Hi all, we are hiring a remote worker and will be supplying a laptop to them. The laptop will be running a Debian variant of Linux on it.

We are a small shop and this is the first time we have entrusted somebody outside of our small pool of trusted employees.

We have sensitive client data on the laptop that they need to access for their day-to-day work.

However, if something goes wrong, and they do the wrong thing, we want to be able to send out some kind of command or similar, that will completely lock, block, or wipe the sensitive data.

We don’t want any form of spying or tracking. We are not interested in seeing how they use the computer, or any of the logs. We just want to be able to delete that data, or block access, if they don’t return the laptop when they leave, or if they steal the laptop, or if they do the wrong thing.

What systems are in place in the world of Linux that could do this?

Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated? Thank you.

  • dan@upvote.au
    9·
    5 hours ago

    As someone else said, I’d go with an MDM vendor instead of trying to build something yourself.

    The most secure thing would be to have the person connect to a remote server and do all their work on the remote server, essentially just using the laptop like a thin client.

    • mub@lemmy.ml
      1·
      39 minutes ago

      This is the only reliable solution. To expand:

      1. Provide a Laptop with Windows on it, because that is easier to lockdown.
      2. apply desirable OS lock downs like blocking usb ports prevent storage devices, don’t give the user admin rights, etc.
      3. Setup a VPN server (openvpn should do) and configure the laptop with a VPN client. Configure the client so it blocks network connections that don’t go via the VPN. If you want to give them internet access you’ll need a proxy and firewall and DLP solution. At this point it all gets very complex and expensive.

      The real answer is you are probably screwed without investing a bunch of time, effort, and cost.

      You might get away with more basic security measures if the user has very limited IT knowledge.

      I suggest getting legal advice before you give the user access to your data in the manner you intend.