Remote-access Guide

how to provide secure remote access

by Johathan Block Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Specifically, a secure remote access method should:

  • Identify and authenticate the individual who is accessing your network
  • Support the protocols that your third parties need, and encrypt their traffic
  • Control when and what they can access
  • Audit all activity of their access

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 I ensure 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 keep my remote workers secure?

Here are a few security best practices your remote employees should follow.Run software updates regularly. ... Secure video meetings. ... Watch out for email phishing. ... Create strong passwords. ... Never leave your bag, briefcase or laptop unattended. ... Use caution with wireless networks. ... Keep your work separate.

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.

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 is secure remote access?

Secure Remote Access is a combination of security processes or solutions that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to an organization's digital assets and prevent the loss of sensitive data.

What are the most common remote work security risks?

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 the examples of security considerations for remote users?

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 secure remote access?

Secure Remote Access is a combination of security processes or solutions that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to an organization's digital assets and prevent the loss of sensitive data.

Which protocol is used for secure remote connection?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) makes it possible for employees to connect to their work desktop computer when they work remotely.

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.

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...•

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

Where should a server be placed?

Because of this, NIST recommends; in most cases, that a server should be placed at an enterprise's network perimeter so it serves as a single point of entry to the network and enforces the remote work security policy before any remote access traffic is permitted into the enterprise's internal networks.

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.

What is secure remote access?

Secure remote access refers to any security policy, solution, strategy or process that exists to prevent unauthorized access to your network, its resources, or any confidential or sensitive data. Essentially, secure remote access is a mix of security strategies and not necessarily one specific technology like a VPN.

What technologies are used for secure remote access?

Secure remote access is comprised of a multitude of security solutions and technologies. Some of the most prominent include the following:

Secure remote access solution

Enables employees with precise access to the applications and data required to do their job from anywhere.

Why is secure remote access important?

With the work from home shift in the workforce, endpoints are accessing corporate networks from multiple locations. Today, employees’ home networks are often the originating point for network connections, multiplying the risk on both home and corporate networks.

What are the benefits of secure remote access?

While the benefits of secure remote access are numerous, there are four key advantages in which to focus on:

Can secure remote access be achieved without VPN?

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.

How can AT&T help organizations with secure remote access?

AT&T Cybersecurity is uniquely positioned to help organizations address these immediate challenges with an eye toward the future by helping them balance connectivity, collaboration, and cybersecurity affordably.

How does secure remote access work?

Every remote worker needs a way to connect with remote desktop services and applications that won't slow down their workflows. At the same time, IT administrators must manage those connections to ensure they don't leave the network open to threats.

Why is secure remote access important to remote work security?

Secure remote access approaches are so vital because it’s now impossible to control security at the endpoint. Each user in a remote or hybrid workforce is connecting to the network from a different type of computer or smartphone, and they’re using a variety of internet connections to log in.

How can my staff work from home and access the company network?

As with most things IT-related, the best solution for you depends on your organization’s priorities: security, flexibility, and ease of use.

Firstly, what is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the name given to a secure connection from one device to another, usually over an insecure network like the Internet. You may also hear the term “tunnel”, but this is a broader class of connection that doesn’t always provide any security.

What types of VPN are there?

There are two main types of VPN technology in use: IPsec and SSL/TLS. We’ll look at both types here from the viewpoint of your organization’s priorities.

Which type of VPN should I use?

The type of VPN you use will depend on your organizational priorities and may include a mix of both.

How can I deploy VPNs without overloading my IS team?

We recognize that for many companies, despite the advantages of deploying a VPN solution for your remote workforce, it may be too complicated or time-consuming, especially if your IS team has other priorities.

Why Does Secure Remote Access Matter?

From reputational damage to regulatory fines to loss of customer trust, future business, and intellectual property – the costs can be widespread and high. In fact, the average cost of a data breach is $3.92M. If that weren’t enough, a data breach originating from a third party is both more likely and costly: 63% of data breaches come from a third party, and a data breach that originated via a third party costs an organization an additional $370,000. In short, you can’t afford not to secure the remote access of your third parties.

How do current methods fail to properly secure third party remote access?

Current methods fail to properly secure third party remote access by identifying each individual, controlling their access, and auditing their activity.

What is remote access in business?

In today’s business environment, remote access to systems, data, and servers is a common and necessary occurrence. This remote access can be for employees, who are working from home or distributed remotely, and it can also be for third parties, such as contractors, technology vendors, business partners, and consultants.

What is the final element of secure remote access?

The final element in secure remote access for third parties is visibility into exactly what they are doing in your network. Ideally, you can review audit logs that give you immediate visibility, in the event that something should break due to a third party, or you have to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. Your method should provide:

Why don't companies allow remote work?

For various reasons, some employers discourage or don’t allow remote work. Manufacturers may feel it’s unfair to let operational staff work remotely when plant and warehouse workers have to come in. The office environment is naturally conducive to building friendships, fostering teamwork and encouraging collaboration.

Why is remote work important?

Remote work gives you a lot more flexibility to balance work and home life. You no longer have to commute, saving time and money. Remote work can also eliminate regular office distractions, making you more productive.

What is VPN in remote office?

VPN – Virtual Private Network – You can restrict access so that employees must exclusively connect through a VPN, providing a direct, encrypted connection between their remote device and the main office server. This is a way to offer full, but secure access to remote employees. Be prescriptive about which VPN tools employees use.

What to do if your company works with sensitive information?

If your company works with sensitive information, you want to be especially careful in setting up remote access. You’ll want to limit access, printing or downloading for records like:

Can you work remotely and in office?

One of the easiest ways is to allow employees to work from home. Obviously, working remotely and in-office are not the same. You don’t have the same fluid interactions between employees as when they’re within walking distance from each other. Paperwork and contracts can’t be passed around.

Is working remotely challenging?

Working remotely can be challenging for everyone at first. Don’t get discouraged.

Can you wipe a remote device in Office 365?

Microsoft Office 365 and other IT vendors have software available that enables employers to wipe remote devices in the case equipment is lost or stolen.

What is remote access?

Remote access provides end users with the ability to access resources on the corporate network from a distant location. The most common function of remote access is to enable employees who are traveling or telecommuting to connect to the company network and access resources such as internal applications, intranet, mail services and file sharing.

Why is remote access important?

While providing that remote access is convenient for employees and often a productivity advantage, it requires the right measures to enable a secure remote workforce, support business continuity and protect your network because information security is a major concern.

How does VPN work?

The VPN will forward device traffic to and from the intended website or network through its secure connection. This allows your remote users and offices to connect securely to a corporate network or website. It also hides your IP addresses from hackers and prying eyes.

Why is VPN important?

A VPN establishes the secure connection necessary for enabling the mobile workforce.

What is VPN tunnel?

As mentioned above, a VPN creates a private connection known as a tunnel. All information traveling from a device connected to a VPN will get encrypted and go through this tunnel. When connected to a VPN, a device behaves as if it’s on the same local network as the VPN.

How to secure remote workforce?

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. In many cases, remote workforce technology requires hardware.

Why do people use VPNs?

A VPN makes your internet connection more secure and offers privacy online. Organizations, governments and businesses of all sizes use VPNs to secure remote connections to the internet for protection against malicious actors, malware and other cyberthreats. Personal VPNs have also become widely popular as they keep users’ locations private, safely encrypt data and allow users to browse the internet anonymously.

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