Which Method of Remote Access is the Most Secure? Is it VPN, SSH, or a cloud-based solution? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each method and see which one comes out on top. Stay tuned!
Which Method of Remote Access is the Most Secure?
Many businesses must grant remote access to internal resources to one or more third-party vendors as well as workers. When addressing the requirement to provide internal (employee) and external (third-party vendor) remote access, an organization should examine the various tools and methodologies available for remote assistance and weigh their merits and downsides – particularly in terms of network security.
Choosing among the different solutions is one of the first issues that businesses face when offering secure remote access. This post will discuss a few of the most common remote access methods, with a focus on how secure each choice is.
To assist with this effort, let us examine two often used methods (Virtual Private Networks and desktop sharing), then describe a third strategy (vendor privileged access control) that, in many circumstances, provides a superior answer.
VPNs
Despite their name, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are not always as secure or private as they appear. VPNs may be a reasonable solution for distant employees and linking offices, but they are not always suitable for third-party remote access. The biggest problem is the amount of security by VPNs.
Authentication Dangers
Login and password credentials got exchanged when offering remote access to third-party suppliers. This approach, while usually prohibited, is regrettably all too widespread and puts both suppliers and their consumers in danger.
Problems with Access Control
Vendors have distinct requirements, requiring varying degrees of access to resources based on their function. However, when it comes to VPNs, roles specified in an access control system often adhere to conventional parameters, such as access to email, a CRM, or a reporting system.
Vendor technicians become network nodes via the VPN, opening the door to possible spying and IP address split-tunnelling issues. Furthermore, the defects in VPN software systems exploit by a malicious actor.
Microsoft’s PPTP VPN is one example with several proven vulnerabilities. Cisco, Fortinet, Sonicwall, Palo Alto, and the majority of VPN providers have similar difficulties.
In such a case, a VPN connection may be permitted even if the remote access policy settings should have prohibited one.
Hackers can exploit this vulnerability.
Given the aforementioned difficulties, you may anticipate VPNs to leave a corporation open to cyber-attack — and you’d be correct. In reality, hackers have used VPNs to instigate data breaches at big corporations. Bad actors appear to have stolen VPN credentials, gained network access, and got an administrative credential on the server hosting the vendor’s software in the Home Depot and Target data thefts. This perilous combination allowed hackers to navigate the network and find vital information.
Desktop Collaboration
Desktop sharing technologies (such as Webex and GoToMyPC) were created to allow remote assistance of end-user desktops. It although they do give remote access, they come with their own set of hazards and issues.
Authentication Dangers
A desktop sharing tool accessed by anybody at any place. A remote assistance session often begins with an employee clicking a link and handing over control of a desktop. But if a malicious actor has infiltrated that system, your company’s important information may become viewable to outside eyes or even encrypted and used in a ransomware operation. Alternatively, once a desktop sharing session is established, a hacker may attempt to utilize that connection to conduct malicious actions on your network.
Problems with Access Control
End-user support can benefit from desktop sharing. When it comes to supporting servers, databases, and other corporate applications, however, this method frequently falls short of the control required to maintain an enterprise network safe. Furthermore, desktop sharing presupposes that someone is present to share their desktop in order to provide access to the technician. Unattended access after hours may be necessary for mission-critical services.