Remote-access Guide

an enterprise-wide approach to securing remote access via vpn

by Baron Kuvalis V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

A common use of VPNs is to provide remote employees secure access over the Internet to their company’s IT services. Employees use VPN clients installed on corporate laptops or mobile devices to connect to a VPN server that is present in the company’s private network. The remote access use case is not limited to access for employees.

Full Answer

What are the best practices for securing remote access?

Best Practices for Securing Remote Access. RAS: The most basic form of VPN remote access is through a RAS. This type of VPN connection is also referred to as a Virtual Private Dial-up Network ... IPSec: IPSec is an IP packet authentication and encryption method. It uses cryptographic keys to protect ...

Why do I need a VPN for my remote employees?

A VPN makes it easy to provide them with access to your network, which you can secure by leveraging policies and VPN configurations to prevent contractor access from negatively affecting the security of your corporate network. Telework requires the ability to provide employees the necessary flexibility for working remotely in a secure fashion.

What is a remote access virtual private network?

A remote access virtual private network enables users who are working remotely to securely access and use applications and data that reside in the corporate data center and headquarters, encrypting all traffic the users send and receive.

How does a VPN reduce security risk?

A VPN reduces security risk by allowing access to specific network resources to only users who are authorized, encrypting data and thereby protecting against insecure Wi-Fi access, and providing continuity of centralized unified threat management.

Why do organizations want to develop an enterprise wide approach to remote access via VPN?

VPNs greatly reduce the risk of security breaches and cyberattacks. Getting targeted by a hacker might sound like something that happens to other people and other companies.

How do I secure remote access to enterprise network?

7 Best Practices For Securing Remote Access for EmployeesDevelop a Cybersecurity Policy For Remote Workers. ... Choose a Remote Access Software. ... Use Encryption. ... Implement a Password Management Software. ... Apply Two-factor Authentication. ... Employ the Principle of Least Privilege. ... Create Employee Cybersecurity Training.

How can VPNs being used to provide remote access?

A remote access VPN uses encryption and other security measures to protect data as it travels over the public internet. As a result, data is less likely to be intercepted by hackers or other unauthorized users. When you use VPN client software, you enable secure access through a VPN tunnel for remote users.

How does VPN work in enterprise?

A business VPN lets users and teams connect their company's internal network. By contrast, a commercial VPN connects the user to a remote server, or set of servers, which interact with the public Internet on the user's behalf.

What type of connectivity is used for remote VPN connection?

A VPN is a private network that uses a public network (usually the internet) to connect remote sites or users together. The VPN uses "virtual" connections routed through the internet from the business's private network or a third-party VPN service to the remote site or person.

Which is a secure remote access protocol?

POINT-TO-POINT TUNNELING PROTOCOL (PPTP) It's used to establish virtual connections across the internet via PPP and TCP/IP, enabling two networks to use the internet as their WAN link while retaining the security benefits of a private network. PPTP is a great option because it's simple and secure.

Which VPN is best for remote access?

Perimeter 81 – Best all-round business VPN. Jul 2022. ... GoodAccess – Security Strategy Options. Apps Available: ... ExpressVPN – Lightning Fast VPN. ... Windscribe – VPN with Enterprise-Friendly Features. ... VyprVPN – Secure VPN with Business Packages. ... NordVPN – Security-first VPN. ... Surfshark – VPN with Unlimited User Connections.

What are the benefits of having a VPN?

Pros of VPN: What are the advantages of using a VPN?Secure Your Network. The benefits of using a VPN are vast. ... Hide Your Private Information. ... Prevent Data Throttling. ... Avoid Bandwidth Throttling. ... Get Access to Geo-blocked Services. ... Network Scalability. ... Reduce Support Costs.

What is the difference between remote access and a VPN?

A VPN is a smaller private network that runs on top of a larger public network, while Remote Desktop is a type of software that allows users to remotely control a computer. 2. Remote Desktop allows access and control to a specific computer, while VPN only allows access to shared network resources.

What is the main purpose of using VPN today?

What is the purpose of a VPN? The main purpose of a VPN is to hide your online activity. VPNs are often used to guard against hackers and snoops on public networks, but they're also useful for hiding your IP address, browsing activity, and personal data on any Wi-Fi network — even at home.

Which two types of VPNs are examples of enterprise managed remote access VPNs?

Site-to-site and remote access VPNs are examples of enterprise managed VPNs.

What reasons would remote access be utilized in an enterprise?

Remote access, also known as remote login, is the ability to access the data stored on a computer from a remote location. It enables you to open, edit, and save files located on your device from anywhere in the world. This ability is handy for offsite workers, travelers, and those who work out of office.

