Six Best Practices for Secure Remote Access
- Remote Access for Personal Use. Everyone is familiar with gaining access to the Internet and this happens through remote...
- Secure Remote Access for Businesses. Secure access is an efficient and beneficial option for businesses with remote...
- Threats and Malware. Security is an ongoing practice. No rest for the weary. A popular...
Full Answer
How to secure remote access to a network?
Virtual Private Network (VPN): A Virtual Private Network is one of the most commonly used technologies for secure remote access. A VPN necessarily provides an additional security layer while accessing a network remotely. VPN allows remote users to connect to private networks via an encrypted server or tunnel.
How to implement a secure remote work strategy?
Organizations need to implement secure remote work strategies and utilize the usage of effective secure technologies for remote access. The first step towards implementing a secure remote infrastructure is ensuring that your employees have consistent and secure remote access to all the applications, resources, and services.
Should you allow remote employees access to your intranet?
Although a lot depends on which class a user is a member of, for most use cases, granting access to specific applications such as the remote employee’s mailbox on an exchange server, and a subset of URLs hosted on the intranet web server is just the right strategy. Why expose the entire network to risks?
What are the different types of remote access in SAP?
SAP SCM ,HCM, RAR Remote Server Access. Simple Logistic Remote access for practice. SAP Shared PPM, WM, EWM Server Access. SAP Shared Server Access Means Multiple User Can Access Same SAP environment System to Access Database.
What is the best practice for accessing a network remotely?
Here are some best practices to make remote access as secure as possible: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.More items...•
How can I improve remote access?
7 Best Practices For Securing Remote Access for EmployeesDevelop a Cybersecurity Policy For Remote Workers. ... Choose a Remote Access Software. ... Use Encryption. ... Implement a Password Management Software. ... Apply Two-factor Authentication. ... Employ the Principle of Least Privilege. ... Create Employee Cybersecurity Training.
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.
What is example of remote access?
Accessing, writing to and reading from, files that are not local to a computer can be considered remote access. For example, storing and access files in the cloud grants remote access to a network that stores those files. Examples of include services such as Dropbox, Microsoft One Drive, and Google Drive.
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.
How can students secure remote access?
What schools can do to minimise cyber risksUse a reliable virtual private network (VPN) ... Provide phishing training to staff and students. ... Avoid sharing resources for work/learning and personal use. ... Install cyber security tools such as firewall and AV on home networks. ... Educate students on good password hygiene.
Why is remote access important?
Remote access enables remote users to access files and other system resources on any devices or servers that are connected to the network at any time. This increases employee productivity and enables employees to better collaborate with colleagues around the world.
What is the purpose of remote access policy?
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 is a remote access plan?
The Remote Access Plan includes everything in Connected Access, as well as other useful features. To upgrade to the Remote Access Plan or renew an existing service plan, you can push your blue OnStar button, or sign up online. Once active, you can also access information about your plan through your mobile app.
What are types of remote access?
The primary remote access protocols in use today are the Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE), Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Remote Access Services (RAS), and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
What are the three main types of remote connections?
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.
How can I remotely access a computer?
Share your computer with someone else On your computer, open Chrome. In the address bar at the top, enter remotedesktop.google.com/support , and press Enter. Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop. Under “Get Support,” select Generate Code.
What are some benefits of remote access?
With remote access, employees can safely work from any device, platform, or network at their home office or abroad. Remote desktop functions allow them to remotely access important files and share their screen for meetings and troubleshooting.
Why is remote access important?
Remote access enables remote users to access files and other system resources on any devices or servers that are connected to the network at any time. This increases employee productivity and enables employees to better collaborate with colleagues around the world.
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.
Why do you need a remote access policy?
It helps ensure that only those users who need it are given network access, as long as their devices are also compliant with the guidelines. When implemented properly, it helps safeguard the network from potential security threats.
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 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 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.
When to use proxy servers?
Internet Proxy Servers: Internet proxy servers are used when a connection must be made outside of a corporate network or firewall. However, a remote access connection is usually made over a secure VPN.
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.
Safety First
The most common source of security problems in remote access solutions are employees who are careless. That’s why it’s important to have clear guidelines for remote access. The IT department can also take steps to enhance security by minimizing opportunities for employees to engage in unsafe online practices.
Develop a Remote Access Plan
In some organizations, remote access evolves over time in a haphazard fashion. Different departments or even individuals may implement different types of remote access for different purposes. This can lead to confusion and expose the company to unnecessary security risks.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!
The easier it is for employees to work remotely using IT-sanctioned solutions, the better it will be for organizational productivity AND security.
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.
How to allow remote access to a network?
Allowing access to an organization’s resources from outside the corporate network may be necessary for some businesses. Logically, when this kind of remote access is allowed, your organization takes on additional risks, and the access should be handled as securely as possible by: 1 Ensuring the remote access is encrypted (SSL, IPSec, etc.) 2 Ensuring there is strong authentication for remote access (Multi-factor Authentication or MFA) 3 Ensuring that strong passwords are required for remote access 4 If possible, require remote users to use company-provided hardware that has been secured to your company standards. Otherwise, ensure that employees understand the reasonable standards they should be taking (e.g., antivirus, passwords, etc.)
Why do we review remote access authorizations?
Review authorizations for remote access regularly to assure that no unwanted personnel can access.
