A remote access server is any combination of software and hardware, often housed on one server, to allow remote access to data or applications that usually reside on an on-site IT network. The server will use its secure socket layer (SSL) to encrypt all incoming data to prevent eavesdropping by outsiders or malicious intents.
Today, the Internet itself facilitates various remote access solutions. Some of these are better than others. Many of these applications can be found on the web today, while others require installation on the client’s machine. The following remote access solutions are a great deal more advanced than simple file sharing and file transfer. They also include many security risks.
The most popular form of remote access is through a web browser. Many people use their desktop computers as their browsers at home, and it can be very convenient to use a remote access program from a remote computer that works just like a desktop computer. However, many home computer users are uncomfortable giving out their passwords to strangers, so a browser is not always the best way to go. This is where home computer access workstations provide the best security.
Another form of remote access software is available for download over the Internet. This type of software requires installation on the user’s computer before it can run. The advantages of this remote access software are that it can be used without fear of security risks and runs without the user’s physical presence. Some web browser-based remote access software will only allow specific programs to be accessed on the remote computer, but these are very limited and can usually be bypassed. Government agencies often use this type of software for security clearances of classified data.
Software that allows employees to go “online” from their desktops can also be used as remote access software. These types of products are similar to browser-based applications that are used in homes. Employees can access the Internet from anywhere, as long as they have a wireless connection to the Internet. Some desktop products also allow employees to go “online” from their desktops. This type of remote computer access works best when employees are working off-site from another company.
There are some inherent security risks to using remote computer access software. Anyone with knowledge of the server that the application uses can gain unauthorized access to all of the stored data on that server. Security risks are always an issue when businesses store data online. In addition, if a business employee takes time away from work to go online and download files, they may not be working. If an unauthorized person downloads the files, then the security risk could be severe.
Another way that remote access can help protect your business data is by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN is used when you want to set up a secure tunnel for employees to connect to your company’s main website from another location. By setting up a VPN through your company firewall, you can make it difficult for anyone who might try to access the leading site. A VPN also helps protect against hackers who might try to access the main website from another location.
By using a VPN, you can make it difficult for a hacker to get into your system. The VPN server acts as a proxy by bouncing requests through it before it reaches the actual website. Businesses often use VPN servers for remote access because of the increased network security level. Using a VPN can help protect your company data by ensuring that only the authorized person has access to it.