Updated October 2026. Originally published January 30, 2025.
Remote and hybrid work have settled into a permanent part of how businesses operate, and the IT behind them now matters as much as the office. In March 2026, 22.6% of U.S. workers teleworked or worked from home for pay, a rate that has held between 21.5% and 23% for a year (BLS). In financial services the share is far higher: 52.5% of workers in financial activities teleworked in June 2026 (BLS).
Finding the right balance
Remote work is no longer a trend to watch; it’s an operating decision. The key is deciding how much remote work fits your business. Some roles need people on site, handling physical products or hands-on tasks. Many others can be done well from anywhere, which widens the talent pool you can hire from.
What a remote-ready business needs
Cloud services and IT management. Moving from on-premises systems to cloud services adds flexibility, but it requires well-managed infrastructure. Remember that in the cloud you still own the security of your data, user accounts and devices (Microsoft Learn).
Secure remote access. Remote access is now a top target. Verizon found edge devices and VPNs rose from 3% to 22% of the systems attackers exploited in a single year (SecurityWeek). Patch VPNs and firewalls quickly, require MFA on every remote login, and consider zero-trust tools that connect users only to the applications they need.
Phishing-resistant sign-ins. Remote workers can’t walk down the hall to check whether a request is real. CISA calls phishing-resistant MFA, such as passkeys and security keys, the “gold standard” (CISA).
Hybrid work policies. Clear policies on devices, home networks, data handling and approved AI tools protect the business and give employees clarity. Verizon found 45% of employees now regularly use AI on corporate devices, and many reach those tools through personal accounts (Verizon DBIR).
IT aligned with business goals. Technology choices should follow your strategy. At Starfish Computer, we look not just at the tools but at how they move your business forward, planning for both immediate needs and long-term growth.
Businesses that plan for distributed work now will be better positioned than those that keep patching together short-term fixes.
Plan your remote work strategy with Starfish Computer
Whether you’re considering a hybrid model or tightening the security of an existing one, Starfish Computer can help you build the right foundation. Contact us to discuss how secure, well-planned IT can support a connected and adaptable workplace.
Protect your business: start with an assessment
The question isn’t whether your business will face a cyber threat, but whether you’ll be ready when it does. Since 1994, Starfish Computer Corporation has helped businesses across Northeast Ohio:
Assess current security posture and risk
Plan a cybersecurity roadmap aligned to NIST CSF 2.0
Implement the right tools and processes for your size and budget
Train your team on today’s threats, including AI-driven scams
Support and improve your security over time
Call (440) 808-0468 or visit starfishcomputer.com to schedule a security assessment.
About the author
R.J. Arhar is President of Starfish Computer Corporation. He has more than 35 years of experience in IT, served as a consultant to the National Institutes of Health, led IT operations for an international security company with more than 8,000 users, and is the author of Attack or Defend – When is Enough Cybersecurity Enough?
This post provides general cybersecurity guidance. Requirements vary by industry and business. Statistics are current as of October 2026; consult Starfish Computer Corporation for a plan tailored to your risk profile.