Remote workforce security is now one of the biggest challenges for SMEs—because your team no longer works in just one place.
Remember when everyone worked in the same office, on the same network, using the same desktop computers? Those days are gone.
Today, your workforce is everywhere:
- Some work from home
- Some split their time between the office and remote work
- Some are on the road, visiting clients
- Some are logging in from a cottage in West Cork, and others from a coworking space in Dublin
Flexible work is no longer a perk—it’s normal.
In fact, Microsoft research shows that 80% of SME employees now prefer flexible working arrangements. And businesses are listening—because they know that to keep the best talent, they need to offer flexibility.
But here’s the problem:
Managing and securing a flexible workforce isn’t as easy as it sounds.
The Challenges of Flexible Work
When your team is spread across multiple locations—and often using multiple devices—your IT management gets complicated fast.
Here are the common headaches we hear from SMEs:
- “How do we make sure everyone’s devices are secure?”
- “What happens if a laptop is lost or stolen?”
- “How do we onboard new staff remotely without weeks of hassle?”
- “What if someone leaves—how do we remove their access to our systems quickly?”
If you’re still relying on manual processes, spreadsheets of passwords, or outdated IT systems, flexible working can start to feel like a security nightmare.
The Reality: SMEs Are at Risk
Flexible work has changed the security landscape, especially for SMEs.
According to Microsoft Ireland, only 34% of SMEs feel confident managing their devices and security remotely. That means most businesses are flying blind.
Cybercriminals know this. They’re targeting SMEs because:
- Staff are using personal devices
- Security policies are inconsistent
- IT teams are stretched thin
- Access to company data is often poorly controlled
The risks include:
- Data breaches
- Ransomware attacks
- GDPR violations (with potential fines)
- Lost or stolen devices exposing sensitive information
Why Traditional IT Doesn’t Work Anymore
When everyone worked in the office, security was simpler:
- The firewall protected your network
- IT could manually update devices
- If someone left, you just collected their laptop
Now? It’s a different world.
Your employees might be:
- Using personal laptops
- Logging in from unsecured Wi-Fi
- Accessing company files on multiple devices
- Working across different time zones or locations
The Smart Way to Manage Flexible Teams
Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated.
With the right tools, you can:
- Protect your company data
- Manage devices remotely
- Onboard and offboard staff quickly
- Support flexible working—without increasing your stress levels
Meet Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory
At Viatec, we help SMEs manage flexible teams using Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Don’t worry—these aren’t complicated techy things. They’re practical tools that make managing your IT simpler.
What Is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is cloud-based software that lets you manage all your company’s devices remotely. That includes:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Desktops
With Intune, you can:
- Install apps and updates remotely
- Apply security settings automatically
- Lock or wipe devices if they’re lost or stolen
- Make sure personal and business data are kept separate
It means you stay in control—without physically touching the devices.
What Is Azure Active Directory?
Azure AD manages who can access what in your business.
It allows you to:
- Control logins and permissions
- Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for extra security
- Use Single Sign-On (SSO) so staff don’t have to remember dozens of passwords
- Instantly remove access when someone leaves the company
No more worrying about ex-employees still having access to your files.
Simplifying Onboarding and Offboarding
With Intune and Azure AD, setting up new employees is easy. You can:
- Create new accounts in minutes
- Pre-configure devices before they arrive
- Automatically install the apps and permissions they need
- Manage everything remotely
And when someone leaves? You can revoke access with a click.
Why It Matters for GDPR Compliance
Under GDPR, you’re legally responsible for protecting customer data. That includes:
- Knowing where your data is
- Controlling who can access it
- Keeping it secure—whether your staff are in the office or not
With Intune and Azure AD, you can:
- Track device usage
- Enforce encryption policies
- Generate reports for audits
- Prove you’ve taken reasonable steps to protect your data
That’s peace of mind for you—and for your customers.
Conclusion: Flexible Working Without the Stress
Your team wants to work flexibly. Your business needs to stay secure. The good news is—you don’t have to choose between the two.
With Viatec’s Modern Workplace solution, you get the tools to manage devices remotely, protect your data, support hybrid teams and keep your staff productive—wherever they are.
Let’s have a chat about how we can help you build a flexible, secure workplace that works for your business today—and tomorrow.
