Secure Remote Access Protocols: Everything You Need To Know

Remote and hybrid work configurations have increased since at least 2020. According to World Economic Forum estimates, there will be over 90 million digital jobs by 2030 as more industries take advantage of online connectivity. Remote access plays a big role in this economy and will only become more critical.

However, remote access has many risks that companies need to take seriously.

Secure remote access protocols are the first and best line of defense against cybercrime in this environment. Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know to prepare for the increasingly remote future.

What are secure remote access protocols?

In a nutshell, secure remote access protocols ensure uniform security and privacy standards are met in remote access sessions. They restrict the very ways and conditions under which remote access happens.

Remote secure access can be achieved in various ways (see below), but all approaches share a common goal of preventing unauthorized access. This is critical as there is far less visibility or control over employees’ devices and networks when they access sensitive resources and systems from remote locations. 

This is why employees' access channels need to be governed and protected.

Types of remote access protocols

There are many different approaches to securing remote access sessions, depending on the company's infrastructure (i.e., desktop, mobile, web, etc.), the devices and networks being connected, the data itself, and the actions performed.

Here are some of the most common secure remote access protocols:

• Point-to-point protocol (PPP): This fundamental system establishes direct communication between endpoints, allowing for dynamic addresses, auth, and encryption. It’s the basis for several other common protocols—see below.
• Virtual private network (VPN): VPNs create private access tunnels that connect devices to the same network irrespective of location. Solutions for remote access include OpenVPN and Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP).
• Secure shell (SSH): This is a cryptographic system that allows for secure remote connections even over unsecured or public networks. Notably, SSH empowers high-level functions like command-line execution remotely.
• Transport layer security (TLS): This browser-based method of encryption enables secure remote access through a “handshake” that verifies the identity of both sides/parties in an access session—often used in conjunction with SSH.
• Remote desktop protocol (RDP): A system initially developed by Microsoft but available across platforms, RDP encrypts secure connections between the terminal server and client within the transmission control protocol (TCP).
• Windows Remote Access Service (RAS): Another Windows-developed system, RAS allows for robust telecommunication within Windows operating systems, specifically client-to-site VPNs and remote administration.

These are not the only approaches available, but they are the most common building blocks across the market's most secure remote access solutions. However, the baseline technologies are often adapted to a specific client’s architecture.

Spotlight: Different PPP variations

Of the protocols above, PPP is perhaps the most widely adopted. One of the more common instances, favored by internet service providers (ISPs), is point-to-point over Ethernet (PPPoE), which enables secure connection in a shared ethernet network.

Similarly, point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP) allows for the creation of VPNs using PPP technology. Data is encapsulated within PPP frames and routed through a specified IP-based network, securing connections between a client and host server.

There’s also serial line internet protocol (SLIP), which leverages a similar connection between two individual devices (i.e., a modem and a computer). It’s commonly used in embedded systems and conjunction with legacy software.

Secure remote access protocol implementation

When implementing secure remote desktop access or remote connections across other devices (e.g., phones, tablets, etc.), the specific protocol used is not the only consideration. You’ll also want to establish cyber defense policies and controls—from fundamental to more mature measures—to neutralize threats.

Fundamental best practices for secure remote access protocols

Remote users carry inherent risks because of the many variables involved in remote/hybrid environments. To that end, your first line of defense should include:

• Incident response strategy: Design policies for responding to threats, then assign and train security personnel on their responsibilities during an incident.
• Regular software updates: Install patches and updates as soon as possible once they become available to ensure coverage for emerging vulnerabilities.
• Monitoring and auditing: Carefully monitor remote access sessions for their duration and maintain logs of all access sessions for forensic analysis after they’re finished. Ensure sessions can be terminated at any time if needed.
• Secure network connections: Ensure the full security of internal network infrastructure, especially elements used for or connected to remote access. 
• Regular user training: Train users during onboarding and at regular intervals, including assessments, on secure remote access and warning signs to report.

Collectively, these practices create a basis for security hygiene that mitigates the most basic risks of remote access. When implemented alongside a trusted remote access solution, they can provide moderate security assurance.

Advanced best practices for secure remote access protocols

Fully taking on the threats that remote access can pose to sensitive data means implementing more strenuous controls and company-wide governance, such as:

• Access control implementation: Define and implement granular controls, such as a role-based access control (RBAC) system that limits remote and other access based on users’ responsibilities and “business need to know.”
• Multiple layers of authentication: Implement multiple layers or steps for verification to access systems remotely and/or step-up authentication to require follow-up or re-authorization to perform specific functions.
• Strong encryption: Encrypt all data end-to-end to safeguard it in the event it is stolen, lost, or otherwise compromised.
• Intrusion detection systems: Install robust monitoring controls to monitor for, report, and address any unknown or unauthorized access. This includes monitoring otherwise trusted sessions when unexpected actions are taken.
• Vulnerability testing: Test systems regularly for gaps and weaknesses in security deployment, including penetration testing, to understand how potential attackers might operate and what channels they’ll target.

While these protections alone cannot guarantee that sensitive information is secure, they can help neutralize threats and promote secure remote access sessions.

Challenges and considerations in secure remote access protocol implementation

Securing remote access is not always easy, especially at scale. Organizations working with various devices and locations need to account for increased volume, diversity, and severity of risks. 

Some of the most common challenges include:

• Security threats: Remote access is plagued by endpoint vulnerabilities on users’ devices, along with social engineering and other threats to the devices themselves and any/all other parts of the home or public networks.
• Balancing security and usability: Measures to protect remote access can add friction to the user experience by requiring extra steps at login. These burdens can disrupt productivity and lead to other issues like MFA fatigue.
• Compliance and regulatory requirements: Remote access sessions also need to abide by the requirements of regulatory frameworks applicable to organizations based on their industry, location, or business practices.

Compliance, in particular, can scale over time as a business expands into new markets, straddles different industries, or courts a clientele with strict demands.

One widely-applicable regulatory burden on secure remote access is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The DSS applies to most entities that process credit card payments and information, and several DSS requirements mandate specific controls for remote access. For instance, Requirement 3.4.2 stipulates that remote access must prevent copying or relocating primary account numbers (PAN).

A comprehensive software solution is the best way to overcome all these challenges.

Emerging trends in secure remote access protocol

Looking ahead, secure remote access will only become more important—and more challenging—as organizations and nefarious actors increase their usage and focus on remote infrastructure. Outpacing risks requires openness and adaptability.

To that effect, here are some trends picking up steam in 2024 and beyond:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requiring at least two identifiers (something you know, have, or are) rather than the standard single factor.
• Zero trust architecture (ZTA): Prioritizing restriction and monitoring across all accounts and sessions rather than allowing “trusted” users easy access.
• Secure access service edge (SASE): Combining software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) with other security measures, per a 2019 Gartner study.

As with the best practices detailed above, the best way to leverage these (and all) approaches to secure remote access is to work with a trusted provider—like us.

Learn more about secure remote access software

Secure remote access protocols help companies connect to their workforces, clients, and other stakeholders from anywhere in the world without worrying about threats inherent to home, public, and other unknown networks. Many different approaches to secure remote access exist, all of which work best when paired with cyber defense deployment—especially adaptive, future-focused protections.

ScreenConnect powers secure and productive remote access sessions, remote support, and more. ScreenConnect Remote Access, in particular, offers a wide variety of integrations and powers operations with granular analytics and reporting.

Learn more about ScreenConnect Remote Access today.