Remote workforce technologies for secure work
The rise of remote work and its challenges
Modern remote teams now rely heavily on cloud-based solutions to maintain productivity and security. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, approximately 22–28% of the global workforce works remotely at least part-time. Meanwhile, based on Gallup research, 83% of workers say hybrid models are their preferred work environment. This shift has compelled organizations to invest in robust remote work infrastructure, from collaboration platforms and remote work tools to secure cloud-based data storage.
However, the surge in distributed work brings challenges. IT teams must balance productivity with risk by choosing remote work tools that reinforce access controls, identity verification, and secure data exchange. As remote work infrastructures scale, companies increasingly deploy cloud-based solutions and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) frameworks to streamline operations and reduce attack surfaces.
Without careful planning, remote environments risk fragmentation, shadow IT, and compliance gaps—all of which can hinder business resilience and long-term growth.
The best remote work technologies in 2026
Organizations should employ a suite of technologies for working remotely. These cover critical areas like cloud storage, project management, communication, data security, and secure remote access. Let’s see what are the top options in each category.
Cloud storage tools
Remote work teams should use secure cloud storage to host workloads and communication apps. Secure platforms apply encryption to protect data at rest. Furthermore, firewalls block illegitimate external access, and physical controls protect data centers.
Cloud platforms couple security with ease of use, meaning remote users can share files and databases instantly. Moreover, teams can update work documents, client databases, or code bases in real time. And cloud data protection tools keep the workloads safe from external intruders.
It usually makes sense to build remote work setups around cloud environments. But which cloud services provider should you choose?
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
This is a popular option for cloud storage. Azure Bastion provides secure shell access for remote connections. It also features the ability to create virtual desktop infrastructure with ease. That way, remote employees can access central resources without storing data locally.
Microsoft’s cloud platform has other remote security benefits. Learn more by reading our Entra ID best practices guide.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is another good cloud storage option and virtual workspace. For instance, it’s ideal for creatives working remotely who need virtual workstations for graphic design or video production.
Users can encrypt data easily and manage data retention policies. And they can track data movements between home and cloud locations.
Finally, cybersecurity is very tight if you follow AWS security best practices.
Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers excellent document storage and editing features. Flexible bucket storage is a core feature of Google’s platform. When cloud services fail in one region, remote workers can access workloads hosted elsewhere.
Google’s storage systems scale smoothly. They are fitted with critical remote security tools like encryption, cloud-native access controls, signed URLs, and data retention locks. By following Google Cloud security best practices, you can design a remote work solution that secures data and serves employee needs.
Project management
Managing projects is a crucial aspect of any remote workplace. Managers need to set targets and monitor employee progress. They need awareness of project achievements. Finally, they require the ability to change plans as projects develop.Cloud platforms couple security with ease of use, meaning remote users can share files and databases instantly. Moreover, teams can update work documents, client databases, or code bases in real time. And cloud data protection tools keep the workloads safe from external intruders.
It usually makes sense to build remote work setups around cloud environments. But which cloud services provider should you choose?
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
This is a popular option for cloud storage. Azure Bastion provides secure shell access for remote connections. It also features the ability to create virtual desktop infrastructure with ease. That way, remote employees can access central resources without storing data locally.
Microsoft’s cloud platform has other remote security benefits. Learn more by reading our Entra ID best practices guide.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is another good cloud storage option and virtual workspace. For instance, it’s ideal for creatives working remotely who need virtual workstations for graphic design or video production.
Users can encrypt data easily and manage data retention policies. And they can track data movements between home and cloud locations.
Finally, cybersecurity is very tight if you follow AWS security best practices.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers excellent document storage and editing features. Flexible bucket storage is a core feature of Google’s platform. When cloud services fail in one region, remote workers can access workloads hosted elsewhere.
Google’s storage systems scale smoothly. They are fitted with critical remote security tools like encryption, cloud-native access controls, signed URLs, and data retention locks. By following Google Cloud security best practices, you can design a remote work solution that secures data and serves employee needs.
Project management
Managing projects is a crucial aspect of any remote workplace. Managers need to set targets and monitor employee progress. They need awareness of project achievements. Finally, they require the ability to change plans as projects develop.
Cloud platforms couple security with ease of use, meaning remote users can share files and databases instantly. Moreover, teams can update work documents, client databases, or code bases in real time. And cloud data protection tools keep the workloads safe from external intruders.
It usually makes sense to build remote work setups around cloud environments. But which cloud services provider should you choose?
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
This is a popular option for cloud storage. Azure Bastion provides secure shell access for remote connections. It also features the ability to create virtual desktop infrastructure with ease. That way, remote employees can access central resources without storing data locally.
Microsoft’s cloud platform has other remote security benefits. Learn more by reading our Entra ID best practices guide.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is another good cloud storage option and virtual workspace. For instance, it’s ideal for creatives working remotely who need virtual workstations for graphic design or video production.
Users can encrypt data easily and manage data retention policies. And they can track data movements between home and cloud locations.
Finally, cybersecurity is very tight if you follow AWS security best practices.
Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers excellent document storage and editing features. Flexible bucket storage is a core feature of Google’s platform. When cloud services fail in one region, remote workers can access workloads hosted elsewhere.
Google’s storage systems scale smoothly. They are fitted with critical remote security tools like encryption, cloud-native access controls, signed URLs, and data retention locks. By following Google Cloud security best practices, you can design a remote work solution that secures data and serves employee needs.
Project management tools make these tasks much more manageable. What’s more, they give an overall awareness to their users. Also, some solutions enable detailed worker surveillance via time-tracking tools.
Jira
Atlassian’s Jira platform is a good solution for creating a flexible remote team. Targeted at code developers, Jira enables complete awareness of production status. Managers can track progress with productivity reports and timeline tools. In the meantime, task management hubs allow them to set flexible workflows for each remote employee.
Jira is a solid option for DevOps teams that depend on distributed remote workers. That’s because it blends flexibility and security. For instance, users can encrypt data at rest and in transit, and they can set permissions for each object. NordLayer’s guide to Jira security best practices offers a comprehensive overview of the product’s remote security features.
Microsoft Teams
Teams is the most popular platform for remote work operations. However, it doesn’t include native project management features.
Instead, users can create integrations with third-party management tools like Monday or Brightworks. These tools link together the video conferencing and messaging functions that make Teams useful. And they let managers schedule events and track progress easily.
Microsoft Teams is part of Office 365. This suite allows easy assimilation of Excel or Word into remote workflows. But this solution might come with security vulnerabilities. Learn more by reading our blog about Office 365 best practices.
Figma
Product designers rely on Figma to collaborate and develop ideas. The platform’s Juncture tool enables in-depth workflow management for every team and product. Co-creation spaces bring workers together to share prototypes or test apps. And tools like FigJam provide online whiteboards, making it easy for teams to collaborate instantly.
Figma is an excellent development platform for remote teams. But as with Microsoft Teams, it’s not entirely secure. Therefore, be sure to implement Figma security best practices before teams go online.
