How to Make Sure Your Remote Access is Secure

No matter what industry you’re in, there are plenty of reasons why you may need remote access computer software. Whether it’s to access work files…

remote access computer

No matter what industry you’re in, there are plenty of reasons why you may need remote access computer software. Whether it’s to access work files from a remote location, give employees the option to work from home, or need an effective way to remotely troubleshoot, remote access software can offer solutions.

More and more businesses are using remote access software in their day-to-day operations, but is remote access safe? if you’re looking for the best remote access for your business, there are a few key factors to take into consideration. As you’ll learn, security is a key component of effective remote access tools, as well as considerations like meeting compliance standards, and ease of use. Read on to find out about the advantages of remote access software that can help your business and what key features to look for.

What is Remote Access?

So, what is remote access software exactly? Simply put, remote access allows you to perform a variety of functions on any device in your network from a remote location. It also allows you to monitor devices, servers, and files to help prevent security breaches and cyberattacks. With remote access, you no longer need to be physically at a computer to control the mouse or keyboard, access files, or use other connected devices in the network, like a printer or external hard drive.

Remote access software can be used to control a single device or scaled up to access entire servers and factory production lines across the globe. Remote support is crucial for industries like finance, healthcare, retail, and industrial, giving IT departments the ability to operate from a centralized location. But is remote access safe and if not, how can you make it safer?

Using secure pathways, software encryption, and advanced authentication practices, organizations can take control of who is using their network, when, and how. Furthermore, remote access can help streamline productivity for large organizations by improving communication between users and devices, and giving IT personnel the tools to effectively troubleshoot from afar.

Is Remote Access Safe?

Granting access to your network can be a vulnerable feeling, especially if it’s to a third party that you don’t know as well as your own IT department. If you’ve ever been working at your computer and had a help desk technician take control of your desktop, you know the feeling.

Yet, remote access is an essential part of doing business these days and with the proper security features, remote access is extremely safe and will help prevent malicious attacks. Here are a few common points of vulnerability for networks to be aware of:

  • VPN Endpoints: Includes accidentally visiting a bad website, connecting to an unsecured WiFi network, or downloading malicious software
  • Poor authentication: Passwords aren’t encrypted or are too simple and there is only single sign-on practices making it easy to infiltrate
  • Old devices: May not have updated OS or security software installed to protect them
  • Home computers: Organizations who allow work from home are vulnerable because it’s unclear which devices an employee may be using

Those are the factors to be aware of, but in the following sections you’ll find remote access solutions that improve security quickly and efficiently to solve each of these potential cybersecurity risks.

How to Determine Which Remote Access Software is the Best for Your Business?

With the dramatic rise in remote work and a global economy, secure remote access is more important than ever. But do you know if your current remote access tools are sufficient for your organization’s specific needs? Take this quiz to find out if your remote access tools align with your business and what you may be missing.

Now that you’ve taken the quiz and you know more about what you need in a comprehensive remote access tool, let’s take a look at the features that will ensure that your organization is secure, efficient, and compliant.

Use Role-Based Access to Keep Unauthorized Users Out

With role-based access, administrators can take control of who is allowed into certain parts of your network. Granular controls can be set based on everything from the user and device they’re allowed to access, to their IP address, to the time of day they can access. Administrators can easily define groups and users within the software, which saves time and stress over who is accessing the network.

Centralized Multi-Factor Authentication Confirms Identity

One of the common ways that attackers gain access to networks is through poor authentication practices, like poor password requirements or lack of multi-factor authentication. When you’re trying to secure a large network with multiple devices and users, it’s key that each person is authenticated.

Multi-factor authentication involves using soft tokens, SMS tokens, and challenge-based tokens to confirm the identity of users before they’re allowed access to the network. With a simple password, it’s very easy for hackers to get access and begin mining and stealing data or attaching malware that could go undetected for long periods of time. Strong authentication practices will also require users to re-set passwords and put stringent rules on password creation.

Whitelisting Applications Gives Proper Permissions

When organizations are considering if remote access is safe, they may not be thinking in terms of application usage. Perhaps you know of blacklisting, where users can’t access a list of non-permitted applications, but there is also whitelisting, which can be an equally effective tool at preventing security issues.

Whitelisted applications are those which only allow users to access a remote device by using the applications specified by the administrator. It limits users from accessing places they should not be able to go and prevents malicious applications from taking hold.

Logging All Sessions Gives Administrators Total Visibility

Is remote access safe? It definitely is when you have the ability to log all remote sessions, including video sessions. There are logs for everything, and many which may not be applicable to your organization, but having logs allows administrators to prepare for audits, identify potential security gaps, and where breaches occurred. Comprehensive documentation practices are essential to any thorough network security plan.

Compliant Remote Access Gives You Security Everywhere

As an organization, you know which regulations you need to be compliant with throughout the world. But do you know if your vendors are also compliant? Using secure remote access software that exceeds compliance measures for encryption and authentication ensures that you and your vendors are secure. Without proper compliance, you could be leaving your network vulnerable.

Be sure that the remote access solutions you choose offer compliance with the following, especially if you are a global organization:

  • GDPR (European Union)
  • HIPPA (US healthcare)
  • PCI DSS (credit card/retail)
  • CCPA (California consumers)

Impero Gives You Secure Remote Access

When you’re trying to protect your network and its users, you don’t have to have to juggle multiple security tools. Many organizations waste time and money trying to safeguard their network with too many tools, which can actually lead to less security. But if one tool doesn’t offer everything they need, what are their options.

With Impero Connect, you don’t have to worry about any other tool. It is compatible across platforms, devices, and operating systems, and designed to scale with your business no matter how much it grows. Impero is committed to exceeding compliance, which only increases security and protects your vendors as well.

You need remote access, but you shouldn’t have to wonder “Is remote access safe.” And you’ll never have to wonder again with Impero Connect. If you’re curious about what remote access software is then check out our free trial today.

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