Secure Remote Access Solutions Aligned with Indusrty Standards
The demand for remote opportunities is getting higher with time. In 1981, only 1.5% of UK employees work from home which increased up to 4.7% till 2019. But after pandemic, this the percentage reached to 46.6% in April 2020 survey.
With this growing need for secure remote access various SAAS providers launch their incredible and well-optimized products to ensure high security and compliance.
Let’s discuss the importance of modern secure remote access solutions vs. traditional solutions and a list of solutions that meet different standards so enterprises can choose the most suitable one for their industry needs.
1What is secure remote access?
Secure remote access is a technology-driven solution widely adopted by most organizations due to the excessive demand for remote and hybrid jobs.
It enables users to remotely access specific devices, networks or systems, helping the IT team remotely diagnose and troubleshoot issues on remote employees' devices and manage policies flexibly to ensure compliance.
A solution is said to be a secure remote access solution if it contains the following capabilities:
- Confidentiality
Organizational data is kept highly secure with no space for vulnerabilities to compromise the confidentiality of organizations. Zero trust architecture, TLS/SSL encryption, and data masking are the important features adopted by remote access solutions to keep secure. - Authentications
Remote solutions providing multi-factor authentications like passwords, face recognition, biometrics, eye scanning, and other OTPs are highly secure.
Additionally, Role-based access control (RBAC) feature is also productive in ensuring a secure remote access solution. - Monitoring and Compliance
Solutions complying with various regulatory standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR are the most trusted ones by customers. Standard secure remote access solutions also provide real-time monitoring, auditing and logging, DLP, containerization, and patch management abilities.
2Comparison between the traditional and secure remote access solutions
- Data Security
The traditional remote access frameworks usually allow access to servers, databases, and internal applications without limitations.
Modern secure remote access solutions allow access with various limitations to ensure data security like containerization, whitelisting, data authentication and multi-factor authentication. - Data Encryption
Traditional solutions use standard encryption protocols for security, like IPsec, and SSL/TLS encryption, while modern solutions comprise advanced protocols like multi-factor authentication. - Endpoint Security
Endpoint security in traditional systems relies heavily on individual device protection, necessitating regular updates and proactive maintenance. The modern approach uses ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) methodology for the optimized authentication process. - Data Intrusion
Traditional solutions only provide limited data intrusion, while modern remote access solutions offer a comprehensive data intrusion. It may extend to the database to identify deletion, mass modification, and other activities.
3Choose a remote access solution based on standards
3.1 ISO/IEC 27001
ISO/IEC 27001 was jointly created by ISO and IEC to provide a global benchmark for developing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Aligned with British Standard 7799-2 for risk management purposes it includes incident response practices and continuous ISMS improvement processes.
Features
An ISO certified organization has comparatively greater worth and reputation in the market due to the trust built among customers and concerned businesses.
Regular maintenance of the system results in improving the security.
Requirements
- Undertaking a risk analysis process to consider potential threats.
- Establish an ongoing management process which constantly assesses these measures against changing needs and security landscape.
Here are the software that comply with ISO/IEC 27001 standards.
BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
BeyondTrust is secure remote access software for privileged users especially in healthcare, finance and government sector where maintaining tight security controls are of utmost importance. It is suitable for all business environments including cloud, on-premises, and OT.
Secure remote access, session management, privileged access controls, streamlined authentication, compliance and session auditing, ZTA architecture, and session monitoring and auditing ensures compliance with ISO standard policies.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is an effective remote access and support software used for connecting to remote computers or servers remotely, especially for IT professionals providing remote support or healthcare providers providing remote assistance services.
TeamViewer allows secure remote desktop connections, file transfers and collaboration tools that make TeamViewer an essential solution. Its advanced security measures ensure compliance with ISO and other regulatory standards.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk is remote desktop software designed to let users easily connect with computers or servers from any location with minimal latency, making it particularly helpful in customer support services industry, where remote access is often necessary.
Its privacy mode, whitelist, screen frame, two-factor authentication, and permission management features ensure high security, ultimately leading to compliance with various standards.
Parallels RAS
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) enables organizations to securely deliver Windows and Linux apps and desktops to end-users on any device, making productivity significantly greater across industries like finance, education, and IT.
Geo-graphic and time-based filtering, trusted domain access, and URL blocking, and customizable security policies for file transfers, watermarking, and other operations allows easy compliance with security requirements.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) enables organizations to remotely provide desktop and application access for users remotely, in industries like healthcare, finance and education where employees require secure remote access to shared resources.
