Make sure you have a carefully drafted Remote Access policy in place with employees and vendors. Not having a comprehensive policy invites disputes over what data/information is what and may undermine the protection of your intellectual property. TIP #3. Enforce those policies by using Remote Access Servers
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What is enterprise telework and remote access?
For many organizations, their employees, contractors, business partners, vendors, and/or others use enterprise telework or remote access technologies to perform work from external locations.
What is a remote access policy?
Remote access is any connection made to an organization's internal network and systems from an external source by a device or host. Remote locations can be almost anywhere in the world, from the employee’s home to an off-site office, hotels, transportation hubs, and cafes. What Is a Remote Access (Control) Policy?
What is a remote access policy (rap)?
You’ll find remote access policies implemented across every industry vertical, including healthcare, government, manufacturing, and finance, and they apply to all remote workers across all departments What Is a Network Security Policy? A remote access policy is commonly found as a subsection of a more broad network security policy (NSP).
What are the security guidelines for remote access?
Remote policies have guidelines for access that can include the following: Hardware and software configuration standards for remote access, including anti-malware, firewalls, and antivirus Encryption policies Information security, confidentiality, and email policies Physical and virtual device security
What should be included in a remote access policy?
What Should You Address in a Remote Access Policy?Standardized hardware and software, including firewalls and antivirus/antimalware programs.Data and network encryption standards.Information security and confidentiality.Email usage.Physical and virtual device security.Network connectivity, e.g., VPN access.More items...•
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.
What the common remote access domain policies are?
Through remote access policies you can define the following: Grant or deny dial-in based on connection parameters such as type and time of the day. Authentication protocols (Password Authentication Protocol (PAP), CHAP, EAP, MS-CHAP) Validation of the caller id.
What constraints are available for use in a remote access policy?
Once a remote access policy has authorized a connection, it can also set connection restrictions (called constraints) based on the following: Encryption strength. Idle timeout. IP packet filters.
What are examples of remote user security policy best practices?
Best Practices For Remote Access SecurityEnable encryption. ... Install antivirus and anti-malware. ... Ensure all operating systems and applications are up to date. ... Enforce a strong password policy. ... Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) ... Use Virtual Private Network (VPN) ... Use two-factor authentication.More items...•
What is the main purpose of a RAS server?
A remote access server (RAS) is a type of server that provides a suite of services to remotely connected users over a network or the Internet. It operates as a remote gateway or central server that connects remote users with an organization's internal local area network (LAN).
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 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 is a remote access standard?
PURPOSE. Remote Access refers to the ability to access UMW network resources while off campus. Security measures for remote access should be implemented based on sensitivity and risk to University systems and data.
What is access policy?
An AccessPolicy defines the permissions and duration of access to an Asset. This topic gives an overview of the AccessPolicy entity and also demonstrates how to execute various operations with the Media Services REST API.
What is a network access policy?
Network policies are sets of conditions, constraints, and settings that allow you to designate who is authorized to connect to the network and the circumstances under which they can or cannot connect.
Why should an organization have a remote access policy even if IT already has an acceptable use policy AUP for employees?
A remote access policy is vital to ensure that your organization can maintain its cybersecurity protocols even with all the uncertainty that remote access brings: unknown users (you can't see the person, after all), using potentially unknown devices on unknown networks, to access your corporate data center and all the ...
How can you ensure your network remains secure when you have clients with remote access?
Utilise VPNs Any remote connection between a computer and the corporate network should always be secured via a virtual private network (VPN) connection. The private network eliminates the need for a physical connection between integrated devices so that employees can remotely and securely access the office's servers.
What is a common way to help protect devices connected to the company network?
What is a common way to help protect devices connected to the company network? A. Only use laptops and other mobile devices with full-disk encryption. This is correct!
Which option creates a secure connection for remote workers?
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.
How do I control remote access?
