describe the risks associated with allowing remote access

8 remote access security risks and how to prevent them

1. Lack of information The first risk is a lack of information about traditional network security technologies, such as...
2. Password sharing Users share passwords among websites and users of their computers, especially when personal devices...
3. Software Software that is installed on computers, tablets and phones...
4. Phishing attacks

Full Answer

How to mitigate risk with remote access?

• Ensure your employees have all they need to securely work from home and know who to contact if they face an IT or security issue.
• Schedule basic security awareness training for your employees. ...
• Take key data protection measures including switching on password protection, encrypting work devices and ensuring data is backed up.

More items...

How to protect remote access?

To enable Remote Access in your UniFi Protect application:

• Access the UniFi OS Console hosting Protect via its IP address. ...
• Log in to your Ubiquiti SSO account.
• Go to the System Settings > Advanced menu, and enable the Remote Access toggle.

How to properly secure remote access?

• Windows or Mac login when connecting remotely
• Request permission to connect to the user’s computer
• Automatically blank the remote screen when connected
• Automatically lock remote computer when disconnected
• Lock the remote computer’s keyboard and mouse while in session
• Lock the streamer settings using Splashtop admin credentials

How do you remove remote access?

• Select the Start button, then Control Panel.
• Open System and Security.
• Choose System.
• Select Remote Settings from the left sidebar.

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.

What are some common issues with the use of remote access within your environment?

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.

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.

Is IT safe to allow remote access?

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 happens if you give someone remote access to your computer?

This can be even worse than just conning you out of money, as undetected malware can allow hackers to steal your identity, including your passwords and financial information, over and over again, even if you get new passwords and account numbers.

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 some security issues related to remote desktop?

These are the most important vulnerabilities in RDP:Weak user sign-in credentials. Most desktop computers are protected by a password, and users can typically make this password whatever they want. ... Unrestricted port access. RDP connections almost always take place at port 3389*.

What is risk in networking?

In a nutshell, risk is the potential for loss, damage or destruction of assets or data caused by a cyber threat.

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 is remote access examples?

Accessing, writing to and reading from, files that are not local to a computer can be considered remote access. For example, storing and access files in the cloud grants remote access to a network that stores those files. Examples of include services such as Dropbox, Microsoft One Drive, and Google Drive.

What are the types of remote access?

The primary remote access protocols in use today are the Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE), Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Remote Access Services (RAS), and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

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 biggest risks when using the public internet as a wide area network WAN or transport for remote access to your organization's IT infrastructure?

The biggest risk while using the public internet as a wide area network is security as eavesdropping attack is common with unsecure Wi-Fi network as hackers can easily access your data and passwords.

Why is IT important to mobile workers and users to know what the risks threats and vulnerabilities are when conducting remote access through the public internet?

Employees working remotely, and especially on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, bring with them some unique IT security threats and vulnerabilities that co-located workers typically don't, such as: Mobile Malware. Workers operating from a mobile device bring an increased risk of malware.

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 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 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.

Why is remote access important?

Remote access is a growing trend for businesses. It’s a tool used to allow a more flexible work culture , enabling employees to stay productive at work 27/7. As much as it can be helpful at times, remote access can cause a security havoc in your system as well. The sad reality with this technology is that it’s slowly becoming a target prey for modern hackers and online perpetrators. In this guide, will show you some of the security risks of using remote access technology.

Why do IT professionals use remote access?

Instead of providing the traditional on-site visit to clients, IT help pros can simply work on their clients technical issues without leaving their physical office desks. This allows them to save on time, money, and effort, and eliminate the need to travel from places to places.

What is Remote Access?

Remote access is a technology that allows users to access another computer remotely. Via a remote connection, the user can remotely connect to an endpoint machine as if he was sitting right in front of it. From there, he can perform several computing tasks a local user can. He can access files, use apps, troubleshoot technical issues, and even control the remote computer on his own.

What can businesses do to help their own remote access?

What businesses can do is to use two-factor authentication to really strengthen their own remote access credentials. By implementing one, hackers will have a hard time breaking into your system as two identification codes are needed to successfully access your network. You can also create unique passwords to really ensure that your remote access codes aren’t hackable and decodable.

Is remote access good for business?

Beyond its benefits and advantages, remote access can sadly, bring some level of security concerns to your business. If not implemented correctly, it can lead into a potential security incident where certain confidential files and information can be exposed and acquired. Here are the risks of using remote access:

Why is remote access important?

Remote access software is helpful when you’re in a meeting at another office with your laptop — or telecommuting — and need an important file that’s on your office computer. Remote computer access can help you assist someone in your personal life who might be far away.

How to protect your computer when using remote access?

Here are some steps you can take to help protect your computer and data while relying on remote access. Maintain strong passwords.

What is remote computer access?

Many people take their laptops with them to do things like finish a business presentation while waiting for a flight at the airport. But a lot of those laptops may not have bigger, important files on them. You might leave those files at work or at home on your desktop computer.

How to protect remote desktop from hackers?

Use a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN). If you set up a VPN, your remote desktop server won’t be connected directly to the internet. It will only be exposed on your local network, which could leave it less vulnerable to hackers.