RDS ensures secure remote access via multifactor authentication for workstations and applications while sensitive data remains protected through encryption, session monitoring and centralized management from connection center.
Workspace ONE
Workspace One Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) provides organizations with an all-in-one platform for overseeing mobile devices, desktop computers and apps across their enterprise networks.
Workspace ONE UEM offers lifecycle management, role based access control, multi-tenant architecture, Zero Trust security, remote onboarding to ensure secure management of resources which results in compliance.
Splashtop
Splashtop is a remote desktop solution that provides secure access to computers and servers from nearly any device. It contains advanced security features like two-factor authentication, endpoint MFA, blank screen, idle session timeout, remote connection notification, full session audit, TLS encryption, and 256-bit AES encryption to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 27001, SOC2, GDPR, and CCPA.
Zoho Assist
Zoho assist is an online remote access platform that requires no downloading at either end. It allows connecting to any computer without the local network limitations. For security and compliance, it provides action log viewer, multi-factor authentication, inactive session timeout, SSL and 256-bit AES encryption, reporting, and customization of policies.
Cisco Secure Access
Cisco is one the most leading software used worldwide in various industries especially the call center industry to protect your hybrid workforce with advanced security. This software offers a comprehensive solution for remote access of applications, data and resources across multiple devices securely.
Cisco offers a single console for centralized policy management over all corporate devices. Its advanced security mechanisms ensure business continuity and avoid cyber-attacks. The digital Experience Monitoring, DLP module, and FWaaS service ensures data security and fastest detection for vulnerabilities.
3.2 SOC 2 Type 2
SOC 2 was developed by AICPA (An American Institute) and is an audit framework which assesses an organization's security controls based on Trust Service Principles. There are two types of SOC 2 reports for secure remote access. When SOC 2 Type 1(satic evaluation audits) confirm existence of controls and processes at one specific point in time (typically six months), SOC 2 Type 2(dynamic evaluation evaluations) go one step further by measuring operational effectiveness.
Requirements
- Specific criteria for data management to ensure data security and confidentiality for public.
- Five basic trust service principles i.e. security, privacy, availability, processing integrity, and confidentiality.
Features
SOC 2 compliance helps organizations establish a strong security to reduce breaches and security incidents. Getting SOC 2 Type 2 certified ensures organizations are kept safe from legal consequences and fines charged by regulatory authorities and are allowed to freely advertise and run business operations.
JumpCloud
JumpCloud is a cloud directory service offering used especially by SAAS providers and tech firms to efficiently centralize user management and secure access control solutions. It helps cross-platform device management for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices from a single dashboard.
Its security features like secure credentials with native password manager, multi-factor authentication for identity protection, patches, full-scale monitoring, and event logging helps to meet specific standards.
Remote PC
RemotePC is a remote desktop solution that enables users to gain access to computers from anywhere at any time, which makes it ideal for industries such as IT, customer support and education where remote access may be required for providing technical assistance or managing systems remotely.
Complying with SOC 2 Type 2, this secure remote access provides file transfer capability, recording remote sessions, logs and reporting, personal key, TLS and AES encryption, performance viewer, and remote rebooting capabilities.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, BeyondTrust, Splashtop, Zoho Assist, and Cisco Secure Access we mentioned above are also stand out with SOC Type 2 regulatory obligations.
3.3 NIST SP 800-53
NIST Special Publication 800-53, created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), offers security and privacy controls framework designed to safeguard organizational operations, information systems and individual privacy. NIST SP 800-53 is applicable across sectors and organization sizes, providing support for FISMA compliance while often being referenced by industry frameworks.
Requirements
- Identify the sensitive data
- Map the data and permissions
- Manage access control
- Continuously monitor user activities
- Train the staff
- Deployment of security assessment tools
Features
NIST SP 800-53 is designed to protect information systems against cyber security incidents, privacy breaches and human error by employing robust controls.
It ensures the confidentiality, integrity and availability of federal information systems with customizable security and privacy controls.
Amazon Workspaces
It is one of the fastest and secure remote access service that enable provisioning of virtual and cloud-based desktops. These workspaces are compatible with Windows, Amazon Linux 2, Ubuntu Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Rocky Linux.
It provides additional security via multi-factor authentication, AWS key management service, encryption, access control and secure authentication solutions ensuring businesses can efficiently manage remote employees while meeting industry-specific cyber security standards.
