Securing data in a telework environment: modern defense solutions Rick Vanover and Mike Miller February 26 (anyaberkut/Getty Images) ItтАЩs clear that telework is here to stay. In November, the Department of Defense extended COVID-related telework flexibilities, allowing civilian employees with kids to work remotely until at least June 30, 2021. In January, the Defense Information Systems Agency and Joint Force Headquarters Department of Defense Information Network released a memo touting telework benefits. Even if agency employees return to the office this summer, itтАЩs unlikely that telework policies will go back to what they were pre-pandemic. Acknowledging this new environment, itтАЩs an important time for agencies to bolster efforts combating the threat of unauthorized access to government systems and improper data management.