Remote-access Guide

how to implement secure remote access

by Dr. Teresa Weber PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Go to the Start menu or open a Run prompt (Windows Key + R) and type “secpol.msc” to open the Local Security Policy menu. Once there, expand “Local Policies” and click on “User Rights Assignment.” Double-click on the “Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services” policy listed on the right.

7 Best Practices For Securing Remote Access for Employees
  1. Develop a Cybersecurity Policy For Remote Workers. ...
  2. Choose a Remote Access Software. ...
  3. Use Encryption. ...
  4. Implement a Password Management Software. ...
  5. Apply Two-factor Authentication. ...
  6. Employ the Principle of Least Privilege. ...
  7. Create Employee Cybersecurity Training.
May 7, 2020

Full Answer

What is the best remote access for PC?

What is the Best Remote Desktop Software?

  1. GoToMyPC. GoToMyPC is the best remote desktop software on this list. ...
  2. AnyDesk. AnyDesk is one of the most popular remote desktop software platforms, used by over 100 million users globally.
  3. LogMeIn. ...
  4. Parallels. ...
  5. Splashtop Business Access. ...
  6. Zoho Assist. ...
  7. ConnectWise Control. ...
  8. RemotePC. ...
  9. TeamViewer. ...
  10. Remote Utilities for Windows. ...

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How do I find my Remote Desktop Connection?

You'll need this later.

  • Make sure you have Windows 10 Pro. To check, go to Start > Settings > System > About and look for Edition . ...
  • When you're ready, select Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and turn on Enable Remote Desktop.
  • Make note of the name of this PC under How to connect to this PC. You'll need this later.

How to set up windows for remote file access?

  • Select Start.
  • In your programs list, Expand Windows Accessories, then select Remote Desktop Connection. ...
  • Enter your home computer's IP address, then select Connect.
  • Enter your Home computer's username and password, then select OK.
  • Your computer is not certified by a third party verification service. ...

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Is rdweb secure?

Using Remote Web Access is fine but is less secure than a good VPN, especially if you don't take extra precautions to secure it, i.e. using an alternate server only for RWA, placing it in a DMZ, getting a valid 3rd party SSL cert, etc. Thanks for your feedback! This person is a verified professional.

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How do you secure remote access?

Basic Security Tips for Remote DesktopUse strong passwords. ... Use Two-factor authentication. ... Update your software. ... Restrict access using firewalls. ... Enable Network Level Authentication. ... Limit users who can log in using Remote Desktop. ... Set an account lockout policy.

Which method of remote access is the most secure?

Implement a Secure Connection for Remote Network AccessWired Connection: A wired connection is the most secure method for remote network access.Home Wi-Fi: The second most secure network connection is using a secured home Wi-Fi connection.More items...•

How do I install a secure remote worker?

Installation of SRWType your Oracle ID as provided by Human Capital and click Install.The install will take several minutes and prompts for a system reboot. ... Launch Secure Remote Worker and Allow for the Installation Of The TTEC Applications. ... Launch Secure Remote Worker.More items...

What is secure remote access software?

SASE and secure remote access Secure Access Service Edge is an emerging concept that combines network and security functions into a single cloud service, not only to alleviate traffic from being routed through the data center, but also to embrace a remote workforce, IoT adoption and cloud-based application use.

Why is secure remote access important?

A secure remote access system protects your employees from web-based threats such as phishing attacks, ransomware and malware while they're logged in to your company's network. These cyber incidents can lead to unauthorized access and use of both the company's business data and the employee's personal data.

What is required for remote access?

Remote computer access requires a reliable internet connection. You'll need to activate or install software on the device you want to access, as well as on the device — or devices — you want to use to get that access.

Which protocol for remote access is more secure and why?

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.

What are the methods for remote access?

Remote Access Control MethodsDirect (Physical) Line. The first direct remote access control that can be implemented is a direct line from a computer to the company's LAN. ... Virtual Private Network. Another method which is more common is establishing a VPN. ... Deploying Microsoft RDS.

What are the two types of remote access server?

Remote Access Methods1- Remote Access Server: It's one server in organization network that it is the destination of all remote access connections.2- Remote Access Client: All computers that remote connect to network, called remote access client or remote computer.More items...•

Which of the following protocols provides secure remote access?

PPTP is a tunneling protocol that helps provide a secure, encrypted communications link between a remote client and a remote access server.

What is option 2 on a VPN?