What are potential risks associated with remote access?

Five Remote Access Security Risks And How To Protect Against ThemWeak remote access policies. ... A deluge of new devices to protect. ... Lack of visibility into remote user activity. ... Users mixing home and business passwords. ... Opportunistic phishing attempts.

What is secure remote communications?

Secure Remote Working is a combination of multiple technologies and procedures comprising: Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Facilitates secure access to on-premises applications and services. VPNs also provide secure internet access for employees on public wireless or third-party corporate networks.

What is remote connectivity?

Remote access is the act of connecting to IT services, applications, or data from a location other than headquarters. This connection allows users to access a network or computer remotely via the internet.

Why is OpenVPN Access Server the VPN Software Solution of Choice?

OpenVPN is a full-featured open source SSL VPN solution that accommodates a wide range of remote access solutions with fine-grained access-controls. Starting with the fundamental premise that complexity is the enemy of security, OpenVPN offers a cost-effective, lightweight alternative to other VPN technologies that is well-targeted for the SME and enterprise markets. OpenVPN Access Server creates value by delivering a platform for enabling secure, remote access to applications deployed on a physical network and/or virtualized Cloud environments.

How does VPN reduce security risk?

A VPN reduces security risk by allowing access to specific network resources to only users who are authorized, encrypting data and thereby protecting against insecure Wi-Fi access, and providing continuity of centralized unified threat management.

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

An enterprise can have a private network that connects all their IT infrastructure and employee’s computers to form a corporate intranet. This network allows for access to all internal IT services such as payroll, email, etc., at the enterprise’s main headquarters. As the enterprise grows, the private network may also need to be extended to additional branch offices.

Why is a VPN Needed?

In this section, we explore the various reasons and benefits of using virtual private networks.

Why is VPN important?

By using VPN to bring all traffic from remote networks and devices to these main locations, the company continues to economically maintain strong security without the additional operational complexity of distributing network protection infrastructure to multiple locations. Thus, use of VPN aids in the reduction of the attack surface ...

What is VPN in the Internet?

A VPN is the easiest solution in all cases wherein an economical, isolated, secure, private network needs to be created or accessed over the Internet

What is a VPN?

This kind of network that makes use of public networks to provide private network connectivity is called Virtual Private Network (VPN).

What are the problems with VPN?

Point solutions like Internet-based VPN aren’t entirely without a use case. For small-scale and affordable connectivity between a few sites, a point solution may be the right answer. However, the continuous use and scale of organization-wide work from home isn’t a use case that traditional point solutions can effectively address. Issues that enterprises using these solutions to enable large-scale remote work have encountered include: 1 Latency and poor user experience. VPN servers have a limited amount of capacity, as more users connect, the server can become overworked and performance degradation occurs. As a result, user experience suffers. 2 Unreliable performance. Point solutions that depend on the Internet are also subject to all the problems with Internet routing. When an enterprise remote access solution is entirely dependent on the Internet, that means unpredictable performance can become the norm. 3 Lack of granular security controls. Generally, point solutions restrict access at the network-level. Once a user authenticates, they have network access to everything on the same subnet. This lack of granular security and visibility creates a significant risk and leaves gaps in network visibility. 4 Difficult to scale. The client/server architecture of point solutions simply isn’t scalable. To increase capacity for a network based on point solutions, IT needs to either deploy new appliances or upgrade existing ones. Further, addressing security and performance optimization challenges requires additional appliances to be deployed and integrated, which increases network complexity.

Is VPN a point solution?

Point solutions like Internet-based VPN aren’t entirely without a use case. For small-scale and affordable connectivity between a few sites, a point solution may be the right answer. However, the continuous use and scale of organization-wide work from home isn’t a use case that traditional point solutions can effectively address. Issues that enterprises using these solutions to enable large-scale remote work have encountered include:

What is VPN connection?

VPNs are designed for point-to-point connectivity. Each secure connection between two points requires its own VPN link for routing traffic over an existing path. For people working from home, this path is going to be the public Internet.

What is SASE architecture?

Gartner analysts named this architecture the Secure Access Service Edge (or SASE). Cato Networks is recognized as offering the world’s first global SASE platform.

Is a tunnel encrypted?

While the tunnel itself is encrypted, the traffic traveling within that tunnel is not inspected for malware or other threats. To maintain security, the traffic must be routed through a security stack at its terminus on the network.

What is remote access?

Remote access provides end users with the ability to access resources on the corporate network from a distant location. The most common function of remote access is to enable employees who are traveling or telecommuting to connect to the company network and access resources such as internal applications, intranet, mail services and file sharing.

