Remote-access Guide

how to secure your remote access

by Prof. Daryl Lind PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Basic Security Tips for Remote Desktop
  1. Use strong passwords.
  2. Use Two-factor authentication.
  3. Update your software.
  4. Restrict access using firewalls.
  5. Enable Network Level Authentication.
  6. Limit users who can log in using Remote Desktop.

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 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.

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...•

Who is more secure protocol for remote login?

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are a commonly used remote-access solution. They are designed to provide an encrypted tunnel for network traffic between a remote user and the enterprise network. VPNs also support security solutions like MFA that help to mitigate the threat of compromised accounts.

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 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 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 is remote access?

Remote PC access methods, such as desktop sharing, connect a remote computer to the host computer from a secondary location outside of the office. This setup means the operator has the ability to access local files on the host computer as if they were physically present in the office.

How to secure work online?

Your options are using either remote computer access, virtual private networks, or direct application access. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks. Choose the method that works best for your organization.

How to protect data with passwords?

To enact one-time-use credentials, create a log of passwords in a spreadsheet acting as a “safe.” When you a single-use password for business reasons, have the user label the password in the spreadsheet as “checked out.” Upon completion of the task, have the user check-in the password again and retire it.

Why is encryption important?

As important as it is to choose an access method for your online workers , it’s equally important those methods use encryption to secure remote employees’ data and connections. Simply put, encryption is the process of converting data into code or ciphertext.

Why do businesses need to have a cybersecurity policy?

If your business allows remote work, you must have a clear cybersecurity policy in place so that every employee’s access to company data is secure. Without a strategy in place, any employee can easily become an entry-point for a hacker to hijack your organization’s network.

Why use AES encryption?

As it stands, most businesses have the security protocol to use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to secure data due to its compatibility with a wide variety of applications. It uses symmetric key encryption, meaning the receiver uses a key to decode the sender’s data. The benefit of its use over asymmetric encryption is it’s faster to use. Look for encryption software that uses AES to secure company data.

What happens when you use unsecured Wi-Fi?

When using unsecured Wi-Fi, your phone is exposed to potential hackers looking to compromise your device. To prevent any unwanted intrusions, only use encrypted software to communicate.

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 to unlock a user who has been locked out?

In order to manually unlock a user who has been locked out, go to Administrative Tools in the Start Menu and select Computer Management. In the Local Users and Groups setting, you can click on an individual user and restore their access by un-checking the Account is Disable box.

What is remote desktop?

Remote Desktop is a Windows service that allows users to connect to a host computer from a different location. This allows users to access information stored on a separate computer from any place that allows them to log on to the Remote Desktop application. This has many practical applications in business, but also opens up some obvious security ...

How to change scope of remote desktop?

In the Firewall options, select the Exceptions tab and highlight Remote Desktop. Click the edit button followed by the Change Scope button.

How to limit users on a host computer?

Limit users who can log on to the host computer. Go to the host computer's system properties and select the Remote tab. If Remote Desktop is set up, the box that reads "Allow Users to Connect Remotely" should be checked. If not, check it now. Click the Select Remote Users button, and add which groups of users that can have access to the computer. ...

Can you allow admin access to host computer?

In most versions of Windows, this will still allow users in the administrator group to access the host computer. If you want to change that, go to the Run box in your Windows Start Menu and enter

Can you use only certain IP addresses for remote desktop?

Allow only certain IP addresses to access the Remote Desktop. IP addresses are a unique series of numbers that identifies a computer, and through Windows it is possible to limit the Remote Desktop Connection to only known and trusted IP addresses. To do so, navigate to your Windows Firewall settings through the Windows Control Panel.

What does it mean when a remote access application configuration only requires the user to enter a username and password?

If a remote access application configuration only requires the user to enter a username and password, the application has been configured insecurely.

How many failed login attempts can you lock out?

Limit login attempts. Set your remote access to lock out a user after six failed login attempts, with administrators able to unlock accounts.

What does it mean when an attacker sees an IP address with ports 5800 and 5900?

Attackers will routinely scan large ranges of IP addresses looking for open ports that typically relate to the use of remote access tools (i.e., if attackers see that an IP address has ports 5800 and 5900 open, they assume that Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is installed. If they see that ports 5631 and 5632 are open, they assume the system is configured for pcAnywhere).

