4 Strategies to Achieve Secure Remote Access for Employees
Secure remote access for employees is crucial in today's work environment. This article outlines key steps like using strong security features, managing permissions, monitoring activity, and keeping software updated to ensure data safety while enabling effective remote work.
How do you maintain security when employees work remotely?
Over the past two years, as many transitioned to remote work out of necessity, many discovered it to be more productive and enjoyable. Consequently, around 60 percent of workers are more inclined to apply for jobs that offer remote work options.
If your company is contemplating allowing employees to continue working remotely, it's essential to understand how to secure access to your organization's computing resources and data. Transitioning to remote work brings unique security challenges that may not have been previously encountered.
If your move to remote work was rushed, you might have missed some key best practices. No need to worry—let's review what you should assess to ensure your company's data and systems remain secure.
Try a secure remote access solution: Better than VPNs
Many companies continue to rely on older technologies like VPNs for remote access. However, VPNs are not as secure as dedicated remote access platforms. While they connect remote devices to the company network, this can expose the network to potential cyber threats.
Additionally, VPNs can be challenging to set up, scale, and maintain. Many do not automatically install necessary security updates and patches, leaving organizations at risk.
A more effective solution is a platform that supports zero-trust network access. Tools like AnyViewer provide secure remote desktop access to managed devices, allowing users to access their work machines without the vulnerabilities associated with VPNs. This approach enhances security and streamlines remote work.
4 essential actions to protect your remote workforce
Here are four essential actions to protect your remote workforce. Check them out.
1. Ensure your remote access solution includes essential security features
Establishing secure connections between your systems and remote devices serves two critical functions: controlling who has access to company devices and protecting data transfers from external interception.
To achieve this, your remote access solution must offer a comprehensive suite of security features. These should allow you to safeguard data without hindering employee productivity.
AnyViewer is a remote desktop solution designed to enhance security by preventing account breaches and limiting unauthorized access to your systems. To ensure robust protection, it incorporates essential features such as two-factor authentication (2FA) for user verification, device authentication, and multi-tiered password security.
Other important security features of AnyViewer are:
- Asymmetric ECC 256-bit end-to-end encryption for secure remote connections
- Notifications for remote connections
- Automatic screen locking and session idle timeouts
- Control over remote access permissions
- File transfer management
- Configuration for locking streamers
- Proxy server authentication
- Logs for sessions, file transfers, and history
A secure remote access solution, where only authorized users and devices can access managed machines, is crucial for maintaining a zero-trust, secure network environment.
2. Establish appropriate permissions
Your remote access solution should enable you to set user access permissions effectively to maintain high-security levels. It’s crucial that employees only have access to the computers necessary for their roles.
Often, remote workers are granted more access rights than required, increasing potential vulnerabilities for cyberattacks. By carefully defining access rights, you can minimize the pathways available to hackers.
With a secure remote access solution like AnyViewer, role permissions can be managed at both individual and group levels. This flexibility makes it simpler for IT administrators to oversee access controls across the organization.
3. Monitor your systems
Even the most secure systems can become vulnerable over time if they are not actively monitored and managed. Continuous oversight is essential to detect potential security threats and ensure that all activities remain within established protocols. Your remote access solution should facilitate easy tracking of user activities during remote connections, providing insights into who is accessing which devices and when.
AnyViewer includes a screen wall feature, enabling users to centralize the screens of devices they manage onto one display. This allows for easy monitoring of all device statuses, quick identification and resolution of anomalies, and significant time savings. By enhancing work efficiency, this feature also helps lower operational and management costs.
4. Keep your tool updated
Regular software updates are vital to ensure that users have the latest versions of their applications. Outdated software is frequently a prime target for cybercriminals, making it crucial to maintain current updates. Additionally, having a system that helps you manage your inventory and provides clear logs of sessions, file transfers, and any modifications is essential for effective oversight.
Your remote desktop solution should facilitate easy and free access to security updates and patches. This guarantees that you and your employees are always using the latest, most secure version of the remote access application.
AnyViewer excels in this regard by offering timely notifications for updates, allowing users to promptly address any vulnerabilities. This proactive approach not only enhances security but also improves overall system performance and reliability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, implementing secure remote access for employees is essential for protecting company data. Using reliable solutions, setting appropriate permissions, monitoring user activities, and keeping software updated are key steps. Tools like AnyViewer facilitate this process, making remote work easier while ensuring it stays secure. By following these best practices, companies can create a safe remote working environment for their teams.