Best Practices for secure remote work access

What is Secure Remote Access?

According to VMware, the American cloud computing and virtualization technology company, “Secure Remote Access is a combination of security processes or solutions that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to an organization’s digital assets and prevent the loss of sensitive data. Secure remote access can encompass a number of methodologies such as VPN, multifactor authentication, and endpoint protection, amongst others.”

That is to say, secure remote access is the capability to provide secure access for “remote” users through various networks, devices, and applications. Moreover, it helps businesses execute security protocols using various technologies, strategies, solutions, and techniques to secure remote access.

Hence, here are the Technologies used in Secure Remote Access:

• Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPNs are common secure remote access technologies for public networks that connect to a private network resource. Moreover, it uses encryption within remote or on-site tunnels.

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): ZTNA tools offer smooth and secure correspondence for private applications. It also secures data without allocating users and apps to a network.

• Endpoint Security: Endpoint Security refers to the method that executes policies via software and includes various devices at the endpoints. For example, antivirus and firewalls are security precautions to protect sensitive data.

• Network Access Control: Network Access Control manages and monitors devices and software through authentication, security processes, and executing network security guidelines.

• Single Sign-On (SSO): This system allows users to verify and enable access to different software with exclusive logins.

• Privileged Access Management (PAM): PAM is a suite of solutions that secure, manage and control access to data from exclusive accounts.

How does Secure Remote Access Work?

• Firstly, it helps businesses secure endpoints to protect users and their devices.
• Moreover, it intercepts remote access and prevents any attacks on the surface.
• It also helps businesses execute multi-factor verification processes.
• Further, with an increase in remote users, it is pivotal for adopting VPNs for WiFi and various networks. Hence, secure remote access helps offer VPNs to avoid any vulnerabilities.
• It also distributes resources to maintain logs and monitor security and confidential information. 
• Moreover, it helps train employees in security and compliance protocols to prevent any cyber threats or phishing activities.
• Above all, with the changing work environments, secure remote access works to secure various devices used by the resources. Hence, it monitors and updates various processes to secure employee-owned or business-provided devices.

Why is Secure Remote Access essential for remote work security?

Significantly, with the increase in remote work opportunities, businesses require a robust security protocol. Further, businesses need to authorize corporate network access for employees in remote locations. According to Gallup’s State of the American Workplace, 43% of US employees are already working remotely or off-site. Therefore, regardless of industries and nature, businesses adopt secure remote access for executing operations and work. Hence, new security processes support various devices and networks to mitigate risks. As a result, secure remote work access provides seamless solutions and reduces any malpractices keeping sensitive data safe.

Factors that influence Secure Remote Work Access:

• Firstly, organizations need to audit and review access management processes.
• Further, there is a requirement for businesses to incorporate VPNs, AI-Powered solutions, cloud-native technologies, ZTNAs, etc for it.
• Moreover, there is a need to automate various employee onboarding and off-boarding processes for a more diligent remote work environment.
• It is also pivotal to govern remote access guidelines to protect information and mitigate insider threats.
• Above all, businesses must indulge in a systematic audit process of devices and train employees in cybersecurity compliances. Hence, placing a remote access security checklist can help identify weak networks and monitor them.

Benefits of Secure Remote Access for businesses and employees

• Firstly, it offers businesses and employees high security to access information from various devices.
• It also provides them with a secure and safe environment to browse and utilize data and resources.
• Moreover, it increases security for various remote devices that are used regularly.
• Most importantly, it ensures that security awareness and adherence are a top priority.

The Best Practices for Secure Remote Work Access to help businesses

• Prepare for Threats:

Firstly, this is a rudimentary best practice to secure remote work access and prepare for any threats. Moreover, companies must identify any potential issues that may turn into threats to avoid risks. Although businesses do take precautions for on-premise security, it is a must to evolve with the changing environment. Further, vulnerabilities and threats are a reality in our digitally advanced world. Hence, identifying risks and managing protocols to prevent them is necessary for all businesses.

• Adhering to Remote Work Policies:

Further, protocols are set by various businesses to avoid risks and threats. However, creating policies and compliances for security to govern remote work employees is a requirement. Hence, businesses must have clear rules and regulations to make sure employees adhere to policies while working remotely. Hence, this reduces the scope of risks and secures remote access systems.

• Encrypting Confidential Data:

Moreover, any business requires security for their data to keep sensitive information safe. Therefore, data encryption is one of the best practices to ensure its reliability. For instance, businesses can establish processes like VPNs for encryption for employees to connect their remote devices. Hence, it creates a sense of security while transferring data within the business or with associates.

• Delegate and Secure Select Remote Work Devices for Access:

Many businesses do not allow employees to execute tasks and processes using personal devices. Moreover, there are businesses that ensure operations take place using certain resources. Businesses must also provide employees with authorized devices for secure remote work. Therefore, IT teams need to monitor the devices for any additional software or networks that may lead to a threat.

• Need for User Authentication:

Although businesses provide secure devices for remote work, it is pivotal to execute multi-factor authentication for the users. Therefore, it reduces the major risk of accessing information from multiple devices. Moreover, it limits access to certain information and blocks any threats that may come along with foreign devices. Hence, adding another step for security can offer benefits to the business.