Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer or part of a growing remote team, choosing the right IT support company has never been more important than it has today in 2025.
With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and remote work now the norm for many, it’s important that your home setup is just as secure as any corporate office. Good IT support providers don’t just fix problems, they prevent them. And when you’re working from home, your IT environment is your workplace, so it has to be protected accordingly.
In this blog, we’re going to walk you through 5 essential things to consider when choosing an IT support company, along with some advice that you could apply immediately to boost your home security. From device protection to VPNs and employee awareness, let’s get started.
1. Do they prioritise cyber security for remote work?
With remote and hybrid work becoming the new standard, your IT support company must have a strong focus on home based cybersecurity. This is not just about office networks; your personal devices, your home Wi-Fi, and even your smart speakers can present vulnerabilities.
Your IT partner should be equipped to secure a variety of devices in your home, including desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. They should also help you to set up endpoint security tools that actively monitor and block threats as they happen, and advise on secure configurations for cloud services such as Microsoft 365 or Dropbox. It’s also important that they help you to understand which apps or devices are risky to use for work, especially when it comes to personal tech being used for professional tasks.
An IT provider that offers 24/7 monitoring or alerts is a major bonus as threats don’t keep office hours.
What to look for:
- You want security audits specifically tailored for home setups.
- Look for advice and tools for endpoint protection such as anti malware and firewall software.
- Find a provider that can offer guidance on setting up VPNs to encrypt Internet traffic.
What you can do now:
- Get started with antivirus software on all your devices.
- Use a VPN whenever you access sensitive files, company systems, or public Wi-Fi.
- Update your home router password and the latest firmware.
A quality IT support company can work with you through these steps and recommend reliable tools that suit your needs and budget.
2. Do they help with strong passwords and multifactor authentication?
Passwords are your first line of defence, but they can also be one of the easiest ways that hackers gain access to your information. If your passwords are weak or reused across multiple websites, you’re putting your data, and possibly your client’s data, at risk.
Strong password policies aren’t just for corporations. A good IT support company should implement tools that encourage and enforce strong password practices for remote users. Usually this would include secure password generators, centralised password managers and mandatory password changes at regular intervals.
Also, they should ensure multi factor authentication is present and turned on wherever possible. This significantly reduces the chance of a breach by requiring a second step to verify your identity, even if your password is compromised. Always look out for an IT provider that offers training on how to use multi factor authentication apps and explains the importance of backup codes and recovery options.
What to look for:
- Support with setting up multi factor authentication across e-mail, cloud storage and collaboration tools.
- Password management solutions recommended and configured for you.
- Training on best practices for creating and storing passwords securely.
What you can do now:
- Turn on multi factor authentication for every service that offers it, especially e-mail, banking and cloud tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
- User password manager to generate and store complex unique passwords for every account.
- Avoid writing down passwords or saving them without any encryption.
The right IT support company can ensure your logins are locked down and secure.
3. Are they proactive about software updates and patching?
One of the easiest ways that hackers gain access into your systems is through outdated software. Apps, operating systems and firmware regularly release patches to fix known vulnerabilities, and if you’re not updating this regularly, you’re opening your doors to trouble.
A good IT support provider will automate this process to make it easier for you. They’ll also notify you when a manual intervention may be needed. This won’t just apply to your main device either. This also extends to external third party software like Zoom, Chrome extensions, Adobe products and even the operating system on your smartphone. A professional IT support company will help you to prioritise which updates you should be looking to do and which ones you should make sure you’re never left behind with.
What to look for:
- Automated patch management services.
- Advice on legacy systems and whether they pose a security risk.
- Regular system checks to ensure updates are applied correctly.
What you can do now:
- Turn on automatic updates for Windows, Mac and mobile devices.
- Check for updates on software like Zoom, Adobe and browser extensions.
- Update the firmware on your home router. This is often overlooked but critical.
You need the burden taken off your plate while ensuring that your tech is always protected.
4. Are they offering support with Wi-Fi security and physical protection?
Your home’s Wi-Fi is a gateway to your digital world, and if it’s not secure, everything that’s connected to it will be vulnerable. This includes personal photos, financial information, work files, and more.
Many work from home individuals assume that their router is secure out-of-the-box, but that is rarely the case. An experienced IT support company can review your Wi-Fi network for vulnerabilities such as open ports, default admin credentials, and weak encryption protocols.
They may also recommend network segmentation, for example, keeping your work devices on a separate Wi-Fi channel from your family’s personal devices. On the physical side, they can advise on laptop locks, safes for external drives and what to do if a device is lost or stolen. Even if you’re the only person in your household, it’s always wise to treat your work setup with the same level of security as an office desk.
What to look for:
- Help with setting up a secure home network.
- Physical security tips for laptops and external drives.
- Hardware recommendations for things like business grade routers or firewalls.
What you can do now:
- Change the default login credentials on your router as soon as you can.
- Set your Wi-Fi to use WPA3 encryption.
- When not in use, keep your work devices in a locked drawer or cabinet.
- Use privacy screens to keep onlookers from viewing sensitive information during calls or on flights.
The best IT support companies will treat your Home Office as seriously as they would a traditional office space.
5. Do they educate and empower you?
Technology changes very quickly and one of the best defences against cyber threats is the awareness that you have.
A great IT support company doesn’t just offer solutions, but they’ll help you to understand how to use them confidently. Training should cover everything from identifying phishing scams and safe file sharing practices to how to respond in the event of a data breach.
Whether it’s a one person operation or a remote team, your IT provider should tailor sessions to suit different levels of technical ability. You may end up with Cheat Sheets, short training videos to follow over again, or monthly newsletters with current threat updates.
Education is empowering and it helps you to make smarter decisions, reduces human error, and increases your resilience.
What to look for:
- Security training tailored for remote workers or small businesses.
- Clear, jargon free explanations.
- Regular updates on new threats or technology changes.
What you can do now:
- Be aware of phishing emails. Lookout for unusual language, unexpected links, or requests for login details.
- Schedule monthly security reviews for yourself or your team.
- Encourage a culture of awareness. Talk to housemates or family members about security boundaries when working from home.
The best IT partners empower you with the knowledge to make smarter decisions every day.
Why the right IT support company matters
The right IT support company is about so much more than just fixing a laptop when it breaks. This is a partnership because having a trusted team that helps you to stay productive and secure and ready for anything matters.
The ideal IT support partner should provide personalized advice tailored to your home setup, with fast, friendly help when things go wrong. They should be able to offer you ongoing protection through updates, monitoring, and training. And they should have a focus on prevention, not just reaction. All of that should be topped off with scalable support as your needs grow.
As more professionals embrace remote work, the lines between home and business IT will continue to blur, so having an IT support company understands both worlds is essential.
Are you looking for an IT support company that speaks your language, understands the challenges of working from home and puts security front and centre? We’re here to help. Get in touch today for a consultation and let’s make your Home Office smarter, safer and more resilient.