Option 2: Traditional VPN. This option requires a local VPN router to connect through the Internet with a secure VPN tunnel to a second remote VPN router or software client (figure 5). Once connected, remote users can access automation components connected to the local router through the VPN tunnel. Unlike option 1, there is no cloud server between ...

What is the advantage of a hosted VPN?

Another advantage to a hosted VPN is the router configuration is extremely simple. Because the secure router (figure 3) is connected to a predefined cloud server, the router comes pre-configured, requiring only the most basic network information from the user.

What are the key features of a VPN?

These key features include data logging, widgets for configuring remote access screens, a Web-based platform for router configuration, and a digital input for enabling or disabling remote access. The traditional VPN solution requires a third-party HMI, either PC based or embedded (figure 4), to provide data logging and widgets for configuring remote access screens.

Why does hosted VPN not require IT support?

The hosted VPN solution does not require an IT team for support, because it is simple to implement and maintain, and most companies accept it as secure. Those companies that do not accept a hosted VPN solution for security reasons would likely not accept a traditional VPN either because of its required firewall changes.

Can staff use VPN?

The platform and hosted servers do the complicated VPN networking behind the scenes , so non-IT staff can easily configure it. Staff members only need to know the IP addresses of the automation components connected to the local area network, and whether their ISP or corporate-wide area network router (not the hosted VPN router) provides IP addresses dynamically or statically.

What is cloud based remote access?

Cloud-based remote access is a new type of remote access solution that enables flexible remote access to field machines. The network topology of a cloud-based remote access solution has three components: a remote gateway, a cloud server, and client software. Remote gateways are connected to field equipment in order to remotely access and control them. Client software is installed on the engineer’s PC. The cloud server can be installed on a cloud-based platform such as Amazon Web Service or Microsoft Azure. The remote gateway and client software will both initiate outbound secure connection requests to the cloud server. The cloud server will map the two connection requests and after successful authentication on both sides, a connection will be established.

What is remote gateway?

Remote gateways are connected to field equipment in order to remotely access and control them. Client software is installed on the engineer’s PC. The cloud server can be installed on a cloud-based platform such as Amazon Web Service or Microsoft Azure.

How to achieve a higher level of security?

One way to achieve a higher level of security is to have different pre-shared keys or X.509 certificates for each VPN tunnel. When the number of VPN connections required is few, it is easy to manage the keys or certificates for these connections. However, as the number of VPN tunnels grows, it would be very hard to manage these keys and certificates.

Why are RDC connections so troublesome?

RDC connections are equally troublesome in that they expose computing equipment on the plant network to the public network , creating security risks. Mitigating these security issues requires additional resources, both in terms of human resources and setup and maintenance costs. 4. VPN Security Is Hard to Manage.

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.

What is the line of defense for remote access?

So, you have a three-layer line of defense working to protect remote access to your network: anti-virus, firewall, and VPN. The network security team should monitor alerts from these defenses constantly.

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 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 remote access plan?

A remote-access plan is a key part of an organization’s digital transformation. It sounds obvious, but prior to the pandemic, 80 percent of companies did not have a remote access plan in place. It’s been a year of playing catch up, but now that many companies are coming out of crisis mode, they are looking at the future ...

Why create a hybrid environment?

It’s a better user experience and it provides you with the flexibility to future-proof your environment when you want to make changes without disrupting the user experience. Most firms still don't have a secure remote access solution in place.

Is remote access necessary?

Remote access isn’t just necessary for productivity ; it’s a strategic decision as well. With a robust remote access plan in place, you can recruit or bring on talent from anywhere in the world. You’ve heard the stories of workers moving out of commuting distance during the pandemic.

Do remote users need MFA?

While you might decide to allow users on the network to log in with single-layer authentication, remote users should need to pass through MFA almost universally. If you have a preferred MFA provider, be sure to design it into your remote access solution. And if you do not, it’s time to think about getting one.

Is MFA part of remote access?

But resources exposed for remote access absolutely must be locked up securely, and MFA should be part of your remote access plan.

Why do organizations need remote access?

