As the Defense Industrial Base continues shifting toward hybrid and remote work models, organizations are learning that Controlled Unclassified Information must be protected well beyond traditional office spaces. The obligation to safeguard this information remains the same regardless of where an employee works. However, remote environments often introduce risks that many organizations were not originally prepared to manage.
Controlled Unclassified Information represents sensitive but unclassified data that supports federal operations, defense programs, and national security.
For defense contractors, this may include:
| Technical documentation | |
| Procurement and contract data | |
| System configurations | |
| Mission related or operational information |
As organizations transition to flexible work arrangements, they face several new risks that can significantly increase the likelihood of exposing Controlled Unclassified Information.
Common vulnerabilities include:
| Personal or unmanaged devices that lack proper monitoring and security controls | |
| Home Wi- Fi networks that may not meet required encryption or configuration standards | |
| Shared environments where others can view or access sensitive information | |
| Reduced visibility into user activity and device behavior outside the corporate network | |
| Improper handling of printed information, including unsecured storage or disposal |
If these risks remain unaddressed, organizations can quickly find themselves out of compliance or dealing with preventable security incidents.
Remote work changes how users interact with information, and protections must be adapted accordingly.
Mitigating remote work risks requires strong technical safeguards that secure every access point and device. Critical controls include:
| Enforced virtual private network access for all remote activity involving Controlled Unclassified Information | |
| Encryption through Transport Layer Security and multi-factor authentication for secure communication | |
| Managed endpoints that meet compliance baselines for configuration, logging, and monitoring | |
| Managed Endpoint Detection and Response for continuous oversight and automated threat protection | |
| Security Operations Center as a Service for around the clock monitoring and response | |
| Remote wipe capabilities to protect data if a device is lost or stolen |
When implemented consistently, these controls create a reliable technical foundation for secure remote operations and long-term compliance.
Printed Controlled Unclassified Information must be stored in locked cabinets or safes and destroyed using approved shredding methods. Limiting printing is often the safest approach. When employees maintain strong physical security habits, organizations reduce the chance of accidental exposure or unauthorized access.
Effective compliance depends heavily on user behavior, which makes well developed remote work policies essential.
These policies should define:
| Acceptable device usage | |
| Requirements for accessing, storing, and transmitting Controlled Unclassified Information | |
| Rules for printing and disposing of sensitive information | |
| Physical security expectations for home offices and temporary locations | |
| Restrictions on personal devices and unapproved applications |
Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in remote environments can stretch internal resources, especially as compliance expectations evolve. MAD Security works closely with organizations to strengthen their remote work posture and reduce risk through a combination of cybersecurity operations and compliance expertise. Our support includes Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification readiness, Managed Endpoint Detection and Response, Managed Network Detection and Response, Managed Email Security, and continuous monitoring through our Security Operations Center.
We also assist with readiness assessments, policy development, and real time incident response guidance. By combining comprehensive security operations with deep compliance knowledge, organizations gain a complete and dependable approach to securing information anywhere work takes place.
Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in hybrid and remote environments requires a coordinated approach that blends technical safeguards, physical protections, and clear user expectations. As flexible work models continue expanding, organizations must ensure their security and compliance programs extend beyond the office and support employees wherever they work.
If your organization is ready to strengthen its remote security posture, our team is prepared to guide you every step of the way.
Original Publish Date: December 30, 2025
By: MAD Security