With remote work now a staple, securely onboarding new hires is mission-critical. A solid remote onboarding process blends three key pillars: sound security infrastructure, engaging employee experience, and operational clarity. Here’s your guide to welcoming remote employees securely.
1. Equipment Provisioning
- Order Equipment
Order necessary Equipment and have it shipped to employee address preconfigured. Equipment should be setup with all endpoint protection and security software. - User Setup
Provision user with correct licensing and permissions. - Additional Configuration
Does this user need any special software or additional application access? Does this user require any data on their workstation be backed up?
2. Employee Awareness and Security Training
- Kick off with phishing and cybersecurity awareness
Security training should be part of onboarding, not an afterthought. Cover how to spot phishing attempts, secure home networks, and use password managers effectively. This may be provided by a training platform. - Be transparent about monitoring
If you use tools that monitor endpoints or collect security data, clearly communicate what’s being monitored and why. Transparency builds trust and ensures compliance with privacy standards.
3. Structured Onboarding & Clear Roles
- Use formal onboarding workflows
Apply the same rigor to remote onboarding as you would for in-office roles: schedule orientation sessions, assign mentors, and plan regular check-ins. - Clarify role, responsibilities, and expectations
Remote positions require extra clarity. Define deliverables, performance metrics, communication norms, and collaboration tools upfront.
4. Foster Connection & Mental Well-being
- Pair hires with mentors or “buddies”
Assign a seasoned remote colleague to help the new hire get acclimated. Encourage regular one-on-one chats to build relationships and improve cultural onboarding. - Schedule regular check-ins
Build trust and engagement through weekly meetings, both formal and casual.
5. IT Asset Coordination & Logistics
- Ship secure devices and equipment reliably
Track shipments, use secure packaging, and ensure devices are fully configured before they leave the office — including encryption, VPN, and MFA. - Plan for secure returns
Outline clear device return procedures. Include instructions for wiping data and returning equipment securely if the employee leaves the organization.
6. Continuous Review & Feedback
- Gather onboarding feedback
After 30 and 90 days, ask new hires how secure and prepared they felt during onboarding. Use their responses to refine your process. - Finetune workflow and security practices
Stay flexible and adapt your onboarding to new threats, technologies, and employee needs. Regularly review and update your procedures.
Quick Checklist for Secure Remote Onboarding
| Task | Done? |
| Device provisioned with encryption, VPN, MFA, and endpoint protection | ☐ |
| Automated, encrypted backup active | ☐ |
| Phishing/cybersecurity training scheduled | ☐ |
| Mentor/buddy assigned | ☐ |
| Role expectations and tools briefed | ☐ |
| Weekly checkins in place | ☐ |
| Asset return process communicated | ☐ |
| Feedback scheduled at 30/90 days | ☐ |
Conclusion
Secure remote onboarding is more than connectivity, t’s crafting a foundation of safety, support, and engagement. From secure device delivery and clear expectations to mental well-being and ongoing feedback, these best practices help your remote team start strong and stay protected.
