Remote-access Guide

arguments against providing remote access to your users

by Johnnie Cassin MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What are the risks of remote access security?

Many remote access security risks abound, but below is a list of the ones that jump out. 1. Lack of information The first risk is a lack of information about traditional network security technologies, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, as those systems may be largely out of the equation now.

What are the remote access security concerns entertainers face?

Enterprises face myriad remote access security concerns, but training and clear communication can help them bolster their security programs for the long term. Just when network teams thought they had their networks under control, everything went sideways because of the coronavirus crisis.

Are remote access services and software Safe?

Unfortunately, they’re far from safe. The overriding risk of remote access services and software is a hacker gaining deeper access to your organization, exposing you to a host of IT security threats. Once they gain privileged access to your system, it will be difficult to prevent data loss, prevent phishing, protect against ransomware, etc.

Are your remote employees putting your business at risk?

If any of your employees are working remotely, you’re in danger. But it’s easy to ignore remote access risks when the benefits are so appealing: Your employees may be more productive in their own home without everyday distractions in the office (unnecessary meetings, work gossip, hearing other employees on calls, etc.)

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What are the disadvantages of remote access?

While there are many advantages to remote access, there are some disadvantages that must be considered as well, the biggest of which is potential security issues. Although remote working is safer than ever before, there are still plenty of risks that need to be addressed.

What will be the issues in remote access?

Let's look at some of the top challenges faced by users of remote access:Connection quality. ... VPNs. ... Performance. ... Security. ... Application availability. ... Open applications. ... HQ must be online. ... Cost.

What are the risk of the remote access domain?

Remote access threats The remote environment in which these devices are used may also pose risks. For example, security concerns may exist around: lack of physical security controls - creating a risk of device loss or theft. eavesdropping - as the information travels over the public internet.

Should I give someone remote access to my computer?

It could. Remote access solutions could leave you vulnerable. If you don't have proper security solutions in place, remote connections could act as a gateway for cybercriminals to access your devices and data. Hackers could use remote desktop protocol (RDP) to remotely access Windows computers in particular.

What is the greatest risk that remote access poses to an organization?

The overriding risk of remote access services and software is a hacker gaining deeper access to your organization, exposing you to a host of IT security threats. Once they gain privileged access to your system, it will be difficult to prevent data loss, prevent phishing, protect against ransomware, etc.

What are the security risks of remote working?

Top Security Risks of Remote WorkingGDPR and remote working. Remote work means an employer has less control and visibility over employees' data security. ... Phishing Emails. ... Weak Passwords. ... Unsecured Home Devices. ... Unencrypted File Sharing. ... Open Home WiFi Networks.

Why is the remote access domain the most risk prone?

Why is the Remote Access Domain the most risk prone of all within a typical IT infrastructure? Because it allows users to connect to intranet from remote locations.

What is the risk of unauthorized access?

What are the risks of unauthorized data access? Once an individual has gained unauthorized access to data or computer networks, they can cause damage to an organization in a number of ways. They may directly steal files, data, or other information. They may leverage unauthorized access to further compromise accounts.

What are some security issues related to remote desktop?

Here are the two popular remote desktop security risks:Brute Force Attacks. A brute force attack occurs when an attacker enters many passwords or passphrases to guess a combination correctly. ... Mass Remote Desktop Protocol Attacks.

What can a scammer do with remote access to your computer?

In a remote access scam, a scammer attempts to persuade you into giving them remote control over your personal computer, which allows the scammer to con money out of you and steal your private information.

Are remote sessions safe?

How secure is Windows Remote Desktop? Remote Desktop sessions operate over an encrypted channel, preventing anyone from viewing your session by listening on the network. However, there is a vulnerability in the method used to encrypt sessions in earlier versions of RDP.

Is remote access security secure?

Yes. A robust cloud-based, highly secure remote access solution can provide unified protection for virtually all users against web-based threats — independent of a VPN connection.

What is the risk of unauthorized access?

What are the risks of unauthorized data access? Once an individual has gained unauthorized access to data or computer networks, they can cause damage to an organization in a number of ways. They may directly steal files, data, or other information. They may leverage unauthorized access to further compromise accounts.

What are the security requirements for remote access?

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.

What are security considerations for remote users examples?

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 unauthorized remote access?

Unauthorized access is when a person gains entry to a computer network, system, application software, data, or other resources without permission. Any access to an information system or network that violates the owner or operator's stated security policy is considered unauthorized access.

What are the two types of users that need privileged accounts?

Many organizations need to provide privileged accounts to two types of users: internal users (employees) and external users (technology vendors and contractors). However, organizations that use vendors or contractors must protect themselves against potential threats from these sources.

What are some applications that can be shared on desktop?

There are many applications made possible by desktop sharing including remote support, webinars, and online conferences with audio and visual content (presentation sharing), and real-time global collaboration on projects.

Why is VPN important?

To fully achieve its goals, a VPN must accomplish two important tasks: Protect that connection, so that your files (and your company’s network) won’t be compromised. VPNs achieve this second step by encrypting data, these encryption and masking features help protect your online activities and keep them anonymous.

