
3. Determine if data was accessed/exfiltrated
4. Remediate or reimage device
5. Review how malware entered
6. Update protections

Security Awareness for Remote Workers

Technology alone is insufficient. Train users.

Training Topics

Essential Training:

• Recognising phishing emails
• Secure password practices
• MFA usage and importance
• Reporting suspicious activity
• Physical security for devices
• Public Wi-Fi risks

Remote-Specific Training:

• Home network security
• Secure video conferencing
• Protecting work in public spaces
• Family member access to work devices
• Travel security

Phishing Simulation

Regular phishing tests reinforce training:

Recommended Frequency: Monthly Target Click Rate: under 5% Response to Clicks: Additional training, not punishment

Simulation Platforms:

• Microsoft Attack Simulator (included in M365 E5/Defender)
• KnowBe4 ($200-400/month for 25 users)
• Proofpoint Security Awareness ($200-300/month for 25 users)

Budget Planning

Essential Security (25 Remote Users)

Component	Monthly Cost
M365 Business Premium (includes Defender, Intune)	$825
Security awareness training	$100
Additional monitoring/SIEM	$200
Total	$1,125/month

Annual: $13,500 AUD

Enhanced Security (25 Remote Users)

Component	Monthly Cost
M365 Business Premium	$825
Premium EDR (CrowdStrike/SentinelOne)	$600
Security awareness training	$200
SIEM/SOC monitoring	$500
Secure web gateway	$200
Total	$2,325/month

Annual: $27,900 AUD

Implementation Priority

Immediate (This Week)

• Enable MFA for all users
• Verify endpoint protection on all devices
• Review remote access method security
• Confirm backup covers remote device data

Short-Term (This Month)

• Implement Conditional Access policies
• Deploy device management (Intune)
• Configure compliance policies
• Enable basic DLP policies

Medium-Term (This Quarter)

• Evaluate ZTNA options
• Implement security monitoring
• Deploy security awareness training
• Create incident response procedures

Ongoing

• Regular security assessments
• Continuous monitoring and response
• Policy refinement based on threats
• User training and phishing simulation

Remote work security requires ongoing attention, not one-time implementation. Build security into your culture and processes.

At CloudGeeks, we help Australian businesses implement secure remote work architectures. From assessment through implementation and ongoing management, we provide the expertise to keep your distributed workforce secure. Contact us to discuss your remote work security requirements.

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