Moreover, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services tool also comply with NIST policies to get certified.
3.4 HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
This standard is specifically targeted for healthcare service providers to ensure they comply with specific patient privacy and other security concerns. An organization compliant with this standard gives boosts the satisfaction level of patients associated with different industries.
Requirements
- Designate a Security Officer within the organization
- Establish Privacy Policies including HIPAA Privacy Regulations
- Establish security procedures based of the 3 HIPAA Safeguards
- Establish Business Associate Agreements Based on BAA
- Train staff as per HIPAA guidelines
- Implement annual risk assessment to mitigate data breaches
- Establish breach notification protocol
Features
It ensures proper transmission and storage of electronic protected health information (ePHI) through encryption, strong authentication and secure access protocols, and detailed audits.
It helps to identify and protect patient data privacy by offering them rights to access, amend or request the deletion of their health records.
LogMeIn Pro
It is an easy and secure remote access software solution to your PC or Mac from a browser, desktop or a device used across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, IT support and education where remote access to systems is essential. It offers 14-day free trial for new users.
Its user-friendly design combined with robust security features makes LogMeIn Pro an ideal fit for healthcare organizations that must protect patient health information (PHI). Remote printing, remote control, screen sharing, multi-monitor display ensures efficiency of work with enhanced security.
Absolute
Absolute is a security software solution designed to assist businesses in protecting their devices and sensitive data through endpoint security, remote tracking, data encryption and real-time monitoring.
It delivers a Security Service Edge (SSE) for industries like healthcare, finance and education with security is the major concern. Absolute helps organizations meet HIPAA compliance by offering features like device tracking, remote wipe data and real time monitoring.
Similar to Absolute and LogMeIn remote access, Splashtop, TeamViewer, and JumpCloud also successfully fulfills HIPAA requirements making them perfect for healthcare industry.
3.5 GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
The European Union implemented General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018 after it was passed in the European parliament in 2016. It is a legal framework regulating the collection and processing of personal data. GDPR is widely recognized as one of the stringiest privacy laws globally. Notably, GDPR applies worldwide. Any organization which handles EU resident's data falls under its affect.
Requirements
Here are the key requirements that an organization should follow to get GDPR certification:
- Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency
- Purpose limitation
- Data minimization
- Accuracy
- Storage limitation
- Integrity and confidentiality
- Accountability
Features
It ensures that the businesses have clear policies about collecting, saving, and disclosing the customer’s information.
When businesses comply with specific security measures set by GDPR, organizational data gets protected and highly secure. They are free to work with clients worldwide.
AirDroid Business
AirDroid Business is a mobile device management (MDM) solution that empowers businesses to manage, control and secure Android devices remotely. Especially valuable in industries like retail, education and logistics where managing large fleets of mobile devices are vitally important.
AirDroid Business helps organizations comply with GDPR by offering secure data management tools like remote monitoring & troubleshooting, device encryption, remote wipe, and remote lockdown that help control access, track devices and protect user information ensuring compliance with European data protection regulations.
ManageEngine MDM Plus
ManageEngine MDM Plus is a mobile device management solution designed to enable businesses to securely monitor mobile devices, applications and content across a business network from a unified console.
GDPR compliance can easily be met using features like data encryption, device and app management, security management, device tracking, containerization, and remote wiping provided by ManageEngine MDM Plus.
Just like AirDroid Business and ManageEngine MDM some other solutions like Splashtop, Zoho Assist, and Cisco Secure Access also comply with GDPR standards.
4Why You Should Choose Remote Access Solutions Aligned with Industry Standards & Protocols?
Here are the primary reasons we should use industry-aligned solutions:
- Compliance
Industry-align solutions assist organizations with meeting compliance mandates and avoiding penalties while upholding operational integrity in highly regulated sectors. - Improved User Trust
Users and stakeholders tend to put greater faith in solutions that adhere to well-recognized industry practices, increasing an organization's credibility. - Support and Updates
Vendors offering industry-aligned solutions prioritize regular updates and professional support services to keep their products secure and cutting-edge. - Future-Proof Investments
Solutions built around standards are more likely to remain relevant as technologies progress, mitigating risks associated with obsolescence and decreasing replacement expenses. - Interoperability
These tools comply with industry standards and ensure seamless integration into existing infrastructures, helping businesses easily manage the configuration of various tools.
Leave a Reply.