What is the Best Software for Data Security for Remote Employees?

The rise of remote work has fundamentally reshaped how we do business, opening up new opportunities for flexibility and productivity.

But with this freedom comes a serious responsibility: protecting sensitive data in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape.

Sensitive data is now at greater risk than ever, with employees connecting from home offices, coffee shops, and even unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Every one of these access points is a potential doorway for cybercriminals.

For industries like finance, healthcare, and the public sector, where data protection and compliance are non-negotiable, the stakes are high. Organizations must act now to secure their systems. 

The question is: What is the best software for data security for remote employees?

Whether your team is fully remote or hybrid, let’s give you some insights you need to safeguard your sensitive data and thrive in this new era of work.

Essential Security Features for Remote Work

When it comes to securing remote employees, not all software is created equal!

The best software for data security is purpose-built to navigate the complexities of remote work while adhering to strict industry regulations. Core features such as encryption, access control, and real-time monitoring are indispensable in crafting a reliable security framework. 

To identify what the best software for data security for remote employees is, we’ll need to analyze them based on the most important features for remote teams.

Encryption Capabilities

Whether data is being transmitted across the internet or stored locally on a device, encryption plays a huge role in maintaining its confidentiality. 

For remote employees, end-to-end encryption safeguards data as it travels between an employee’s device and the company’s servers, even when operating over unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi, mitigating significant security risks.

Organizations should prioritize software that uses advanced encryption standards, such as AES-256, which is widely regarded as unbreakable by modern computing power.

This is where device encryption software ensures that sensitive data stored on laptops and mobile devices remains secure, even if the device is lost or stolen.

Related: 10 Data Breach Recovery Steps You Can’t Afford to Skip

Access Control

Access control is especially important in remote work environments, where employees may be using personal devices or sharing networks with others. 

Role-based access control (RBAC) and the principle of least privilege (POLP) are both fundamental approaches within access control that limit access to sensitive data based on an employee’s role, reducing the risk of accidental or malicious exposure.

Good software (which we’ll touch on below!) takes this a step further with granular access controls, letting administrators set detailed permissions for users. 

It’s also important that these tools work with Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems, so that user identities and access rights can be managed in one place. 

Additionally, adopting a zero-trust security model — where no user or device is trusted by default—is the ultimate protection for remote work scenarios.

Monitoring Tools

Real-time monitoring represents a leap of advancement for data security, allowing organizations to detect and respond to threats before they escalate, minimizing potential damage. 

For remote employees, monitoring tools can identify unusual behavior, such as repeated failed login attempts or large data transfers, which may indicate a security breach.

Effective monitoring tools don’t just alert security teams to potential issues, but provide actionable insights that help resolve them quickly.

Qohash’s Qostodian Platform excels in real-time tracking of sensitive data, making it an invaluable tool for organizations with remote workforces. Request a demo today!

Best Software for Data Security for Remote Employees

These tools cover everything from encryption and access control to monitoring, mobile device management, and compliance, ensuring comprehensive protection for your organization.

We’ve categorized it by software types, with examples in each one, because we want you to know the reasoning behind the software and have the freedom to explore different types within that umbrella.

1. VPN Platforms

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between an employee’s device and the company’s network, making these a staple when it comes to remote work security. This prevents hackers from intercepting sensitive data, particularly on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. 

Popular VPN solutions like NordLayer and Cisco AnyConnect are highly regarded for their robust encryption capabilities, intuitive user interfaces, and seamless integration with broader security ecosystems, making them indispensable tools for protecting remote work environments.

Related: Our Predictions of Unstructured Data Protection in 2025

2. Endpoint Protection

Endpoint protection software secures the devices employees use to access company resources, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. These tools protect against malware, ransomware, and other threats that can compromise sensitive data. 

Leading endpoint protection platforms like Symantec Endpoint Protection and CrowdStrike Falcon offer advanced threat detection, device encryption, and centralized management for IT teams.

