What Does a Remote Access Server Use for Authorization?
What does a remote access server use for authorization? This post lists the ten common methods and protocols used for authorization on remote access servers. Furthermore, the article presents an introduction to a cost-free, yet highly secure remote desktop tool.
By @Ellie Last Updated October 24, 2023
What is remote access server and what is remote access authentication? A remote access server is a technology that lets people connect to a private network from outside that network. It uses various methods and protocols for authorization to control who can access its resources and services remotely. The specific authorization mechanisms employed may depend on the server's configuration and the organization's security policies.
What does a remote access server use for authorization? Here are ten common methods and protocols used for authorization on remote access servers:
Usernames and Passwords: This is the most basic form of authorization. Users provide a valid username and password combination to access the remote server. The server checks these credentials against its database and grants access if they match.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): To enhance security, remote access servers can require users to provide additional authentication factors, such as a one-time password (OTP) from a mobile app or a hardware token, in addition to their username and password.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): In PKI-based authorization, users have a public-private key pair. The remote access server verifies the user's identity by checking their digital signature using the public key. This method is commonly used in SSH (Secure Shell) authentication.
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS): RADIUS is a networking protocol that allows centralized authentication and authorization for remote access. It's often used in conjunction with usernames and passwords, and it supports more advanced features like accounting and logging.
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP): LDAP is used for querying and modifying directory services, such as Active Directory. Remote access servers can use LDAP to authenticate and authorize users against a directory server.
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML): SAML is a standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, such as an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). It's commonly used for web-based single sign-on (SSO) scenarios.
OAuth and OpenID Connect: These protocols are often used for authorization in web and cloud-based applications. OAuth allows delegated access to resources, while OpenID Connect provides identity verification on top of OAuth for authentication.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC is a method of authorization that assigns users to specific roles or groups, each with predefined permissions. Remote access servers can use RBAC to control what actions users can perform.
Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs define which IP addresses or network ranges are allowed or denied access to specific resources on the server. They are commonly used in routers, firewalls, and some server configurations.
Custom Authorization Policies: Organizations may develop custom authorization policies and rules specific to their needs. These policies can be based on user attributes, device types, or other contextual information.
The choice of authorization method depends on the security requirements, the type of remote access server, and the organization's overall security strategy. Many remote access servers support a combination of these methods to provide layered security, for example, the free and secure remote desktop software AnyViewer.
AnyViewer places a strong emphasis on security. It employs the widely accepted 256-bit end-to-end Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithm for data transmission, thereby ensuring the confidentiality of your information against any unauthorized access attempts. Furthermore, AnyViewer incorporates Two-Factor Authentication, augmenting the security layer for all your remote access sessions.