Best Working From Home Security Tips From Experts

Top Safety-Related Concerns When Working From Home

Working from home has become the new normal for many professionals, but it also opens the door—literally and digitally—to new safety concerns. With valuable equipment and sensitive information now housed in residential settings, remote workers face unique risks that must be acknowledged.

Physical Security Threats

While you may feel safer working from the comfort of your home, the reality is that residential properties often lack the protective infrastructure of office buildings. Remote work has increased foot traffic from deliveries and raised the visibility of expensive equipment—all of which can make your home a more attractive target for criminal activity.

1. Increased Risk of Home Break-Ins

Home offices often contain high-value items like laptops, monitors, and confidential documents. This makes remote workers more appealing targets for burglars, especially in neighborhoods where residents are perceived to be occupied indoors all day.

2. Unsecured Doors and Windows

Many homes lack the reinforced security features found in commercial buildings. Unlocked doors, outdated locks, or flimsy windows can become easy entry points for intruders, especially during quick errands or distractions.

3. Garage Vulnerabilities

Attached garages, especially those with interior access, are a commonly overlooked weak point. If left open or poorly secured, they can serve as an entry route for unauthorized individuals.

4. Package Theft and Porch Piracy

Remote workers often receive more deliveries—equipment, office supplies, or personal orders—which can pile up on doorsteps and attract porch pirates. This is especially concerning for those who work in secluded or low-traffic areas.

5. Unauthorized Visitors During Work Hours

Door-to-door salespeople, maintenance workers, or strangers approaching the home during work hours can pose a threat. A moment of inattention during a meeting or call may lead to an unmonitored access point.

Cybersecurity Threats

In addition to physical concerns, working from home opens up new digital vulnerabilities. Without the security infrastructure of a corporate network, home-based workers are more susceptible to cyber attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Cybersecurity risks aren’t just about protecting company information—they can also jeopardize your personal data and finances.

6. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Many home networks lack proper encryption or password protection, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept data or access connected devices.

7. Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Remote workers are prime targets for phishing emails, fake tech support scams, and social engineering attacks aimed at stealing login credentials or sensitive data.

8. Unprotected Smart Devices

Smart locks, cameras, thermostats, and voice assistants connected to the same network as work devices can be exploited if not properly secured.

9. Shared or Mixed-Use Devices

Using personal devices for work—or allowing family members to use company-issued equipment—can create vulnerabilities, particularly if those devices lack updated antivirus protection or secure configurations.

10. Lack of Physical Document Security

Confidential files, contracts, or printed materials stored at home may be left out in the open or improperly disposed of, increasing the risk of data exposure or theft.

10 Best Working From Home Security Tips You Must Do

As more professionals transition to working remotely, the home has become both a personal sanctuary and a business hub. While convenient, this shift exposes remote workers to unique security risks that demand stronger physical and digital protections.

Reinforce Doors and Entry Points

Most break-ins happen through the front or back door, and many homes use basic locksets that can be bypassed quickly. If someone tries to gain access, standard locks alone may not be enough to stop them.

To improve your home’s defenses, consider upgrading to deadbolts with advanced security features and reinforcing door frames. Smart locks with mobile access and activity tracking allow remote workers to monitor entries while working remotely or away from home.

Secure Windows and Sliding Doors

Ground-level windows and sliding glass doors often present an easy way for intruders to gain access, especially if they’re left unlocked or only secured with simple latches. These weak spots are a major concern for remote workers who keep equipment near visible entry points.

Use pin locks, window bars, or shatter-resistant film as added security measures. Installing contact sensors on windows can also alert you to any forced entry attempts during your workday.

Install Visible Surveillance and Smart Entry Devices

Visible cameras and smart doorbells serve as deterrents and provide critical footage in the event of a break-in. For remote workers, these devices can offer peace of mind while handling conference calls or long work sessions.

Many systems now offer real-time mobile alerts, two-way communication, and cloud storage. These are particularly helpful when you’re working remotely and unable to physically check the door or perimeter.

Lock Away Laptops and Work Devices

Laptops, mobile devices, and tablets often contain confidential company data and are among the most commonly stolen items in home burglaries. Even if a thief doesn’t gain access to your home network, stealing physical devices can still lead to serious data breaches.

Remote workers should store all tech equipment in lockable cabinets or drawers when not in use. For shared living spaces, anchoring devices with cable locks can add another layer of protection.

Use a Fire- and Water-Resistant Safe for Documents

Printed records, contracts, and legal documents are often overlooked security risks, especially when left on open desks or shelves. Fires, floods, or break-ins can quickly destroy or expose sensitive materials.

Investing in a fire- and water-resistant safe adds long-term protection for both personal and work-related documents. Choose a model large enough to store portable drives and mobile devices as well.

Limit Visibility from Outside

When working remotely, your home office setup may be visible from the street, making it clear that valuable items are inside. Criminals often scout for high-end tech near windows to determine which homes are easiest to target.

Keep your workspace hidden from view using blackout curtains, blinds, or privacy film. Positioning your desk away from street-facing windows is a smart move for all remote workers.

Always Lock and Log Out

Even a few unattended minutes can be enough for someone to gain access to your computer. Unlocked workstations can expose everything from customer records to passwords, especially if you use personal devices for work.

Always lock your screen before stepping away, and enable auto-lock settings on all devices. Logging out of operating systems at the end of the day is another smart habit for remote workers managing sensitive data.

Harden Your Wi-Fi Network

A poorly secured Wi-Fi network can be an open door for cybercriminals looking to gain access to your data or company systems. Many remote workers rely on outdated routers or weak passwords, putting themselves and their employers at risk.