Set up remote access to your computerOn your computer, open Chrome.In the address bar, enter remotedesktop.google.com/access .Under “Set up Remote Access,” click Download .Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.
What is a remote access security policy manager?
Ensure a remote access security policy manager is used to manage the security policy on devices used for remote network connection or remote access.
Where is the remote user policy assessment/enforcement device installed?
The remote user policy assessment/enforcement device will be installed on a separate host from the authentication server. This device interacts directly with public networks and devices and...
What is managed device?
In this STIG, a managed device is defined as a device that has installed software (i.e. an agent) that allows the device to be managed and queried from a remote server. Thus, an unmanaged device...
What happens if a device fails a network policy assessment test?
If the device requesting remote network access fails the network policy assessment tests, then the policy server will communicate with the remote access device (e.g. , VPN gateway or RAS) to perform an approved action based on the requirements of this policy.
Where does device authentication take place?
Device authentication must be performed at the perimeter or on a subnet separated from the trusted internal enclave. User authentication ensures the user is authorized for access. However, user...
What happens if a client is incapable of employing critical security protections?
If the client is incapable of employing critical security protections then allowing access to that devices could expose the network to potentially significant risk.
Does the remediation server have access to other network resources?
Endpoints accessing the remediation server will not have access to other network resources that are not part of the remediation process.
What is remote desktop access?
remote desktop access solution gives a teleworker the ability to remotely control a particular PC at the organization, most often the user’s own computer at the organization’s office, from a telework client device. The teleworker has keyboard and mouse control over the remote computer and sees that computer’s screen on the local telework client device’s screen. Remote desktop access allows the user to access all of the applications, data, and other resources that are normally available from their PC in the office. Figure 2-3 shows the basic remote desktop access architecture. A remote desktop access client program or web browser plug-in is installed on each telework client device, and it connects directly with the teleworker’s corresponding internal workstation on the organization’s internal network.
Why is remote access important?
The security of remote access servers, such as VPN gateways and portal servers, is particularly important because they provide a way for external hosts to gain access to internal resources, as well as a secured, isolated telework environment for organization-issued, third-party-controlled, and BYOD client devices. In addition to permitting unauthorized access to enterprise resources and telework client devices, a compromised server could be used to eavesdrop on communications and manipulate them, as well as a “jumping off” point for attacking other hosts within the organization. Recommendations for general server security are available from NIST SP 800-123, Guide to General Server Security. Remote access servers should be kept fully patched, operated using an organization-defined security configuration baseline, and managed only from trusted hosts by authorized administrators.
What is the key component of controlling access to network communications and protecting their content?
major component of controlling access to network communications and protecting their content is the use of cryptography. At a minimum, any sensitive information passing over the Internet, wireless networks, and other untrusted networks should have its confidentiality and integrity preserved through use of cryptography. Federal agencies are required to use cryptographic algorithms that are NIST-approved and contained in FIPS-validated modules. The FIPS 140 specification, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules, defines how cryptographic modules are validated.24 It is important to note that for a remote access system to be considered compliant to FIPS 140, both sides of the interaction must have passed FIPS 140 validation. Many remote access systems, such as SSL VPNs, support the use of remote access client software from other vendors, so there may be two or more distinct validation certificates for a particular remote access system.
What is a portal in remote access?
A portal is a server that offers access to one or more applications through a single centralized interface. A teleworker uses a portal client on a telework client device to access the portal. Most portals are web-based—for them, the portal client is a regular web browser. Figure 2-2 shows the basic portal solution architecture. The application client software is installed on the portal server, and it communicates with application server software on servers within the organization. The portal server communicates securely with the portal client as needed; the exact nature of this depends on the type of portal solution in use, as discussed below.
Where should a remote access server be placed?