Is it necessary to allow access to resources outside the corporate network?
Allowing access to an organization’s resources from outside the corporate network may be necessary for some businesses . Logically, when this kind of remote access is allowed, your organization takes on additional risks, and the access should be handled as securely as possible by:
Is MFA enough for RDP?
If RDP or RDWeb are business-critical, using MFA isn't enough. They must also be used with a VPN. Remote technologies to use with extreme caution: Remote Desktop Protocol ( Never expose directly to the Internet) RDWeb (remote desktop over the web) Limit and review who has access.
How to ensure remote access security?
Training and documentation is a good idea, but the best way to ensure proper remote access security is for the IT department to have a look for themselves. Using a remote support method, an IT professional can log into the user’s home device and check that everything is set up correctly. It might help to have a quality control checklist when verifying antivirus, firewall, and other settings. Some IT managers may see fit to add user devices to a remote monitoring system that automatically detects and reports security problems.
What is NIST remote access?
According to NIST, it is “the ability of an organization’s users to access its nonpublic computing resources from locations other than the organization’s facilities” (NIST SP 800-114).
What is the most important security asset for remote workers?
Perhaps the most important security asset for a remote worker is a high level of vigilance when it comes to protecting the company’s IT resources. Employees should receive education and documentation on best practices for remote access security. While coronavirus precautions are in place, face-to-face or in-classroom training may not be possible.
What is VPN connection?
VPN Connection. Road warriors learned long ago the need to secure their connections with a virtual private network (VPN). Especially important in public wi-fi environments such as cafes or libraries, a VPN will encase all your data in an encrypted tunnel as it travels through the public internet.
Is work from home a permanent solution?
As a result, the work from home (WFH) model may become a permanent alternative for many workers who can effectively complete their required tasks in their own private quarters. Whatever the benefits, the WFH solution comes with its own challenges — perhaps the greatest of which is network and data security.
Is it safe to access confidential company data from a remote device?
Accessing confidential company data from a remote device significantly increases security risks, and can cause considerable problems for both the worker and the organization.
Why is remote access important?
Remote access software is useful as it allows access to systems from almost anywhere. However, utilizing it insecurely increases the risk to your environment. Attackers often use remote access software as a method of infiltrating environments. Additional steps should be taken to further secure remote access. Multi-factor authentication should be implemented to prevent an attacker from utilizing credentials in case they are ever compromised. Expanding event log retention beyond 90 days increases the visibility of attacker activity if accounts are ever compromised.
What is remote access software?
Remote access software is deployed by countless organizations across a variety of industries. As a practical method to manage environments without being physically present, it supports an organization’s ability to maintain multiple satellite locations or offer an option for traveling staff to get access to a system and address an error.
Why is multifactor authentication important?
Enabling multi-factor authentication is one of the most important steps a user can take in securing a user account. This feature can prevent an attacker from utilizing an account if a password is compromised. First, let’s understand what multi-factor authentication means:
Does remote access have logs?
Sikich’s experience, however, has been that organizations rarely have remote access logs available from during a window of intrusion. Remote access logs can be crucial for incident responders to gain a fuller understanding of how an intrusion occurred and what data was affected. An M-Trends Report for 2019 found that it took on average of 78 days for companies to detect an intrusion. [2]
How to protect your internet connection from hackers?
Avoid public Wi-Fi; if necessary, use personal hotspots or some way to encrypt your web connection.
Is remote work a necessity?
Meanwhile, remote work has become a necessity for modern organizations looking to recruit talent and create business continuity plans. A good example of business continuity occurred in the spring of 2020, whenorganizationsaround the world sent hundreds of thousands of information workers to work from their home offices in response to the COVID19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
Is VPN good for remote access?
Keep in mind that not all VPNs are worth the money; it’s a good idea to evaluate your must-havesbefore you choose a VPN technology. Keep in mind that VPN services provided for privacy purposes only protect the data to and from the VPN provider, not to the destination so are not suitable for protecting remote access.
Can I use my personal computer before bed?
Thinking about taking care of a few emails at home before bed? If you take precautions like using your work computer, secure Wi-Fi, a VPN, encrypted drives, anti-virus, and endpoint protection, this may be totally fine. With that said, it can be tempting to use your personal computer if your work computer is in a different room or you forgot your charger at the office. This is a risk for you and for the company!
Is work from home a security risk?
While good technologies and policies help, the truth is that the very employees who make the business go are a primary avenue of security risk. General work from home and remote work policies on computer and internet use can help, and these policies can be enforced with both technical and administrative controls.
Can you use a hotspot to avoid public Wi-Fi?
With most major carriers, you can pay a nominal fee for the capability to set up a private Wi-Fi network with your cell phone. Of course, it will count against your data, but the cost is minimal relative to the potential downside of a significant hack to your company’s systems or computer. If your company provides cell service, there’s no reason not to use the hot spot to avoid public Wi-Fi especially given that, in many cities, 4G or 5G service is almost as fast as your home network access.
Can you set up encryption on a remote desktop?
Lastly, for some use cases, you can also set up encrypted remote connections into a remote desktop or another individual server. Many of these connection types (RDP, HTTPS, SSH) include encryption as part of their service direction and do not require an additional VPN or another encryption service to secure the data in-transit.
