Top 5 Benefits of VPN-Less Remote Access Device Security

As technology evolves, so do our approaches to securing remote access. The transition from traditional VPNs to VPN-less remote access represents a significant step forward in addressing the shortcomings of outdated methods, especially in terms of device security.

Traditionally, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been the go-to solution for enabling remote access to corporate resources. However, with the latest developments and threats, a new approach known as VPN-Less Remote Access has emerged, revolutionising how organisations connect their remote workforce to critical systems and data.

This article delves deep into the concept of secure remote access.

What is Secure Remote Access?

Secure remote access refers to the ability of authorised users to connect to a private network, such as a company’s internal network, from a different location while maintaining data privacy and security. It has been proven advantageous for businesses in many ways.

Flexibility and Productivity: Secure remote access allows users to work from anywhere, whether at home, travelling, or in a remote location. This flexibility increases productivity by enabling employees to stay connected and work seamlessly, regardless of physical location.

Cost Savings: Remote access can lead to cost savings for organisations and individuals. It reduces the need for extensive physical office spaces and associated overhead costs for organisations. Individuals can save on commuting expenses and time, leading to improved work-life balance.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Secure remote access ensures employees can continue working during unexpected events such as natural disasters, power outages, or health emergencies. This contributes to business continuity by minimising disruptions to operations.

Access to Specialised Resources: Remote access allows users to access specialised resources, databases, and applications hosted on centralised servers, regardless of location. This is particularly valuable for employees who need to work with specific tools or data unavailable on their local devices.

And lastly,   

Global Collaboration: Secure remote access fosters collaboration among teams and individuals across different geographic locations. Team members can work together in real time, share documents, and communicate effectively through various collaboration tools, enhancing overall efficiency.

Now, we did mention at the start of the transition from a VPN to a VPN-less approach to achieving secure remote access.

Let’s delve into that.

VPN-Based vs. VPN-Less Remote Access Device Security

VPN-Based Remote Access:

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection is an approach that helps businesses establish a secure connection between the corporate network and their remote employee devices. The data exchanged here is encrypted to prevent it from leaking or being misused.

A VPN typically uses two main components—the network access software (NAS) and the VPN client software. Employees use the NAS to connect to the VPN. This step requires them to enter their credentials and sign in, after which the NAS authenticates them.

Employees must also install the VPN client software on their devices to create and maintain a secure connection. Upon successful authentication, the client software extends an encrypted tunnel to the NAS, establishing a secure connection.

Although VPNs are advantageous, there are device security vulnerabilities associated with them, which brings up the question…

How Secure is VPN?

To begin with, when a VPN is used to connect third-party vendors, there is no such thing as partial access; it always gives them either full or no access to the business network. All business servers, apps, and devices are exposed to third-party vendors. One can’t closely monitor their actions as there isn’t any granular control over what they access from the network.

Also, solutions like VPNs were designed for a tiny percentage of employees working remotely, providing security for only a subset of applications. With working from home now becoming a norm, these solutions take time to scale.

Furthermore, VPNs do not offer centralised remote management, which means enterprise IT admins must manually configure and monitor VPNs on countless devices. This also affects workforce productivity, as end-users must endure long wait times to receive technical support for issues pertaining to the VPN setup.

It’s clear that while good, VPN is not all that viable. Which emphasises the importance of opting for a…

VPN-less Approach

In essence to overcoming the major flaws, virtual private network’s the “all or nothing” approach, VPN-less solutions focus on providing access to specific applications rather than the entire network. This not only improves performance but also minimises the attack surface, as users only interact with authorised resources. Organisations must look for certain specifications when choosing VPN-less remote access device security.

Specifications to Look for in a VPN-less Solution for Remote Access Device Security

When considering a VPN-less remote access solution, several specifications warrant attention:

Security Mechanisms: Ensure the solution employs robust authentication methods to maintain remote access device security. One needs a solution that enables multi-factor authentication, i.e., requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before gaining access to a system, application, or account. This layered approach adds an extra level of security by making it significantly more difficult for unauthorised users to gain access even if they possess one piece of the authentication puzzle.

Role-based Access Controls: Look for solutions that offer granular control over user access and privileges, enhancing device security; a solution wherein permissions are assigned to roles, and then users are assigned to specific roles. This allows for efficient and centralised control over who can access what information or perform actions.

Managing Passwords: Ensure the solution involves strategies to create strong and unique passwords, techniques for securely storing passwords, and good practices like password rotation. Effective password management is crucial for preventing unauthorised access and data breaches.

Ease of Deployment: Choose a solution that can be easily integrated into your existing infrastructure without causing disruptions.

Scalability: Verify that the solution can handle increased user loads without sacrificing performance or device security.

And lastly

Audit and Compliance: Seek solutions that provide detailed logs and reporting capabilities for compliance and auditing purposes. Ensure the tracking and analysis of users’ activities during their interactions with a system. It helps organisations ensure security and compliance by monitoring user behaviour, detecting anomalies, and identifying potential device security threats.

Sectona Privileged Access Management encompasses the specifications above and offers much more in terms of PAM as an alternative solution to a VPN approach for remote access device security.

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