Why VPNs Aren’t Enough Anymore
In a world of remote work, traditional security strategies are falling short. VPNs, password complexity, and firewalls can’t protect a company when devices are scattered across homes, cafes, and co-working spaces. That’s why secure remote IT access now demands more thoughtful, layered controls.
At Calm, Head of IT Cal Krome takes a modern approach—built around device trust, access control, and user empowerment.
One Identity, Many Safeguards
Cal’s team uses Okta to consolidate authentication across all platforms. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control. From Google Workspace to AWS, access policies are unified, monitored, and enforced through a single platform.
But access doesn’t stop at login. “We use device trust,” Cal says. “We need to know that login is coming from a machine we manage.” That’s a critical layer—especially when employees work from anywhere.
“If someone’s using a personal computer that’s compromised, no password policy will protect you.”
Smarter Access, Not Slower Access
Security can’t come at the cost of usability. That’s why Cal pairs strong controls with streamlined workflows. Employees request access through an internal catalog—no tickets, no bottlenecks. Policies adapt based on the user’s role, location, and device security posture.
This dynamic, contextual model gives users what they need without delay—while keeping sensitive systems locked down.
The Invisible Layer of Protection
Calm’s stack includes endpoint management, MDM, and geo-aware rules. If an employee logs in from an unrecognized location or an unmanaged device, access is restricted. But from the user’s perspective, the system just works.
That’s the goal: security that feels invisible.
By taking away complexity and layering in smart automation, Cal’s team protects company data without creating IT friction.
Final Thought: Control What You Can Trust
In distributed environments, perimeter-based security is a thing of the past. What matters now is identity, context, and trust. Cal Krome’s model of secure remote IT access isn’t about locking people out—it’s about letting the right people in, the right way.
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Based on a podcast interview with Cal Krome, Head of IT at Calm
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