Why do companies use VPNs?

For all these reasons, VPNs have become a popular option for companies who need to give their employees remote access, but want to provide online security and privacy.

What are the best practices in PAM?

Best practices in PAM indicate that least privilege protocols should be enforced, where users only have access to the specific limited resources they need, rather than free reign to roam the entire network. In addition, network managers should be able to restrict or expand user access as needed, in real-time. 4.

Can hackers use VPNs?

Hackers have also exploited VPNs in prolonged multi-stage cyberattacks. As detailed in a 2018 US government alert, Russian cyber activity targeted “trusted third-party suppliers with less secure networks”, “leveraging remote access services … such as VPN, RDP, and Outlook Web Access (OWA)” to exploit the insecure infrastructure of those third-party suppliers and gain access to other, final targets. VPNs are specifically mentioned by name in the alert as a major initial access point for hackers.

Can VPNs be exploited?

VPNs are exploited in major data breaches. A note of caution for those thinking of using VPNs: their reputation has suffered a major blow due to their implication in a number of serious data breaches. National news stories have reported on how hackers exploited VPNs to cause data breaches at several major companies .

What is the potential gain from having a co-located team?

The potential gain from having a co-located team, in comparison, is marginal.

What would happen if there were more barriers to meetings?

If there were more barriers to meetings, we’d have fewer of them, and waste less time.

Is remote work good for everyone?

It works well for us, and for hundreds of other businesses. It can work well for a lot more. Remote isn’t for everyone. There are companies that struggle with it, and not all employees work best in a distributed culture.

Can you work remotely in an office?

Everyone has their own work style, their own preferences, and their own “optimal” conditions. Remote work actually recognizes and embraces that. If you’re most productive in an office, you can work in an office. That’s what co-working spaces or Regus rentals are for.

Why is remote working a privilege?

By making remote working a privilege, it ensures that everyone knows working remotely is for those who can be trusted, and that if they abuse that privilege by not pulling their weight and causing more work for others, they will lose it.

Why are remote workers not connected to the office?

One of the biggest concerns that some teams and employers have is that remote workers won’t have as much connection with the office team, resulting in a loss of communication and collaboration , making remote workers almost a separate entity from the rest of the office.

How much more productive were teleworkers than office staff?

IBM found that their teleworkers were 50% more productive than the office staff!

How many UK workers work remotely?

Research by YouGov shows that 54% of UK office workers are able to work remotely, with 70% of office workers saying it is important for companies to allow for remote work. Only 22% feel that the flexibility of remote work is not important. Other research has also found that people who telecommute are happier and less stressed.

Why are parents more drawn to flexible jobs?

Parents are also more drawn to flexible jobs that give them a better work-life balance. A study conducted by Flexjobs, found that it’s now seen as more important than salary! Credits FlexJobs. Working remotely is clearly becoming a much more common working style.

Why do people telecommute?

Other research has also found that people who telecommute are happier and less stressed. So if you want to find and retain the best staff , you’ll need to ensure you offer a role that’s attractive to them.

Is trust a factor in remote work?

Yes, trust is a major factor, but we’re in 2016 and there are plenty of tools to aid us in managing remote workers and accountability! Pukka Team is the team presence app we’ve built to help solve this problem. So when someone isn’t responding you can quickly see if they’re at their desk busily working. Or if they’re not answering your call, you can easily see that it’s just because they’re already on another call.

What should security teams do if on-premises network and email security mechanisms are no longer available?

Recommendation: If some on-premises network and email security mechanisms are no longer available, security teams should double down on educating users to identify phishing attempts and to choose strong, unique passwords, encouraging the use of a password manager. They should also implement client certificates and multi-factor authentication in order to prevent attackers from gaining access through unsecured devices.

Why is it important to enforce access based on user identity?

Recommendation: It’s critical that companies enforce access based on user identity, allowing specific groups access to only what they need to get their jobs done, and expanding access from there on an as-needed basis.

Why do companies use VPNs?

Historically, many companies deployed VPNs primarily for technical people needing access to critical technology assets. Not so much the case anymore – VPNs are often encouraged for all users as a more secure connection than home or public networks.

What are the risks of using a VPN?

Here are five top security risks that teams must deal with, as well as technology and user education best practices to keep users and data safe: 1. Weak remote access policies. Once attackers get access to a virtual private network (VPN), they can often penetrate the rest of the network like a hot knife through butter.

What is XDR in security?

Recommendation: Rather than invest in point solutions, consider security platforms that maximize integration between systems, limiting the amount of switching between tools and providing visibility into all data – including remote user activity. Extended detection and response (XDR) not only protects endpoints, but also applies analytics across all your data to find threats like unusual access or lateral movement, and simplifies investigations by stitching together data and identifying the root cause.

Why do businesses use remote access?

Managed service providers or MSPs can also use this technology to manage and monitor a bunch of corporate devices remotely. On the other hand, businesses can use remote access to promote a productive work culture. With this, employees can stay connected to their office resources even outside of working hours.

What is remote access?

