Remote-access Guide

enterprise-wide approach to remote access via vpn

by Prof. Freddy Emmerich III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Typically, a corporation that wishes to set up a large remote-access VPN provides some form of Internet dial-up account to their users using an Internet service provider (ISP). The telecommuters can then dial a 1-800 number to reach the Internet and use their VPN client software to access the corporate network.

Full Answer

What is a VPN remote access policy and how does it work?

By having an effective VPN remote access policy, you can reduce the risk of your organization’s network assets and support calls from end users. A VPN policy should be documented, and every user remotely connecting to the network should read and accept the terms of that policy.

Are remote access VPNs a security risk to your business?

The decades-old connectivity practices of remote access VPNs have too many security weaknesses for today’s heightened cyber threat environment. Third-party VPN connections are far too risky for today’s business and the important assets on organization’s networks.

What is the best enterprise VPN for small business?

1 Perimeter 81 Enterprise VPN. Perimeter 81 ’s specialty are organizations of various sizes, to which it provides several packages according to their specific needs. 2 Cisco AnyConnect. AnyConnect by Cisco is a robust VPN tool built for a large-scale company in mind. ... 3 FortiClient. ... 4 Pulse Connect Secure. ... 5 NordVPN Teams. ...

Is your company using a VPN to improve security?

Increasing your company's security doesn't have to be timely or expensive. 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.

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Why an organization would want to develop an enterprise wide approach to remote access via VPNs?

Scalability is another major factor to consider when setting up your VPN....Security – The main reason why businesses choose to adopt virtual private networks. ... Mobility – VPNs give businesses the security to share their resources with employees and partners that are not based in the office at all times.More items...•

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.

What is the main purpose of a VPN within an enterprise?

Businesses typically use a VPN to give remote employees access to internal applications and data, or to create a single shared network between multiple office locations.

Does VPN allow remote access?

A remote access virtual private network (VPN) 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.

Which VPN is best for remote access?

Best Remote Access VPNs for business.Perimeter 81 – Best all-round business VPN.GoodAccess – Security Strategy Options.ExpressVPN – Lightning Fast VPN.Windscribe – VPN with Enterprise-Friendly Features.VyprVPN – Secure VPN with Business Packages.NordVPN – Security-first VPN.More items...•

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 are the benefits of 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.

How do companies connect to VPN?

Whether it's for work or personal use, you can connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on your Windows 10 PC....Connect to a VPNIn Settings, select Network & internet > VPN.Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect.If you're prompted, enter your username and password or other sign-in info.

What is the difference in a personal VPN and an enterprise VPN at a company?

A business VPN is a corporate tool, whereas a personal, or home VPN focuses on leisure-related uses. The purpose of a VPN, or virtual private network, is to securely connect a user to the Internet or a company's network by creating an encrypted connection between their device and a server.

How do I setup a VPN remote access?

Configure Remote Access as a VPN ServerOn the VPN server, in Server Manager, select the Notifications flag.In the Tasks menu, select Open the Getting Started Wizard. ... Select Deploy VPN only. ... Right-click the VPN server, then select Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.More items...•

Which is better VPN or remote desktop?

Security. Although both VPN and RDP are encrypted through internet connection, a VPN connection is less accessible to threats than a remote desktop connection. For this reason, VPN is often considered more secure than RDP.

What are the disadvantages of using a VPN?

The 10 biggest VPN disadvantages are:A VPN won't give you complete anonymity: Read more.Your privacy isn't always guaranteed: Read more.Using a VPN is illegal in some countries: Read more.A safe, top-quality VPN will cost you money: Read more.VPNs almost always slow your connection speed: Read more.More items...•

How do I setup remote access to VPN?

Configure Remote Access as a VPN ServerOn the VPN server, in Server Manager, select the Notifications flag.In the Tasks menu, select Open the Getting Started Wizard. ... Select Deploy VPN only. ... Right-click the VPN server, then select Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.More items...•

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.

How do I give someone access to my VPN?

Double-click Your_Server_Name, right-click Ports, and then click Properties. In the Ports Properties dialog box, click WAN Miniport (PPTP), and then click Configure. In the Maximum ports box, type the number of VPN connections that you want to allow. Click OK, click OK again, and then quit Routing and Remote Access.

How does a VPN Work?

A VPN connection establishes a secure connection between you and the internet. Via the VPN, all your data traffic is routed through an encrypted virtual tunnel. This disguises your IP address when you use the internet, making its location invisible to everyone. A VPN connection is also secure against external attacks.

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.

Summary

As organizations prepare for possible impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), many may consider alternate workplace options for their employees. Remote work options—or telework—require an enterprise virtual private network (VPN) solution to connect employees to an organization’s information technology (IT) network.

Mitigations

CISA encourages organizations to review the following recommendations when considering alternate workplace options.

Revisions

This product is provided subject to this Notification and this Privacy & Use policy.

