Many Australian small and mid-sized businesses find that setting up IT for remote work is more complicated than expected. It's not just about giving staff a laptop or internet access; there are multiple technical and security challenges that can disrupt productivity and expose the business to risks. Without a well-planned approach, remote setups can lead to frequent downtime, security breaches, or compliance issues.
Why this matters for Australian SMBs
When your team works from home, they rely on stable connections to company systems, secure handling of sensitive data, and consistent IT support. If these elements are weak, your business could face lost work hours, data loss, or even cyberattacks. For example, a staff member might use an unsecured Wi-Fi network or personal device that lacks proper security controls, increasing the chance of malware infection or data leaks. These incidents not only hurt productivity but can also damage customer trust and lead to regulatory scrutiny, especially if you handle personal information.
A typical scenario
Consider a 50-person Australian consulting firm that shifted to remote work quickly. Without a centralised IT plan, employees set up their own VPNs and file-sharing methods. One day, a staff member's device gets infected with ransomware, locking access to critical documents. The IT team struggles to restore backups because they weren't regularly tested or stored securely. The downtime lasts several days, delaying client projects and causing reputational damage. A managed IT provider could have prevented this by standardising secure remote access, enforcing regular backups, and providing ongoing monitoring and support.
Checklist: What to do about remote work IT challenges
- Ask your IT provider: How do you secure remote connections (VPN, multi-factor authentication)? What backup and recovery processes are in place for remote devices? How quickly can you respond to IT issues for remote staff?
- Review service agreements: Check response times for remote support, coverage hours, and security monitoring services. Ensure they include regular updates and patch management for remote devices.
- Internal checks: Verify that all remote devices have up-to-date antivirus and security patches. Confirm that staff use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication where possible.
- Data handling: Ensure sensitive data is accessed only through secure channels and that cloud storage complies with Australian privacy standards.
- Training: Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training focused on remote work risks like phishing or unsecured Wi-Fi.
Remote work IT setups require more than just equipment—they need a secure, managed approach tailored to your business. If your team struggles with connectivity, security, or support while working from home, it's worth consulting a trusted managed IT services provider. They can assess your current setup, recommend improvements, and help implement solutions that protect your business and keep your team productive.