IT Concerns Over Security Can Hold Businesses Back

In today's fast-paced, hybrid-friendly workplace, time and attendance systems are no longer confined to a back office. Businesses expect real-time visibility of attendance data, employee self-service from mobile devices, and seamless integration with cloud-based payroll systems.

 

But for many organizations, especially those with legacy networks or strict IT governance, progress is being blocked by a familiar roadblock: the wide area network (WAN). 

Many IT managers are understandably cautious when it comes to opening ports or allowing inbound traffic from the internet. Exposing internal hardware to the WAN, even for legitimate reasons like syncing time clock data, can raise red flags. 

The risks, unauthorized access, data leaks, or ransomware,are very real. But this caution, while well-intentioned, can unintentionally restrict businesses from adopting smart, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. 

Blocking cloud communication from time clocks or related software can lead to a cascade of limitations: 

No real-time data: Time clocks must wait for manual export, often delaying payroll processing or manager approvals. 

No remote access: Supervisors can’t view or approve attendance data outside the office, hampering flexibility. 

No cloud backup: Data may be stored only locally, increasing the risk of loss or non-compliance. 

No automation: Integration with cloud-based HR, payroll, or rostering systems becomes difficult or impossible. 

In short, the business suffers — all in the name of maintaining perimeter control. 

Secure Tunnels and Zero Trust Access The good news? 

It's entirely possible to enjoy the benefits of cloud-based attendance without compromising on security. Services like Cloudflare Tunnel (formerly Argo Tunnel) and Zero Trust Access tools offer a way to invert the security model. 

Instead of opening a port and inviting the internet in, the time clock or local server makes an outbound encrypted connection to a trusted tunnel — authenticated and locked down. 

All communication is initiated from inside the network. 

You can restrict who can access the service (by user, location, or device). 

Data in transit is encrypted using TLS. Usage logging and threat detection: 

You get visibility and security without compromising compliance. 

This architecture aligns with modern Zero Trust security principles — trust nothing by default, verify everything — and it allows businesses to safely adopt modern time and attendance platforms without poking holes in their firewall. 

A growing regional business recently wanted to roll out cloud-based time clocks across multiple worksites. Their IT department initially refused WAN connectivity. 

But by deploying Cloudflare Tunnel on a local Raspberry Pi gateway, they securely connected each site’s hardware to the central SaaS platform — no inbound ports, no VPNs, no headaches. 

WAN security concerns are valid. But saying “no” to internet connectivity shouldn’t mean saying “no” to progress. With modern secure tunneling and access tools, businesses can protect their perimeter and unlock the full benefits of cloud-connected attendance solutions. The tools are there. The security is there. What’s needed is the shift in mindset — from blocking access to securing it.

Time & Attendance Consultant

jimc@timeandattendance.com.au

1300 553 254

0437 772 977