remote access technology security vulnerabilities

3 Vulnerabilities Associated With Remote Access

1. Remote workforces are more susceptible to phishing scams. Without the proper protections on personal devices, remote...
2. Out-of-date devices give hackers an easy in. Opportunistic hackers typically aim for well-known vulnerabilities.
3. Virtual private networks (VPN) can provide substantial protection, but you need the...

Full Answer

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

Why is remote workforce security so important?

With a remote workforce, this problem becomes exacerbated by employees using personal devices and networks with much lower standards of security than their corporate-controlled alternatives, making it easy for attackers to access company data.

Are there security gaps in the remote workplace?

As the world adjusted to working from home, IT teams worked overtime to enable remote access for millions of employees. This transition went smoothly for most organizations, but many security gaps still remain almost a year later.

How to secure the remote work environment?

The key to securing the remote work environment is to extend these zero-trust assumptions further. It isn't just the network that should be assumed hostile, but everything that is not under the enterprise's control. Interestingly, this may extend even to the endpoints that are used to access enterprise resources.

Is remote access a security risk?

Despite its many benefits, remote access can expose your business to risks. You will have to manage these risks to keep your remote access secure at all times. Otherwise, your network may become vulnerable and your business data exposed.

What are the security risks of remote working?

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 types of attacks are remote access servers vulnerable to?

Other attacks which hackers can facilitate through remote access include email phishing, third-party vendor compromise, insider threats, social engineering, and the use of vulnerable applications to compromise systems. Hackers use Common remote access tools to penetrate third-party access to merchant information ...

What are the most important vulnerabilities in RDP?

Perhaps the top vulnerability of RDP systems, weak user sign-in credentials are an easy way for attackers to gain access to your network to deploy malicious software that steals or damages your sensitive data. Most desktop computers are protected by a password – but users can make this password whatever they want.

What are security considerations for remote users examples?

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 the greatest risk that remote access poses to an organization?

The overriding risk of remote access services and software is a hacker gaining deeper access to your organization, exposing you to a host of IT security threats. Once they gain privileged access to your system, it will be difficult to prevent data loss, prevent phishing, protect against ransomware, etc.

What are remote access attacks?

A remote attack is a malicious action that targets one or a network of computers. The remote attack does not affect the computer the attacker is using. Instead, the attacker will find vulnerable points in a computer or network's security software to access the machine or system.

What is remote access security?

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 are the security requirements for 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 are some security issues related to remote desktop?

These are the most important vulnerabilities in RDP:Weak user sign-in credentials. Most desktop computers are protected by a password, and users can typically make this password whatever they want. ... Unrestricted port access. RDP connections almost always take place at port 3389*.

What is RDP security layer?

RDP Security Layer: This security method uses Remote Desktop Protocol encryption to help secure communications between the client computer and the server. If you select this setting, the server isn't authenticated. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): This security method requires TLS 1.0 to authenticate the server.

What encryption does RDP use?

RSA Security's RC4 cipherRDP uses RSA Security's RC4 cipher, a stream cipher designed to efficiently encrypt small amounts of data. RC4 is designed for secure communications over networks. Administrators can choose to encrypt data by using a 56- or 128-bit key.

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...

Which of these is the most important security precaution you should take when working remotely?

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.

1. Remote workforces are more susceptible to phishing scams

Without the proper protections on personal devices, remote workers can face greater threats from phishing attacks. Cyber criminals don’t care if personnel are working from home or in the office. Either way, they can trick workers into giving up login credentials—or completing a financial transaction—by posing as a message from a reputable company.

2. Out-of-date devices give hackers an easy in

Opportunistic hackers typically aim for well-known vulnerabilities. They’re particularly interested in known exploits for older, out of-date-devices. An organization which allows remote workers to use outdated personal devices puts their critical business information at great risk to cyber criminals.

3. Virtual private networks (VPN) can provide substantial protection, but you need the right one

VPNs are employed by a wide range of organizations to help bridge the gap between centralized networks and remote workers, allowing users to securely access business networks in an encrypted channel. However, consumer-grade VPN services can still be vulnerable to savvy hackers.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel between the system running the VPN client and a VPN server that then proxies traffic through the tunnel to the rest of the enterprise network. The system running the VPN client becomes, effectively, an extension of the enterprise network, existing inside that network's perimeter with access to resources generally equivalent to any other system on the enterprise network.

What is a VPN client?

The system running the VPN client becomes, effectively, an extension of the enterprise network, existing inside that network's perimeter with access to resources generally equivalent to any other system on the enterprise network. VPNs defend against attack via authenticated access control and isolation.

Why is it important to use a BYOD device?

BYOD can represent substantial cost savings to the enterprise over issuing enterprise-owned devices, and users are often happier because they can use familiar devices to get work done. Moreover, a device the user already has can be used immediately, without having to procure and ship the device to the user.

What is remote work?

Remote Work: Vulnerabilities and Threats to the Enterprise. For many organizations, COVID-19 dramatically changed the risk calculation for remote work. In January 2020, many enterprises viewed remote work with skepticism; by March, the choice for many was to become a remote-first enterprise or to shut down.

What is enterprise network?

Enterprise networks were traditionally accessed only on enterprise-provided equipment. This arrangement has permitted enterprises unrestricted access to monitor and configure the device precisely according to their risk profiles and mitigation strategies. It also has required the enterprise to purchase and maintain equipment. This has sometimes frustrated end users when the enterprise was unwilling to buy newer equipment, a problem that became particularly pronounced when smartphones and tablet devices entered the market.

Why are attackers moving early in 2020?

Unsurprisingly, in 2020 attackers moved early to capitalize on the rapid shift to work from home at numerous organizations, including federal agencies, such as NASA. The remote work environment is particularly appealing for attackers for several reasons. First, the home-network environment is not professionally managed.

Can a VPN be always on?

Many fewer VPNs, however, are configured to be "always on," meaning that the VPN endpoint effectively never interacts directly with the local network. If an attacker has persistence in that network, even brief access can expose the enterprise endpoint to compromise.

What are the risks of using a VPN?

Here are five top security risks that teams must deal with, as well as technology and user education best practices to keep users and data safe: 1. Weak remote access policies. Once attackers get access to a virtual private network (VPN), they can often penetrate the rest of the network like a hot knife through butter.

Why is it important to enforce access based on user identity?

Recommendation: It’s critical that companies enforce access based on user identity, allowing specific groups access to only what they need to get their jobs done, and expanding access from there on an as-needed basis.

Why do companies use VPNs?

Historically, many companies deployed VPNs primarily for technical people needing access to critical technology assets. Not so much the case anymore – VPNs are often encouraged for all users as a more secure connection than home or public networks.