Remote Access and Mobile Computing Policy Template for Germany

A Remote Access and Mobile Computing Policy sets clear rules for how employees can safely connect to company systems and handle work data outside the office. Under German data protection laws, particularly the BDSG, these policies help organizations protect sensitive information when staff use laptops, smartphones, or home computers for work.

The policy outlines security requirements like VPN usage, device encryption, and password standards. It also explains what happens if devices are lost or stolen, aligning with German workplace regulations and EU data protection standards. Companies use these policies to balance employee flexibility with strict information security needs, especially important given Germany's robust privacy framework.

Use a Remote Access and Mobile Computing Policy before letting employees work remotely or access company systems from outside the office. This becomes essential when introducing flexible work arrangements, BYOD programs, or responding to increased mobile workforce demands under German labor laws.

The policy proves particularly valuable during business expansions, when setting up satellite offices, or transitioning to hybrid work models. It helps meet compliance requirements under the BDSG and EU data protection rules while protecting sensitive data. Many German companies implement these policies during digital transformation projects or when upgrading their IT infrastructure to support modern work arrangements.

• Basic Remote Policy: Covers fundamental VPN access rules, password requirements, and basic data protection measures - ideal for small German businesses just starting with remote work
• Comprehensive Mobile Device Policy: Includes detailed BYOD protocols, device management rules, and security standards aligned with BDSG requirements
• Hybrid Work Security Policy: Specifically designed for organizations with mixed office/remote setups, addressing both on-site and off-site access controls
• Industry-Specific Variants: Tailored versions for healthcare (addressing patient data), financial services (banking security standards), or manufacturing sectors
• Cloud-Access Policy: Focuses on secure cloud service access, SaaS application usage, and data residency requirements under German law

• IT Departments: Draft technical requirements and security protocols for the Remote Access Policy, implement monitoring systems, and manage access controls
• Legal Teams: Ensure compliance with German data protection laws, BDSG requirements, and EU regulations while reviewing policy terms
• Remote Workers: Follow policy guidelines when accessing company systems, using mobile devices, or handling sensitive data outside the office
• Data Protection Officers: Review and approve policy contents, monitor compliance, and coordinate with Works Councils
• Department Managers: Enforce policy requirements within their teams and report security incidents or compliance issues

• Technical Assessment: Map out your current IT infrastructure, remote access needs, and security capabilities
• Legal Requirements: Review BDSG data protection rules, Works Council obligations, and EU privacy regulations
• Device Inventory: List all company-provided and personal devices that will need remote access
• Risk Analysis: Identify potential security threats and data protection vulnerabilities specific to your setup
• Stakeholder Input: Gather requirements from IT, HR, legal teams, and department heads
• Policy Generation: Use our platform to create a customized, legally-compliant policy that addresses your specific needs

• Purpose Statement: Clear explanation of policy scope and objectives under German data protection law
• Access Rules: Detailed VPN protocols, authentication requirements, and approved device specifications
• Data Protection: BDSG-compliant measures for handling sensitive information and personal data
• Security Standards: Encryption requirements, password policies, and incident reporting procedures
• User Obligations: Employee responsibilities, prohibited activities, and consequences of non-compliance
• Works Council Approval: Documentation of employee representative consultation and agreement
• Review Process: Policy update procedures and periodic assessment requirements

A Remote Access and Mobile Computing Policy often gets confused with an IT and Communication Systems Policy, but they serve distinct purposes in German organizations. While both address technology use, their scope and focus differ significantly.

• Scope and Coverage: Remote Access policies specifically target off-site system access and mobile device usage, while IT policies cover all technology use, including in-office systems
• Security Focus: Remote Access policies emphasize external security threats and VPN protocols, whereas IT policies address broader technology management and acceptable use
• Regulatory Alignment: Remote Access policies primarily align with BDSG remote work requirements, while IT policies cover general technical compliance
• Implementation: Remote Access policies require specific security configurations and mobile device management tools, unlike IT policies which focus on general system usage rules