On a more granular level, organizations have several reasons for enabling remote access to their OT environments. Software Toolbox identified three such factors: 1 Empowering decision-makers with data access and visibility: Decision-makers need access to and visibility over data if they are to safeguard the organization’s interests. They need timely information to make the right decisions. 2 Centralizing access across geographically distributed systems: Many organizations that own or operate OT environments have assets that are scattered across different countries and continents. This makes it difficult for people like remote workers to monitor those devices all at once. Remote access solves this problem by enabling an authenticated user to access those systems from anywhere in the world. Alternatively, organizations can centralize these access sessions within a single operations center. 3 Streamlining work with third parties: Organizations that own or operate OT environments need to be able to work with their third-party vendors, contractors and suppliers. This can be difficult depending on the scope of the supply chain. As a result, organizations could use remote access to share key important data with third parties rather than grant them full access to their entire environments. 4 Facilitating the implementation of updates: Per Security Week, many industrial control systems come with a contract through which equipment manufacturers are responsible for providing remote maintenance. It’s therefore critical that organizations ensure there’s remote access available to these device manufacturers. Otherwise, they could risk those OT assets not receiving an important update or fix when it’s misbehaving, for example.

Why do decision makers need access to data?

Empowering decision-makers with data access and visibility: Decision-makers need access to and visibility over data if they are to safeguard the organization’s interests. They need timely information to make the right decisions.

How do the Guidelines address cybersecurity?

TSA's cybersecurity guidance for OT systems are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity ( Framework ). If you're familiar with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework ( CSF) 1.1 then this will look familiar to you—the Framework builds heavily off of the CSF.

The five requirements you must meet when allowing access control

The Guidelines specifically address Access Control within the Protect section. There are other areas that tie into a secure access program we'll touch on below, but Access Control is the best place to start.

Access Control ties into other Guidance sections

While access control enjoys its own category in the Guidance, don't think that your critical infrastructure remote access system should only align with just that section. Pipeline owners and operators should use integrated technologies that support a complete and connected view of those who have access to their computer systems over the internet.

What Is Remote Access?

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.

Why is remote access important?

Software organizations where development engineers need to connect across multiple locations, small organizations lacking office-space, and large, enterprise organizations all want to offer the most flexible work options in order to attract high-ranking candidates and reap the rewards of having such a policy.

Why Is a Remote Access Policy Necessary?

The numerous types of mobile devices and the different ways to connect pose challenges for the IT department. Devices can include cell phones, tablets, laptops, and any other device a remote worker relies on to conduct business. They can be company owned and secured, personally owned and authorized by a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, or a combination. Each class of device has its own set of security challenges. According to the National Institute for Standards and Technology’s Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices in the Enterprise, “…Security controls available for laptops today are quite different than those available for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile device types.” Since different devices demand different controls, the policy has to detail what is allowed, compliant, and secure. The policy should answer the following questions:

What Problems Arise Without a Remote Access Policy?

Therefore, consequences for misuse can also be clearly outlined to compel compliance and appropriate precautions for data use and access. Elements such as firewalls, connectivity guidelines, personal use restrictions, and antivirus updates can help IT prevent both malicious and accidental loss and disruption of corporate information assets. The remote access control policies also provide protections for confidentiality, intellectual property, and information compliance.

What is VPN policy?

Policies for VPN remote access can be standardized. These policies “shore up” and prevent the use of rogue devices and access by non-authorized users , including the worker's family members or housemates. The policy also enforces proper email protocols to protect information from being sent through unsecured or untrusted sources, and also provides rules that limit or prohibit split tunnel configurations that allow mobile users to access both secure and unsecure networks simultaneously.

What percentage of people work remotely?

According to research conducted by Gallup, 43 percent of workers in the U.S. worked remotely at least some of the time in 2016. Remote workers report higher job satisfaction and flexibility, experience fewer distractions and interruptions, and are more productive. Companies experience less absenteeism, less stress on office accommodations, and realize greater employee retention. A recent New York Times article found that finance, insurance, real estate, and transportation were most likely to have and support remote work (retail and education were least likely candidates). The trend is only increasing: the 2016 Gallup poll also found that those who work remotely log more hours away from the office than was reported in their 2012 findings. Not only are people logging more hours, but remote workers are saving money when it comes to commuting costs and businesses are saving on office space expenses.

What is unauthorized access policy?

Even if the employee provides their own equipment, laptop, or mobile device, the policy dictates and enforces the minimum-security requirements necessary. The policy can also provide determinations on who is allowed remote access, the level of access, and penalties for misuse.

1. Reinforce network security standards

First and foremost, enterprises need to start adding the rigor back into their systems and processes.

2. Bolster home network security

Home network systems use personal equipment or devices provided by a broadband provider. Network security teams must work with remote users to bolster security for home networks by using the following steps:

3. Establish endpoint protection

To manage the network security environments, teams must reestablish endpoint protection, which requires the following steps:

4. Consider new and innovative alternatives

Once upon a time, it was common for employers to provide work-from-home systems with traditional security, but this disappeared with the emergence of BYOD and widespread broadband.

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