Remote-access Guide

industry best practices for remote access

by Dr. Dina Erdman Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Remote Access Best Practices To Protect Your Business

  • Establish Appropriate Security Protocols Early On. It's essential that you consider and review your security protocol...
  • Do NOT Allow Remote Connections if You're Not Using a VPN. Step 1 in implementing security controls for remote access is...
  • Secure Your Remote Connections Using Dual Factor Authentication. These...

Best Practices For Remote Access Security
  • Enable 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.
Jul 15, 2021

Full Answer

What are the best remote access programs?

The best free remote desktop software

  1. Dameware Remote Everywhere (FREE TRIAL)
  2. ISL Online (FREE TRIAL)
  3. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus (FREE TRIAL)
  4. Zoho Assist (FREE TRIAL)
  5. N-able Take Control (FREE TRIAL)
  6. TeamViewer
  7. Atera
  8. Chrome Remote Desktop
  9. Microsoft Remote Desktop
  10. Remmina

How to develop a successful remote work access strategy?

Work from home prep checklist

  • Cross-train employees
  • Develop a list of critical business functions and essential personnel
  • Create and disseminate temporary authority back up designations
  • Have a communication tree with updated contact information and directions
  • Determine alternative sources of supplies
  • Review insurance policies and opportunities for adjustment or enhancement

More items...

How to properly secure remote access?

  • Windows or Mac login when connecting remotely
  • Request permission to connect to the user’s computer
  • Automatically blank the remote screen when connected
  • Automatically lock remote computer when disconnected
  • Lock the remote computer’s keyboard and mouse while in session
  • Lock the streamer settings using Splashtop admin credentials

How do you enable remote desktop access?

To enable remote connections on Windows 10, use these steps:

  • Open Control Panel.
  • Click on System and Security.
  • Under the “System” section, click the Allow remote access option ...
  • Click the Remote tab.
  • Under the “Remote Desktop” section, check the Allow remote connections to this computer option.

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What is a best practice for compliance in the remote access domain?

Instead, a best practice is to adopt the principle of least privilege, which means that access for all users should be blocked by default and enabled only for the specific accounts that require it.

How do you protect 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.

How do you keep security when employees work remotely?

Remote Work Security Best PracticesEstablish and enforce a data security policy. ... Equip your employees with the right tools and technology. ... Frequently update your network security systems. ... Regulate the use of personal devices. ... Institute a “Zero Trust” approach. ... Make sure all internet connections are secure.More items...

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...•

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 are potential risks associated with remote access?

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 are best practices while working from home?

21 work from home best practicesChoose a work area. If you work everywhere, you can't relax anywhere. ... Stick to a schedule. ... Get the tools you need. ... Shower and get dressed. ... Stock your kitchen. ... Set the right noise level. ... Set guidelines for family. ... Limit distractions during work.More items...•

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. Standard.

Which of the following is a method of controlling remote access?

VPNs use the Internet to connect remote sites and users and use encryption and tunneling techniques to access a company's network. This option is ideal for smaller organizations.

Why is a remote access policy definition a best practice for handling remote employees and authorized users who require remote access from home or on business trips?

A remote access policy aims to keep corporate data safe from exposure to hackers, malware, and other cybersecurity risks while allowing employees the flexibility to work from remote locations.

What can we do in order to limit or prevent remote access?

Firewalls can be your first line of defense in network security by limiting those who have remote access. You should set up firewalls to restrict access using software or hardware or both. Update your software regularly. Make sure your software updates automatically so you're working with the latest security fixes.

What is a preferred security measure for remote access?

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is often considered the best approach in securing trans-network communication.

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!

WFH is here to stay Are you ready?

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about tremendous, unimaginable changes across the world. Lockdown, shelter-in-place orders, ban on gatherings for safety purposes and national and international travel

How the Coronavirus crisis is the gateway to the other kind of virus

To say the COVID-19 pandemic gave the whole world a tough time would be an understatement. Economies collapsed, joblessness rose, people lost their loved ones

What is remote access software?

MSPs with remote access software can perform system configurations, issue maintenance, and deliver service management for a slew of customers —all without ever leaving their desk. Remote access tools are gateways to their customers’ resources. That means not only their machines, but their IP and, ultimately, their data.

What Is Remote Access?

Remote access is a blanket term used to describe the ability to access a specific computer system from any location via a network connection. Many individuals experience this on a personal level when they access files and folders on their desktop from a remote location—MSPs simply execute this on a larger scale for their customers.

What is RDP protocol?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): RDP is a proprietary Microsoft protocol used to achieve a remote connection, but there are also versions for MacOS, Linux, and other operating systems. Some software companies have their own proprietary protocol as well. RDP allows the server to listen on TCP port 3389 and UDP port 3389 and approves a connection once a request is made.

Is remote access software good for MSPs?

Simply put, remote access software is a win-win for all.

Is remote access good for cyber security?

Remote Access Best Practices. Remote access comes with a range of benefits, but it’s not without risks. Cyberattackers often prey on exposed remote connections, waiting to infiltrate and spread viruses. To prevent successful cyberattacks, it’s important for MSPs to do everything in their power to keep their customers safe.

What are the challenges of remote work?

There are also challenges to remote work that can impact culture. For example, distance and differing schedules can cause misalignment and miscommunication.

How many people work remotely?

According to a Gallup poll, 56% of U.S. workers are working remotely all or part of the time. And while some may start returning to work full-time or in a more hybrid capacity, the trend towards remote work seems here to stay.

