Effective and secure remote access provides you a safe working environment. Learn how to stay secure remotely with VPNs, SSH, NAC, and password managers.
With the advancement of technology, the working environment of numerous institutions or companies has also changed. You no longer have to travel miles or to another part of the world to do your job. Now you can stay where you are and work for a company that’s not even in your area.
With companies shifting to remote work at an exceeding rate, the security of the data exchanged, or the companies’ private information is at different risk compared to the regular working environment.
Now, cyber security threats need to be catered to ensure that giving remote access to your employees doesn’t leave you under the bus.
What is Remote Access?
As the name suggests, remote access means accessing a computer, application, or any document of the company you’re working for from any part of the world. This method has become the new normal, and it enables employers and employees to work together as if they were under the same roof.
However, giving remote access to random employees comes with risks you must recognize. Viruses, invaders, and third parties are always waiting to attack you whenever your security is vulnerable. This is why various methods are used to cope with this issue.
How to stay safe while giving remote access
You must opt for the best way to stay safe and secure while giving remote access. Here are some of the most effective techniques to tighten up your security and keep going with remote work without worrying.
SSH and NAC
SSH means secure shell remote access, and it is a network protocol that securely connects users to a remote computer without a password. You can use this network protocol to stay secure while giving remote access by providing employees access to a text mode terminal on an SSH server.
At the same time, you can also use network access control ( NAC ). This system is efficient in blocking threats before they infiltrate the network. NAT works both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
Zero trust network ZTN and a strong telework policy
Remember, you can’t just trust a random employee without having a positive gut feeling. From the beginning, there is no need to trust anyone with confidential information. Verification is the key if you want to do the needful. For this purpose, there is a system called zero trust network access with a motto
“Never trust, always verify.”
If it is enabled on your system, employees can only access the confidential setup after proper verification initiated by ZTN.
At the same time, you must create a strong telework policy that limits the freedom of the users to whom you provide remote access. The rules can vary according to your preferences and company policies, but they should be there.
With a telework policy and a zero-trust network, you can create a rather secure remote access environment to mitigate the threats coming your way.
Data Encryption
Data Encryption has always been a good way of protecting one’s secrets or private affairs. When working remotely, encryption of sensitive information is way more important. You cannot take it for granted. All the information you exchange between employees and companies should be encrypted.
In case your remote access device gets lost, you won’t have to worry about your private information getting leaked. To encrypt the data, you can seek help from a reputable VPN. They come with a built-in encryption option that takes care of everything independently.
Use a VPN
Using a VPN for remote access is one of the most effective ways to secure remote access. A VPN encrypts your data and provides you with a safe side while you’re giving remote access. Because a VPN masks your IP address, it also helps you prevent attacks and other malicious threats.
Also, with the help of the VPN, you can access those sites or applications that are otherwise unavailable in your area. This, in turn, will enhance your work productivity.
Opt for intrusion detection and protection.
As the name suggests, intrusion detection and protection systems help you detect and prevent any malicious threats from coming your way. These systems use the method of keen monitoring that helps identify new threats or viruses.
When such a system finds a threat trying to invade your network, it helps you deal with it. The detection system eliminates the already present intruders, while the prevention system shields your network against the incoming ones.
Designation of remote work devices
It can become problematic if you do not take care of the devices getting remote access. In this regard, The most effective thing you can do is designate the devices to the employees yourself.
These devices will only be used for remote work and little. You must ask your IT team to update these devices occasionally, as this can save you from a possible security risk.
Password manager and multi-factor authentication
When giving remote access to your workers, it is important to stay on your guard. A password manager is actually software that helps you generate stronger passwords that are almost impossible for hackers or attackers to guess.
At the same time, if you use multi-factor authentication, you will get an added layer of security. The second option will help you secure your remote setup even if an attacker manages to breach it.
Conclusion
With new ways of working come new problems that require unique solutions. Remote work has become a reliable option for most companies, and for that, you need to give remote access.
You need to keep your guard high to ensure you don’t lose much in the pursuit of more. This article can help you secure your remote access conveniently. We hope you follow our tips.
