nist remote access security policy

What is NIST Special Publication 800-46 Revision 2?

This bulletin summarizes highlights from NIST Special Publication 800-46 Revision 2, Guide to Enterprise Telework, Remote Access, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Security, which helps organizations protect their IT systems and information from the security risks that accompany the use of telework and remote access technologies.

How do I enforce access restrictions for remote access?

Enforcing access restrictions for remote access is addressed via AC-3. Employ automated mechanisms to monitor and control remote access methods. Implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect the confidentiality and integrity of remote access sessions. Route remote accesses through authorized and managed network access control points.

What are the disadvantages of remote access client devices?

Remote Access Vulnerabilities Remote access client devices generally have weaker protection than standard client devices Many devices not managed by the enterprise No enterprise firewalls, antivirus, etc. Lack of physical security controls Remote access client devices may be used in hostile environments but not configured for them

How do I manage remote access to the system?

Establish and document usage restrictions, configuration/connection requirements, and implementation guidance for each type of remote access allowed; and Authorize each type of remote access to the system prior to allowing such connections.

Where should a remote access server be placed?

Intermediate remote access servers connect external hosts to internal resources, so they should usually be placed at the network perimeter. The server acts as a single point of entry to the network from the perimeter and enforces the telework security policy. If remote access is needed to a particular sub-network within the organization, there are generally two options: 1) place the remote access server at the edge of the sub-network, where the sub-network joins the full network; or 2) place it at the perimeter of the full network and use additional mechanisms to restrict the teleworkers to only be able to access the specified sub-network. The value of placing the remote access server at the network perimeter versus the sub-network perimeter differs for the four types of remote access methods:

Why is remote access important?

The security of remote access servers, such as VPN gateways and portal servers, is particularly important because they provide a way for external hosts to gain access to internal resources, as well as a secured, isolated telework environment for organization-issued, third-party-controlled, and BYOD client devices. In addition to permitting unauthorized access to enterprise resources and telework client devices, a compromised server could be used to eavesdrop on communications and manipulate them, as well as a “jumping off” point for attacking other hosts within the organization. Recommendations for general server security are available from NIST SP 800-123, Guide to General Server Security. Remote access servers should be kept fully patched, operated using an organization-defined security configuration baseline, and managed only from trusted hosts by authorized administrators.

What is the key component of controlling access to network communications and protecting their content?

major component of controlling access to network communications and protecting their content is the use of cryptography. At a minimum, any sensitive information passing over the Internet, wireless networks, and other untrusted networks should have its confidentiality and integrity preserved through use of cryptography. Federal agencies are required to use cryptographic algorithms that are NIST-approved and contained in FIPS-validated modules. The FIPS 140 specification, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules, defines how cryptographic modules are validated.24 It is important to note that for a remote access system to be considered compliant to FIPS 140, both sides of the interaction must have passed FIPS 140 validation. Many remote access systems, such as SSL VPNs, support the use of remote access client software from other vendors, so there may be two or more distinct validation certificates for a particular remote access system.

What is remote desktop access?

remote desktop access solution gives a teleworker the ability to remotely control a particular PC at the organization, most often the user’s own computer at the organization’s office, from a telework client device. The teleworker has keyboard and mouse control over the remote computer and sees that computer’s screen on the local telework client device’s screen. Remote desktop access allows the user to access all of the applications, data, and other resources that are normally available from their PC in the office. Figure 2-3 shows the basic remote desktop access architecture. A remote desktop access client program or web browser plug-in is installed on each telework client device, and it connects directly with the teleworker’s corresponding internal workstation on the organization’s internal network.

What is a portal in remote access?

A portal is a server that offers access to one or more applications through a single centralized interface. A teleworker uses a portal client on a telework client device to access the portal. Most portals are web-based—for them, the portal client is a regular web browser. Figure 2-2 shows the basic portal solution architecture. The application client software is installed on the portal server, and it communicates with application server software on servers within the organization. The portal server communicates securely with the portal client as needed; the exact nature of this depends on the type of portal solution in use, as discussed below.

Which framework is most pertinent for securing enterprise telework, remote access, and BYOD technologies?

This appendix lists the Cybersecurity Framework48 subcategories that are most pertinent for securing enterprise telework, remote access, and BYOD technologies. Next to each subcategory is an explanation of its implications particular to enterprise telework, remote access, and BYOD security.

Can telework devices be stolen?

All telework devices, regardless of their size or location, can be stolen. Some thieves may want to read the contents of the data on the device, and quite possibly use that data for criminal purposes. To prevent this, an organization should have a policy of encrypting all sensitive data when it is at rest on the device and on removable media used by the device. The creation and use of cryptographic keys for encrypting remote data at rest should follow the same policies that an organization has for other keys that protect data at rest.33