Always use WPA3 encryption when available and change default router credentials immediately. To enhance protection, create strong passwords and keep your firmware updated to defend against evolving security risks.

Use a VPN for Business Activities

When working remotely, even private internet connections can be vulnerable to external threats. A virtual private network or VPN protects your data by encrypting traffic between your device and your company’s systems.

Remote workers handling sensitive information should never work without this safeguard. Using a VPN, paired with multi-factor authentication, dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Follow a Home-Based ‘Clear Desk Policy’

Leaving notes, documents, or passwords out in the open introduces unnecessary security risks. This is especially true in shared households or when guests visit unexpectedly.

Adopt a clear desk policy and tidy your workspace at the end of each day. Store physical files securely and shred unneeded paperwork to prevent data exposure.

Protecting your home office doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Great Valley Lockshop offers expert guidance and installation of locks, smart security systems, and other physical safeguards to help remote workers protect their spaces.

Contact us to learn how our solutions can support your lifestyle while reducing your risk.

Home Office Security Checklist for Remote Workers

Working from home has quickly become a long-term reality for millions of professionals—but many residential spaces aren’t equipped to handle the same level of security as traditional office environments. Remote workers are now responsible for safeguarding sensitive company information, valuable equipment, and personal privacy—all within a home not originally designed for business use.

From overlooked entry points to unsecured devices, here’s a comprehensive checklist to help remote workers evaluate and improve their home’s physical and digital defenses.

Entry & Access Points

• ❏ Are all exterior doors equipped with deadbolts or smart locks?
• ❏ Is the door frame reinforced with strike plates and long screws?
• ❏ Do sliding glass doors have pin locks or security bars?
• ❏ Are windows secured with secondary locks or sensors?
• ❏ Are garage doors closed and locked—even during work hours?
• ❏ Are doors to attached garages or basements secured with interior locks?

Tip: Burglars often test doors and windows during the day, especially in neighborhoods where many people are working remotely. If access is easy, they’re more likely to return.

Visibility & Privacy

• ❏ Is your home office visible from the street or sidewalk?
• ❏ Can your equipment be seen through windows or glass doors?
• ❏ Do you use blinds, curtains, or privacy film during work hours?
• ❏ Do exterior lights cover all home entry points at night?
• ❏ Are surveillance cameras clearly visible to deter trespassers?

Tip: If expensive monitors or tech are visible from outside, it increases the risk of being targeted. Privacy and lighting are simple but powerful deterrents.

Deliveries & Daily Activity

• ❏ Do packages sit unattended on your porch during the day?
• ❏ Is your mailbox secured to prevent theft of sensitive mail?
• ❏ Do you receive frequent office equipment or supply deliveries?
• ❏ Can you monitor front-door activity in real time?

Tip: Remote workers often receive more deliveries than usual. Consider smart doorbells or lockboxes to protect packages and keep track of daily visitors.

Interior Security Habits

• ❏ Are laptops, mobile devices, and accessories stored securely when not in use?
• ❏ Is sensitive paperwork filed in a locked cabinet or fire-resistant safe?
• ❏ Are passwords and login credentials kept off sticky notes or notebooks?
• ❏ Do you routinely log out or lock your computer when stepping away?

Tip: Don’t leave devices or documents in common areas, especially if you live with roommates, family, or have regular visitors.

Wi-Fi & Network Security

• ❏ Is your Wi-Fi router protected with a strong, unique password?
• ❏ Have you changed default login credentials on your router?
• ❏ Is your network encrypted with WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols?
• ❏ Do you use a VPN when accessing company platforms or cloud services?
• ❏ Have you enabled multi factor authentication on sensitive accounts?

Tip: Most home networks lack enterprise-level protection. A weak password or outdated router makes it easy for outsiders to gain access.

Shared Devices & Household Access

• ❏ Are work devices kept separate from personal devices?
• ❏ Do family members or roommates use your work laptop or accounts?
• ❏ Are there individual user profiles on shared computers?
• ❏ Are all operating systems and security software up to date?

Tip: Remote workers should treat work-issued devices as private and secure. Limit shared access to prevent accidental data loss or exposure.

Emergency Preparedness

• ❏ Do you have smoke detectors near your workspace?
• ❏ Is your fire safe rated for one-hour protection or longer?
• ❏ Do you have a backup for storing important files (e.g., encrypted drive or cloud storage)?
• ❏ Have you documented the serial numbers of valuable equipment?

Tip: Natural disasters and home emergencies happen without warning. Preparing now can reduce recovery time and data loss later.

How Great Valley Lockshop Secures Remote Workspaces

As working from home becomes the norm, professionals face a growing range of physical and digital threats—from break-ins and porch piracy to Wi-Fi vulnerabilities and device theft. With sensitive data and valuable equipment now residing in residential environments, it’s never been more important to rethink home security.

At Great Valley Lockshop, we help remote workers strengthen their defenses with expert solutions that go beyond basic locks. Whether you’re concerned about unauthorized access, unmonitored deliveries, or cyber vulnerabilities linked to unsecured devices, we’re here to make your home office as safe and secure as any corporate setting.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Evaluate and reinforce all physical entry points. Start with our home office security checklist and upgrade weak locks, windows, or garage access with professional-grade solutions.
2. Secure your network and tech setup. Use our tips to harden your Wi-Fi, lock down devices, and implement strong authentication practices.
3. Get expert help from Great Valley Lockshop. We’ll install smart locks, surveillance cameras, and safes tailored to your home’s needs and your work setup.

Don’t let security gaps put your livelihood—or your peace of mind—at risk. Contact Great Valley Lockshop today and take the first step toward a safer, smarter remote workspace.