What is the difference between enterprise VPN and consumer VPN?

Another difference between enterprise-level VPNs and their smaller counterparts is in deployment. Also, consumer VPNs are often focused on offering access to otherwise blocked content , which isn’t an enterprise VPN’s primary goal.

Why is VPN important?

In fact, they are the ones that may need it the most in these times. Due to their sheer size, large number of clients, partners, and employees, both remote and on-site, high value of their operations, and company secrets, having a strong online protection can never be understated.

How long does it take for AnyConnect to launch?

For employees who need access to the intranet from mobile devices, AnyConnect Mobility client for iOS and Android is available, launching in just one or two seconds and remaining connected until the device is turned off.

What is a license for VPN?

A license with this provider will get you a remote access VPN, allowing you and your employees to securely connect devices outside the corporate office (endpoints), including laptops, tablets, or smartphones. AnyConnect conducts security checks to make sure they meet a certain posture before connecting.

What happens when you connect to a VPN?

Once you connect to the VPN, the client is minimized in the tray icon and stays out of your way, without any annoying notifications. It provides a stable connection, giving you multiple tools in one unified package - a VPN, firewall, web content filtering, as well as endpoint protection.

What is automatic Wi-Fi security?

Automatic Wi-Fi security is used to protect employee’s devices when connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi, and multi-factor authentication ensures their identity.

Is AnyConnect secure?

AnyConnect supports a highly secure connection to the intranet using the IKEv2 and SSL protocols, while the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance authenticates the user and renders the mobile data traffic unintelligible if intercepted.

What is the importance of remote access VPN?

Before the implementation of a remote-access VPN solution, it is imperative for organizations to define who can use the VPN, what it can be used for, and the security policies that prevent improper or malicious use.

What is IPsec remote access?

IPsec remote access offers customizability and versatility through modification of VPN client software. With APIs in IPsec software, organizations are able to control the function and appearance of the VPN client for applications and special case uses.

Why is remote access important?

Remote access VPN can be an attractive ground for hackers and malicious attackers, so an organization’s server must be protected by a security or network administrator. By having an effective VPN remote access policy, you can reduce the risk of your organization’s network assets and support calls from end users.

What is a Radius server?

It is a software application that provides access to all users, so when a user logs in, the VPN contacts the RADIUS application which authenticates the user through the Mac, Windows or another OS.

How to keep remote devices up to date?

The operating system of all remote devices must be kept up-to-date by applying patches as soon as they become available to download.

How to reduce exposure to corporate network security threats?

Organizations must consider the following: 1. Avoid split tunneling.

Is encryption good for remote access?

Encryption is a major part of remote access security. Less secured protocols such as IPSEC6 and PPTP connections should be avoided if possible. Organizations should aim for the most secure encryption standards such as IPSEC (3DES) and 256-bit AES. SSL-backed VPN should be considered if it is compatible with company applications: in this case, a connection only allows access to individual ports, IP addresses and applications, which makes it more secure than standard connections that grant access to the whole network.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

What is excessive access to VPN?

Excessive access. The VPN provides wide, often excessive access to network resources, including domain controllers and infrastructure DHCP, DNS, switches and routers. Not only does this provide a large attack surface for a bad actor, but it also gives even the legitimate third-party user access to far more than the one or two applications he really ...

Why is VPN used?

The VPN became the default means to provide third parties access into corporate networks and applications, and its use is still quite common today. There are multiple security weaknesses that make the remote access VPN an unsuitable method for third-party access to network and applications. Some of these are:

What are some examples of VPN vulnerabilities?

For example, Cisco recently acknowledged vulnerabilities in its ASA Clientless SSL VPN that expose the entire enterprise infrastructure to remote attacks or could allow their infrastructure to serve up malware to others.

What is exposed server in VPN?

In a remote access VPN scenario, once a VPN connection is established, internal application servers are exposed to the external device and whatever software and malware is running on it. That makes it possible for an attacker to reach these servers via the public Internet. This means that the servers are listening to – ...

Why is third party access so difficult?

People authorized to access the network and applications might not adhere to the organization’s same level of security protocols. They might use weak or default passwords, or share a single set of credentials among numerous people. Their devices might be unmanaged and should be considered untrusted. And even if proper security protocols are observed, traditional remote connectivity methods are easily hacked through stolen user credentials and session hijacking techniques.

What does compromised client mean?

Compromised clients will scan the network looking for servers, and if a server or any of its applications has vulnerabilities, attackers will compromise them.

When was VPN first used?

When VPNs were first developed in the 1990s, the intent was to extend the LAN to employees’ home offices and hotels as they traveled. This meant giving employees remote access to everything their company network had to offer just as if they were directly on the internal network. When companies began outsourcing work and bringing ecosystem partners onto their networks, the remote access VPN was the only tool at their disposal. The VPN became the default means to provide third parties access into corporate networks and applications, and its use is still quite common today.

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