Is remote access a good technology?

While remote computer access is a convenient and important technology, it’s unfortunately also one of the most hacked business resources in recent years.

Can a password be brute force?

If a username and password aren’t sufficiently complex, it will be that much easier for an attacker to gain access to an environment. They may try to brute-force attack a system by entering multiple passwords (usually via an automated mechanism that allows them to enter thousands of password options within a matter of seconds) until one works.

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.

Can compromised servers be used to eavesdrop?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) advises that compromised servers could be wielded to eavesdrop on and manipulate remote access communications. They can also provide a starting point for attacking other hosts within your organization.

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.

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.

What is emerging model of remote access?

An emerging model of remote access provides the benefit of a tunnel for broad application support while retaining strong control over access to applications through the next-generation firewall security policy. This approach allows administrators to safely enable remote user activity and access on the network. Combining the benefits from earlier implementations, this model is the most secure and practical remote access solution available today.

What is site to site VPN?

A site-to-site VPN is a connection between two or more networks, such as a corporate network and a branch office network. Site-to-site VPNs are frequently used by companies with multiple offices in different geographic locations that need to access and use the corporate network on an ongoing basis.

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.

Can you use a VPN to access on-premises resources?

If you need to enable access to on-premises resources using a cloud proxy VPN, an encrypted connection back to your premises is required to gain access to corporate resources – through the internet to the cloud provider – across a secure VPN. From the cloud provider, employees have access to corporate resources.

Is it possible to work from home?

Meanwhile, employees are growing accustomed to a more flexible work environment. In a short period, enterprises across every industry have figured out how to run near fully remote businesses, providing employees with all the resources they need to work from home. By and large, newly remote companies are realizing it’s possible to uphold a strong, healthy company culture that makes employees feel connected while working from home full time. Through a combination of video conferencing, emphasis on work life balance and collaboration among remote teams, the global perspective on remote work is undergoing a major change.

How to secure RDP?

Ananth: There are some built-in, no-cost defenses that can secure RDP. These include: 1 Patching: Keep servers especially up to date. 2 Complex passwords: Also use two-factor authentication, and implement lockout policies. 3 Default port: Change the default port used by RDP from 3389 to something else via the Registry. 4 Windows firewall: Use the built-in Windows firewall to restrict RDP sessions by IP address. 5 Network Level Authentication (NLA): Enable NLA, which is non-default on older versions. 6 Limit RDP access: Limit RDP access to a specific user group. Don't allow any domain admin to access RDP. 7 Tunnel RDP access: Tunnel access via IPSec or Secure Shell (SSH).

What are some built-in, no-cost defenses that can secure RDP?

Ananth: There are some built-in, no-cost defenses that can secure RDP. These include: Patching: Keep servers especially up to date. Complex passwords: Also use two-factor authentication, and implement lockout policies. Default port: Change the default port used by RDP from 3389 to something else via the Registry.

What is the RDP vulnerability?

Most notably, 2019 gave rise to a vulnerability known as BlueKeep that could allow cybercriminals to remotely take over a connected PC that's not properly patched.

What is RDP brute forcing?

Ananth: One common tactic is RDP brute-forcing, where attackers automate many login attempts using common credentials, hoping one hits. The second involves exploiting a software vulnerability to gain control of an RDP server. For instance, attackers could exploit BlueKeep ( CVE-2019-0708) to gain complete control of a managed service provider's (MSP) unpatched RDP servers.

What firewall is used to restrict RDP sessions?

Windows firewall: Use the built-in Windows firewall to restrict RDP sessions by IP address.

How many systems are exposed to the internet via RDP?

Web crawlers like shodan.io make it easy for attackers to quickly identify vulnerable public-facing machines. Worldwide, more than two million systems are exposed to the internet via RDP, of which more than 500,000 are in the US.

Can RDP be placed on the internet?

Some major organizations place RDP directly on the internet, but most (hopefully) are doing this unknowingly. Checking on this is pretty simple; just fire up your favorite internet-wide scanner and look at all the RDP instances directly exposed. Ananth: There are some built-in, no-cost defenses that can secure RDP.

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