3. Cloud Security Tools

As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based platforms, securing these environments has become a top priority. 

Cloud security tools protect data stored in and accessed from the cloud, offering features like encryption, access control, and data loss prevention. 

Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud are two standout options in this category. These remote access management tools ensure that employees can securely access company resources from anywhere without compromising sensitive data.

4. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM solutions are essential for managing user identities and access rights across an organization. They provide features like single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and centralized user management, making it easier to enforce security policies. 

Okta and Entra ID (formerly Microsoft Azure Active Directory) are two of the most popular IAM tools on the market.

5. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

DLP software prevents unauthorized sharing or leakage of sensitive data, whether intentional or accidental. 

These tools use content inspection and policy enforcement to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Forcepoint DLP and McAfee Total Protection are excellent choices for organizations looking to safeguard their data.

6. Secure File Sharing Solutions

Collaboration is key in remote work, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of security. Secure file-sharing solutions like Box, Citrix ShareFile, and Tresorit offer encryption, access control, and audit trails to protect sensitive documents during collaboration.

7. Email Security Platforms

Email security platforms like Mimecast and Proofpoint protect against phishing, malware, and data leakage, ensuring that sensitive information stays secure.

8. Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile device management solutions, such as VMware Workspace ONE and Microsoft Intune, help organizations secure and control employee devices used for work. 

Features like remote wipe, device tracking, and app management make these tools indispensable for remote workforces.

9. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM tools aggregate and analyze security data from across an organization, providing real-time alerts and actionable insights. Splunk and IBM QRadar are two leading SIEM solutions that help organizations detect and respond to threats quickly.

10. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Tools

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to user authentication, making it harder for attackers to gain access to sensitive systems. 

Duo Security and Google Authenticator are two popular MFA tools that offer a range of authentication methods, from push notifications to biometric verification.

Protect sensitive information across your organization with Qohash’s Qostodian platform. Its real-time tracking and risk mitigation features make it an essential tool for remote work security. Request a demo today!

11. Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)

DSPM solutions provide continuous visibility and control over sensitive data across an organization’s entire environment, including cloud services, on-premises storage, and endpoint devices.

These platforms help organizations understand where their sensitive data resides, who has access to it, and how it’s being used.

Tools like our Qostodian platform offer real-time monitoring of sensitive data movement, automated risk assessment, and compliance monitoring.

DSPM solutions are particularly valuable for remote work environments where data is constantly moving between various locations and devices.

Tips for Seamless Implementation and Deployment

IT teams must evaluate what the best software for data security for remote employees is by assessing how well solutions integrate with existing systems.

The best security software is only as effective as its implementation.

To maximize the benefits of your chosen solutions, it’s essential to follow best practices for deployment and employee training. 

Employee Training Programs

Employees are often the weakest link in an organization’s security chain.

Training programs can help them understand the importance of data security and how to use the tools provided effectively. Tailor training sessions to different roles within the organization, and provide ongoing education to keep employees informed about emerging threats.

Phased Rollout Strategy

Rolling out new security software all at once can be overwhelming and risky. A phased approach allows organizations to test solutions with a small group of employees, gather feedback, and address any issues before full deployment. This strategy minimizes disruptions and ensures a smoother transition.

Performance Monitoring

Once your security software is in place, it’s important to monitor its performance to ensure it meets your organization’s needs. 

Metrics like system uptime, response times, and user feedback can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that your solutions are delivering the desired results.

Related: Why Shadow IT Risks Are Growing (And How to Stop Them)

Secure Your Remote Workforce with Qohash

Our Qostodian platform offers comprehensive data security monitoring, real-time tracking of sensitive data elements, and proactive notifications to keep your organization one step ahead of potential threats. 

For organizations needing lightning-fast data discovery, Qostodian Recon offers unmatched capabilities, providing a powerful way to locate and address high-risk data. Best of all, it operates offline, ensuring your sensitive information stays within your control at all times.

Request a demo today to learn more!