The best way to get secure remote access over the holidays is to check your devices, accounts and connections before you leave the office. Turn on multi-factor authentication, update your software and know who to call if something breaks. It takes about an hour, and it saves you a very bad Monday.
What is the safest way to work remotely over the holidays?
The safest way is to use company-approved tools on updated devices, protected by multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) means you prove who you are with two things, such as a password and a code on your phone.
Holiday work is different from normal remote work. You may be at a relative’s house, in an airport or on a hotel network. You may also be on a personal laptop because you did not plan to work at all. As a result, small gaps appear. A little prep closes most of them.
What should be on your pre-holiday checklist?
Your checklist should cover five things: devices, sign-ins, connections, files and support. Here is the short version to run through before you log off.
- Update your devices. Install pending updates on your laptop, phone and tablet. Restart them so the updates actually apply.
- Check MFA on every work account. Email, file storage and your remote access tool should all ask for a second step. If one does not, tell your IT team now.
- Test your remote access. Log in from home before you travel. A failed login on December 23 is no fun.
- Take only what you need. Leave sensitive files on company systems instead of copying them to a laptop or USB drive.
- Save your support contacts. Know who to call, and how, if you get locked out or see something odd.
- Lock your screen and devices. Use a strong passcode and set automatic locking, especially when traveling.
If you own the business, add one more item: confirm who has admin access and remove anyone who no longer needs it.
Is public Wi-Fi safe for working remotely?
Public Wi-Fi is risky enough that you should avoid it for work when you can. Anyone can join an open network, and you cannot tell who else is on it. Some networks are even set up to look like the real one.
A better option is your phone’s hotspot. It is private, and it is usually good enough for email and documents. If you must use shared Wi-Fi, connect through your company’s approved VPN or remote access tool. A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and your office systems.
Also check the network name with the hotel or café staff before you connect. It sounds fussy. However, it takes ten seconds and avoids the lookalike problem.
How do you keep secure remote access from slipping when everyone is away?
You keep it steady by making the secure path the easy path. People take shortcuts when the right tool is slow or confusing. Over the holidays, that often means forwarding files to personal email or using an unapproved app.
Make it simple. Tell staff which tools are approved and where files should live. Share one clear way to report problems. For example, a short message before the break is often enough.
Phishing also tends to rise when inboxes are busy and people are distracted. Fake shipping notices, gift card requests and “urgent” invoices are common. Slow down on anything unexpected. If a request involves money or passwords, confirm it by phone using a number you already know.
AI tools deserve a mention too. Staff may paste work details into a chatbot to finish something quickly. Shadow AI means people using AI tools at work without the company knowing. We take a “Bring Your Own AI” approach at Haber Group: people can use AI, with clear guardrails instead of bans. Our AI governance for small business in NYC page explains more.
Who should you call if something goes wrong?
Call your IT provider or help desk first, and do it quickly. Waiting rarely makes a problem smaller. If you clicked a suspicious link or lost a device, say so right away. Nobody needs to be embarrassed. Speed is what matters.
If you have a managed IT partner, ask before the break how holiday coverage works. Our help desk standard at Haber Group is 96% response, 97% resolution, and we want you to know where to turn before you need us. You can see how we organize reactive support, proactive care and strategic guidance on our services page.
For a small internal team, co-managed IT may help. It means your in-house person or team works alongside an outside provider, sharing the load. That can keep coverage in place when your one IT person is on vacation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a VPN to work from home?
Not always. Many companies now use secure cloud tools that protect your connection in other ways. Ask your IT team which method your company uses, and follow it.
Can I use my personal laptop for work?
Only if your company allows it. A personal device may lack the updates, security software and controls that a managed device has. If it is allowed, keep it updated, use MFA and avoid saving work files locally.
What if I think my account was compromised?
Contact your IT provider immediately and change your password from a device you trust. Do not wait until after the holiday. Share what you clicked or entered, since that helps them act faster.
Talk to Haber Group before you head out
If you would like a second set of eyes on your remote setup, we are happy to talk. Haber Group has supported New York businesses for 25+ years, and we keep things friendly and jargon-free. You can contact us here. If AI use is on your mind, our free Shadow AI assessment is a good place to start. Happy holidays, and enjoy the time off.
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