What is remote work?

Remote work is essentially any work done away from a physical office location. Remote work gives employees the flexibility to do their work and stay productive and connected to their team and office from anywhere—whether on the road or at home.

How to transition to remote work?

Here are a few remote working tips to make the transition successful for you and your team. 1. Communicate, communicate, communicate. With remote teams, it’s nearly impossible to over-communicate.

Why do companies have annual retreats?

Annual team or company retreats are a great way to bring people together in person for some deeper team bonding. If your company can afford to, set aside a weekend for a casual retreat to strengthen team connections and company culture and make shared memories.

Can remote teams communicate?

With remote teams, it’s nearly impossible to over-communicate. Since you aren’t all working together in an office setting, you don’t have the opportunity to collaborate in person, check in at each others’ desks, or chat in the break room to stay up to date. This means you need to find other ways to communicate effectively and clearly.

Is working from home a good idea?

Working from home can blur the lines between personal life and work life. Remote workers already work longer hours than office workers, putting them at risk for extra stress and even burnout.

Establish Appropriate Security Protocols Early On

It's essential that you consider and review your security protocol before introducing remote access; what's the communication methodology? are you sure this is secure? and what's the approach to remote data storage? have you secured all the potential "data leakage" points?

Do NOT Allow Remote Connections if You're Not Using a VPN

Step 1 in implementing security controls for remote access is to make sure your users are connecting via a VPN (a Virtual Private Network). This seems simple, but you'd be surprised how many new clients we pick up who aren't using a VPN and their old IT company simply opened ports on their firewalls to allow remote access.

Secure Your Remote Connections Using Dual Factor Authentication

These days Dual Factor Authentication (or 2FA) should be a must if you want secure access to your network - even from your local desktops. That said, 2FA is a must if you're allowing users to access to any of your network resources remotely.

Think in Terms of Protecting Your Company's Assets (Rather Than Devices)

It can be tempting to set your security with your employees’ devices in mind, but you really need to be thinking about the information those devices will be accessing and the assets at the heart of your business. This will help you to formulate a security strategy and ensure that you’re protecting your most valuable property.

Educate Your Staff

If you're to keep your network safe and ensure that your team is able to access your systems remotely without worry, it’s essential that you educate your staff on proper remote access etiquette.

Make Sure Your Acceptable Use Policy Includes Remote Access

If you don't already have one, a change like implementing remote access is a great time to introduce an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) so that all team members know the policies are when it comes to accessing your company's network resources remotely. The policy should outline things like:

Document, Track, and Manage Who Has Remote Access

Ensure that you have a process in place granting remote access as well as revoking it and that this process is documented, tracked, and kept current at all times. Make sure you document this with signatures of the staff involved (both those getting access as well as those granting them).

Author: Haris Khan

Remote work is the new normal for IT teams around the globe, and there is no surprise as to why remote work is becoming so increasingly popular for organizations. The modern employee workforce is no longer restricted to one physical location.

What is secure remote access?

Secure remote access refers to the technology used for securely accessing a system or application remotely. Cybercriminals and malicious actors are consistently looking out for vulnerabilities and loopholes in remote work infrastructures to exploit and plan cyber attacks.

Which technologies are used for remote work access?

Secure remote access can be effectively implemented by utilizing a collection of highly innovative, secure, and flexible technologies while accessing a system or application from a remote location A few prominent examples of such technologies are listed below:

10 Best Practices for Secure Remote Work Access

Some of the best practices that you can adopt to improvise remote access security in your organization are described below:

Why cloud desktops are an optimal choice for secure remote access?

Cloud desktop solutions offer greater flexibility and ease of access as all of your files, applications and desktop reside on the cloud. Cloud desktops are one of the most resilient and secure forms of remote access.

All-In-One Secure Remote Access with V2 Cloud

As the organizational trend keeps transitioning to remote work, it’s crucial to comprehend the numerous cybersecurity risks and threats that are associated with remote access security. Remote work has become an increasingly viable option with tons of advantages.

What is RDP server?

RDP is a protocol originally developed by Microsoft, which enables remote connection to a compute system. RDP is also available for MacOs, Linux and other operating systems. The RDP server listens on TCP port 3389 and UDP port 3389, and accepts connections from RDP clients.

Who needs privileged accounts?

Many organizations need to provide privileged accounts for two types of users: employees and external users, such as technicians and contractors. However, organizations using external vendors or contractors must protect themselves from potential threats from these sources.

What is SASE security?

SASE is a new security model, leveraging software-defined networking (SDN), that helps users connect securely to remote data centers. It includes technologies like cloud access security broker (CASB), secure web gateway (SWG), firewall as a service (FWaaS), and ZTNA (ZTNA, described above, can be a component within a SASE solution).

What is a VDI gateway?

VDI solutions provide dedicated gateway solutions to enable secure remote access.

Is remote access technology progressing?

Remote access technology made great progress. There are many new ways for users to access computing resources remotely, from a variety of endpoint devices. Here are some of the technologies enabling secure remote access at organizations today.

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The Top 3 Requirements For Choosing The Right Remote Access Solution

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The first thing that’s required to ensure smooth remote access via a VPN is to plan out a comprehensive network security policy. 1. What are the classes of users? 2. What level of access is allowed to a class? 3. Which devices are allowed to connect to the corporate network through a VPN? 4. Which authentication method will be …
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