Intermediate remote access servers connect external hosts to internal resources, so they should usually be placed at the network perimeter. The server acts as a single point of entry to the network from the perimeter and enforces the telework security policy. If remote access is needed to a particular sub-network within the organization, there are generally two options: 1) place the remote access server at the edge of the sub-network, where the sub-network joins the full network; or 2) place it at the perimeter of the full network and use additional mechanisms to restrict the teleworkers to only be able to access the specified sub-network. The value of placing the remote access server at the network perimeter versus the sub-network perimeter differs for the four types of remote access methods:
Which framework is most pertinent for securing enterprise telework, remote access, and BYOD technologies?
This appendix lists the Cybersecurity Framework48 subcategories that are most pertinent for securing enterprise telework, remote access, and BYOD technologies. Next to each subcategory is an explanation of its implications particular to enterprise telework, remote access, and BYOD security.
What is a telework document?
The purpose of this document is to assist organizations in mitigating the risks associated with the enterprise technologies used for telework, such as remote access servers, telework client devices (including bring your own device [BYOD] and contractor, business partner, and vendor-controlled client devices, also known as third-party-controlled devices), and remote access communications. The document emphasizes the importance of securing sensitive information stored on telework devices and transmitted through remote access across external networks. This document provides recommendations for creating telework-related policies and for selecting, implementing, and maintaining the necessary security controls for remote access servers and clients.
How to implement a remote access policy?
You can quickly implement a remote access policy in your organization by downloading TechRepublic's Remote Access Policy. Included you'll find a risk assessment spreadsheet that will help you determine the importance of such a policy to your organization's security along with a basic policy that you can use and modify. You can purchase it from the TechRepublic Catalog or download it for free as part of your TechRepublic Pro membership.
Why is remote access important?
Enabling remote access to an organization's network, systems and data can benefit most any organization. Whether a small nonprofit seeks to enable volunteers to work from home, a small business' employees require flexible work schedules or a global multinational corporation needs to link engineers working in distant locations, remote access can prove a key feature in empowering communication and productivity.
What is acknowledgement of organization equipment provided to employees?
Acknowledgement that any organization equipment provided to employees remains the organization's property
Who should make telecommuting decisions?
For this reason, telecommuting and remote assignment decisions are best left to departmental managers. Most organizations will want to let departments extend telecommuting and remote access privileges as they deem appropriate.
Is remote access for everyone?
Not for everyone. Remote access, despite the advantages, is just not for everyone. Employees requiring access to student or medical records may likely find it best to work from a secure location using data access methods consistent with federal legislation and industry guidelines governing the use of that data.
Why is remote access important?
It is essential for these individuals to have safe, anytime, anywhere access to corporate networks and services.
What are the risks of remote access?
Many potential risks accompany vendor remote access —from introducing malware into your systems to technical and business dangers.
What percentage of Verizon network intrusions exploited weak or stolen credentials?
According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigation Report, “76 percent of network intrusions exploited weak or stolen credentials.” Since vendors don’t need constant access to your network, they often use one remote access tool license and share generic logins and passwords across technicians. This makes the credentials easy for hackers to guess. What’s more, the vendor’s ex-employees often retain remote access to your systems.
What is the Telework Enhancement Act?
The Telework Enhancement Act requires federal agencies to have policies to govern and promote teleworking. Between teleworkers and vendors, we are challenged to enable secure access for increasingly large and diverse workforces, while simultaneously dealing with smaller budgets and tightening compliance mandates.
What happens if you give access to an outsider?
Recognize that granting system access to an outsider lowers your security level to that of the external provider. If they lack strong security controls, they become your weakest link. If a hacker compromises their system, that partner can become a backdoor into your environment .
Why is reducing network entry points important?
By reducing network entry points to the least amount that are necessary, you increase your ability to monitor and block unwanted activity on your network.
When you engage the services of a third party vendor, does it matter how much you trust them?
When you engage the services of a third-party vendor, no matter how much you trust them or how long you’ve worked with them, it is essential to continuously assess the vendor’s security standards and best practices to determine if they meet those of your organization.