Remote access is a technology that allows users to connect to a computing device from a distant spot. This means that a user can view and control his computer screen even if he isn’t sitting in front of it. The primary aim of remote access is to eliminate the need for the physical presence of the user in order to get a task done on a remote computer. This means that he can perform several computing tasks even if he isn’t physically connected to the computer he is trying to remote to.

Why is it important to invest in remote access?

It’s always important to invest in an effective remote access tool. The problem with most companies nowadays is that they compromise their network security by purchasing affordable yet ineffective remote access solutions. Without a secure remote access tool, it will be difficult for your company to protect its confidentiality from malicious attackers online. One of the features that you need to look for in a remote access solution is its ability to encrypt remote sessions between the local and remote devices. Without this, users who have malicious intent can definitely steal confidential information from your own network and system.

Is remote access good for business?

Although remote access can be beneficial to businesses, it can also bring some level of security concerns to your network. As stated a while back, the danger of remote access starts to emerge once you open your network to a bunch of remote and outsider users. The problem with this is that external threats and malware can also gain entry to your system and later cause major security havoc. We’ll take a look now at some of the security risks of using remote access.

Is it safe to open a network to be accessed by a bunch of remote users?

Opening your network to be accessed by a bunch of remote users is a security risk. Even if the user is authenticated and authorized, providing remote access to someone needs to be strictly controlled and supervised. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the dangers of using remote access technology.

Is remote access secure?

Companies that allow employees to access their networks remotely are prone to security risks brought by remote access. Since employees can use their personal devices to connect to their office resources, there’s a possibility that your network can be infected by outsider threats and malware. The thing with this practice is that not all of your employees? endpoint devices are safe and secure. This means that some of them may have their fair share of security flaws that can disrupt the security of your network.

How to mitigate remote access risks?

Choosing a firewall that matches the size, scope, and scale of your organization is an essential first step in mitigating remote access risks. Make sure your firewall has built-in antivirus and anti-malware software and high availability programs.

What is Remote Access?

Remote access is simply the ability to access a computer or network, at home or in an office, from a remote location.

What is the overriding risk of remote access services and software?

The overriding risk of remote access services and software is a hacker gaining deeper access to your organization, exposing you to a host of IT security threats.

What are some practices that end point users engage in?

Connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, visiting malicious sites, and downloading hazardous software are practices that many end point users engage in – making a man-in-the-middle attack and other hacking methods for infecting your computer very easy.

Why do companies provide work specific computers?

Some companies provide their employees with work-specific computers that are closely managed and tightly locked down. This is a great practice for enhanced security.

What is shadow IT risk?

On top of that, be aware of employees downloading or installing any information or software without your permission – also known as shadow IT risks.

Can antivirus stop hackers?

Most consumer-ready antivirus products won’t stop sophisticated hackers targeting your organization – which is what most home computers are running.

What is remote access?

Remote access is a useful tool to allow a trusted individual access to your computer for support or other purposes. The key is that you must know and trust the individual, just as you would if you handed the computer to them. NEVER allow remote access to someone whom you don’t know or who contacts you.

What is a tech support scam?

Recent years have seen rise to something called the “tech support scam”. Using lies and threats, scammers try to get you to give them remote access to your machine. Once they have it, they install malware — often including ransomware — or they leave back doors allowing them continued access when you’re not around.

Can you remotely access someone who called you?

Never allow remote access to someone who called you.

Can a technician visit your home?

They can do whatever they want. It’s like having a technician visit your home or taking your machine into a shop for repair. You’re giving that person control. Presumably, that means resolving the issues bringing you to them in the first place, and nothing else malicious along the way. It’s all about trust.

Is it safe to allow remote access?

It can be safe to allow remote access, but it requires absolute trust. The risks are significant, especially since scammers have become involved.

Can you watch a remote technician?

Watching isn’t always enough. Most remote access tools let you watch the technician’s activities. That’s often instructive. Some include voice, so you can talk to the technician and they can explain what they’re doing or answer questions along the way. The problem is this can lead to a false sense of security.

Do remote access companies care about their reputation?

Presumably, they care about their reputation and your power to impact it. Companies that provide remote access support are often distant, faceless entities on the internet. It’s not uncommon for them to be in a completely different country.

What is the first risk in network security?

The first risk is a lack of information about traditional network security technologies, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, as those systems may be largely out of the equation now.

What is the essence of an organization's network security challenge?

The essence of an organization's network security challenge is users are now, more than ever, making security decisions on the network team's behalf. Teams should think about what they can do to minimize such decisions or at least minimize their effect on the business. Consider the following methods.

Is it time to do more of the same with network security?

Now is not the time to do more of the same with network security. Instead, you've got to figure out how to get your users working for you rather than against you. The same boring messages and dictates are not going to work. You'll have to get creative as you address remote access security.

Is there a tangible risk to security?

Unless and until technical staff, employees and management are working toward the same goals in terms of security standards, policies and expectations, there will be tangible risks. Most people have already established their baseline in this new normal. However, from what I'm seeing and hearing from clients and colleagues, there are still lots of opportunities to properly mitigate certain threats and vulnerabilities.

Do people share passwords?

Users share passwords among websites and users of their computers, especially when personal devices are involved.

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