How to protect your network from remote access?

You should set up firewalls to restrict access using software or hardware or both.

What is remote access software?

Remote computer access software lets you access networks and computers remotely. It can enable file sharing. It’s like having a remote control for a computer or system that isn’t near you. You’ll be able to remotely download files and applications from your desktop or another person’s computer onto your laptop or your cell phone. Remote access also gives you control over that remote device

Why is it important to limit the number of users who can log in?

Remote computer access can help businesses, individuals, and families in a variety of ways. But it’s important to make remote access secure .

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.

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.

What is secure access?

Secure Access: Take Control uses advanced encryption protocols and a separate viewer and agent for remote connections. Instead of a direct connection between two machines, this routes traffic through an intermediary that’s much harder for hackers to penetrate.

What is remote desktop support?

Many IT services providers use a remote desktop support solution to help manage their customers' computers. Remote support connections are often done via the remote desktop protocol (RDP). However, security experts warn that RDP leaves a listening port open on the target machine, which would-be attackers could exploit.

What else could go wrong?

Even if you’re not using an RDP-based remote desktop solution, as with any piece of software, bugs or insider threats may arise sooner or later. Some are malicious, some are accidental, but either way they can do serious damage.

Why is it important to make sure the tools you use are up to the challenge?

As businesses increasingly expect their services providers to keep them secure, it’s important to make sure the tools you use are up to the challenge.

What is the principle of control user permissions?

Control user permissions : Take Control applies the principle of least privilege, by allowing assigned techs to have access to specific accounts only, mitigating the risk of insider attacks.

Is the RDP site still underground?

The site went underground and continued to operate until 2019 when it was shut down in a joint effort by the FBI and several European countries authorities. DENIAL OF SERVICE. Hackers can also use a brute-force attack to gain access to RDP credentials.

Can a hacker guess a password?

In the absence of a multifactor authentication mechanism , a hacker is free to guess a user's password. If passwords are weak or reused—by technicians or employees—across several accounts, the breach becomes easier for a motivated hacker with access to compromised credentials from past data breaches.

What do employees do when they work remotely?

When employees work remotely, they typically don't pack up their entire office and bring home technology such as printers and desk phones. This means that they may resort to using personal smartphones and home printers to conduct business remotely.

What is the biggest threat to your network?

Your remote employees can be the biggest threat to your network's security. By unknowingly following cyber security worst practices, employees can end up giving hackers and cyber criminals access to your network and your company's sensitive data.

Why is it important to have a password policy?

Password policies can help foster a culture of personal responsibility in your organization. Passphrases and bans on using personal information and repeat passwords for account logins are recommended password policy clauses.

How to reduce the risk of phishing emails?

Training employees on how to detect and avoid phishing emails can greatly reduce the risk that phishing emails pose to company data security. To build a comprehensive cyber security awareness training program, implement it from the moment new hires walk in the door.

Why do hackers crack passwords?

Hackers know that human error is easier to exploit then trying to get past a sophisticated security software, which is why they'll try to crack account passwords to access sensitive company information. Cyber criminals use a variety of measures to crack passwords.

Why is "print from anywhere" not secure?

However, this feature has little security because it has to create a hole in your firewall to allow you to communicate with the machine from anywhere. Consider recommending that your employees have this feature turned off.

What happens when you work from home?

Working from home can potentially lead to data breaches, identity fraud, and a host of other negative consequences. Keep reading to learn the top five ways that remote employees can pose cyber security risks to your organization as well as risk mitigation tips.

What is privileged access management?

Using a privileged access management solution, enable fine-grained permission controls and enforce the principle of least privilege (PoLP). One step you want to take is to broker permissions to various target systems using different accounts, each with varying levels of permission. You also should limit commands a specific user can apply via blacklists and whitelists to provide a high degree of control and flexibility.

Why do organizations allow third parties access to their networks?

Organizations allow third parties access to their networks for them to change or otherwise impact the operational service of these organizations. This privileged access needs to be protected to the same (or higher) extent as your organization’s internal privileged users.

What percentage of data breaches are linked to third party vendors?

Hackers have even stated that they specifically target vendors. A recent study found that 63 percent of data breaches were linked to a third-party vendor that was responsible for system support, development, and/or maintenance.

How to protect vendor credentials?

You do this by eliminating shared accounts, enforcing onboarding, and using background checks to identity-proof third-party individuals accessing your systems.

How to deal with third party issues?

Establish security standards specifically to deal with third-party issues, and enforce them using technical controls. Monitor for any security gaps and then mitigate them. Through diligently monitoring, you can do a better job of containing third-party risks through prudent planning and diligence.

How to better manage third party risks?

Through diligently monitoring, you can do a better job of containing third-party risks through prudent planning and diligence.

Can a third party user be hacked?

Attackers continually exploited traditional remote access pathways, and securing this access is a uniquely tricky challenge. Your third-party users might not employ the same level of security protocols you do. Their password policy may not be as strong, and they might even share a single set of credentials among numerous people. Even if they do use the proper security protocols, traditional remote connectivity methods (e.g. VPNs) are easily hacked through pilfered user credentials and session hijacking.