What is emerging model of remote access?

An emerging model of remote access provides the benefit of a tunnel for broad application support while retaining strong control over access to applications through the next-generation firewall security policy. This approach allows administrators to safely enable remote user activity and access on the network. Combining the benefits from earlier implementations, this model is the most secure and practical remote access solution available today.

How does VPN work?

The VPN will forward device traffic to and from the intended website or network through its secure connection. This allows your remote users and offices to connect securely to a corporate network or website. It also hides your IP addresses from hackers and prying eyes.

Why is VPN important?

A VPN establishes the secure connection necessary for enabling the mobile workforce.

What is VPN tunnel?

As mentioned above, a VPN creates a private connection known as a tunnel. All information traveling from a device connected to a VPN will get encrypted and go through this tunnel. When connected to a VPN, a device behaves as if it’s on the same local network as the VPN.

How to secure remote workforce?

The only way to secure your remote workforce is a secure VPN. Employees must connect from their laptops, desktops and mobile devices over a VPN connection. It’s the secure, private method for virtually entering the corporate office, so to speak. In many cases, remote workforce technology requires hardware.

How does encapsulation work?

Encapsulating a packet for secure transportation on the network can be accomplished by means of the IPsec protocol. For example, in the case of a site-to-site VPN, a source host in a network transmits an IP packet. When that packet reaches the edge of the network it makes contact with a VPN gateway.

What is remote access VPN?

The most basic form of VPN remote access is through a RAS. This type of VPN connection is also referred to as a Virtual Private Dial-up Network (VPDN) due to its early adoption on dial-up internet.

What is the first thing that’s required to ensure smooth remote access via a VPN?

The first thing that’s required to ensure smooth remote access via a VPN is to plan out a comprehensive network security policy.

Why is IPSEC used?

This allows IPSec to protect data transmission in a variety of ways. IPSec is used to connect a remote user to an entire network. This gives the user access to all IP based applications. The VPN gateway is located at the perimeter of the network, and the firewall too is setup right at the gateway.

What are the implications of IPSec connections for corporations?

What are the implications of IPSec connections for corporations, considering the very nature of this connection? Well, your employee will only be able to access the network from a single, authorized device. Security is further boosted by the enforcement of antivirus and firewall policies.

What is IPSEC encryption?

IPSec is an IP packet authentication and encryption method. It uses cryptographic keys to protect data flows between hosts and security gateways.

Why use two factor authentication for VPN?

Adopting two-factor authentication for remote access through VPN further boosts your network security. Now let’s take a look at why you should choose a particular VPN type as a secure connection methodology instead of the alternatives.

What is client-side software?

The client-side software is responsible for establishing a tunneling connection to the RAS and for the encryption of data.

How does VPN work?

VPNs work similarly to firewalls, protecting your computer data when you're online. Technically speaking, a VPN is really a WAN (wide area network). On the front end, your workspace has the same security, functionality and look as it does on a private network. All the benefits are happening behind the scenes.

Why is VPN important?

Peace of mind is critical for productivity. VPNs make your clients feel secure. If you collect data from clients, customers or patients, you can help soothe their worries by utilizing a VPN. True, many of them might not understand what a VPN entails, but a little education can go a long way.

How much does a VPN cost?

A VPN is an upgrade well worth the cost. Prices vary, but start at around $10 per month, making VPNs affordable for every business. It’s a choice that's budget-friendly, instantly effective and truly worthwhile. You won't get that kind of security for less.

Why do companies use VPNs?

By using a VPN and keeping your employees off public networks, you are taking a big step in decreasing the likelihood your company will be targeted. VPNs encourage productivity. If you have employees who are aware of internet vulnerabilities, they're probably wary of logging in on public networks.

How to use VPN?

VPNs are also easy to use. First, you connect to whatever public internet best suits your business needs via an internet service provider. It's what you already do by searching for free and open networks when working remotely. Next, you initiate a VPN connection with your company's VPN server using special software.

What is a VPN on Pixabay?

Is your company using a VPN -- or just letting it all hang out? A VPN, or a virtual private network, is a technology that lets you create a secure network connection while using a public network. Using one might seem like something as obvious as "the internet" as a tool that businesses should have in the bag.

Can VPNs be used while traveling?

Wouldn't you want to rely on a company that took the extra step to keep your data secure? VPNs let you " stay in the U.S." while traveling abroad. If you or your employees travel a lot for work, replacing your real IP address with your VPN's (which is based in the U.S.) can be a necessity.

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