The Importance of Security in Remote Access Environments: Risks and Countermeasures

About three months have passed since the state of emergency was lifted. Some companies are returning to a normal commuting style, while others have established and are continuing remote work. In recent years, remote work and telecommuting have become widespread. One of the factors that promoted this trend is the improvement of the “remote access environment.”

“Remote access” is a system that allows you to access your company’s computer from a remote location via an internet connection. Remote access, which does not require a specific time or place, has been promoted by the government and many companies as one way to flexibly accommodate various work styles.

While remote access is convenient, it also raises concerns about security risks. According to a survey, attacks targeting remote access increased 3.4 times in one year from 2019 to 2020. (Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Recent Trends in Cyber Attacks)

It is necessary for not only companies but also each employee to be aware of and address the risks and security measures in the remote access environment.

This article will introduce the risks and security of the remote access environment.

Remote Access
1. Risks in Remote Access Environments
2. Risks of Unauthorized Access
3. Risks of Data Tampering
4. Risks of Exposure to Viruses
5. Risks of Password or Device Loss
Endpoint Security Required for Remote Access Environments
Differences Between Endpoint Security and Traditional Security Software
“EXO Security” is Safe for Endpoint Security Measures
Summary

1. What is Remote Access?

Remote access is accessing a specific computer from a remote location via the internet.

By connecting to your company’s PC from home or on the go, you can work in the same internet environment as in the office without having to commute.

Building a remote access environment allows you to work from home, which is a benefit that is not restricted by time or place.

1-1. Risks in Remote Access Environments

Building a remote access environment allows you to work without being restricted by time or place. However, the freedom to work outside the company can lead to unexpected risks if security measures are inadequate.

Here are some of the risks that can occur in a remote access environment. The main risks are:

Risk of Unauthorized Access
Risk of Data Tampering
Risk of Exposure to Viruses
Risk of Password or Device Loss

1-2. Risk of Unauthorized Access

In a remote access environment, anyone who can gain access can handle the company’s PC, which poses a risk of data tampering and information leakage. If you fall victim to unauthorized access, information from your business partners may be leaked as well as your own.

In such a case, the company will be busy dealing with problem solving and dealing with other companies. Not only will productivity decline, but in the worst case, it could lead to a negative image of the company.

1-3. Risk of Data Tampering

Data tampering is a secondary damage caused by unauthorized access. There is a risk that the company’s internal server used for business will be infiltrated and rewritten with false information. Even if the company does not intend to do so, it will provide incorrect information to users, which will damage the company’s trust.

1-4. Risk of Exposure to Viruses

Even if thorough security measures are taken within the company, if the security of the remote terminal is inadequate, it may become infected with a virus.

For example, there are cyber attacks that use ransomware, a type of virus that demands a ransom. If you become infected with ransomware, the files and hard disk stored on your computer will be encrypted, and you will be asked to pay a ransom to decrypt the files.

1-5. Risk of Password or Device Loss

The route of information leakage is not just a communication problem. Human factors include password and device loss. If an employee loses a device such as a smartphone or tablet while on the go, the information may be leaked or misused by the person who picks it up.

In remote desktop as well, if login information such as passwords is leaked, it may be used to infiltrate the company’s internal server. There are measures such as using a VPN connection, fingerprint authentication, and double passwords to prevent someone who picks it up from misusing it, but the best way to prevent human error is for each employee to work with security awareness and responsibility.

2. Endpoint Security Required for Remote Access Environments

From here, we will introduce endpoint security, which has been attracting attention in recent years. “Endpoint” means “end” or “end point,” and in security terms, it refers to the end devices connected to the network, that is, PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

Even if security within the company is thorough, you will be exposed to various risks if the security on the remote terminal side is inadequate.

“Endpoint security” is a security measure to protect these endpoints or the information stored on endpoints from cyber attacks.

3. Differences Between Endpoint Security and Traditional Security Software

What is the difference between endpoint security and traditional security software such as antivirus software? In conclusion, endpoint security is said to play the role of “exit measures,” while traditional security measures software plays the role of “entry measures.”

Traditional security measures have focused on preventing malware from invading the internal network. In order to prevent intrusion from any attack, firewalls, spam filters, IDS (intrusion detection), IPS (intrusion prevention), etc. were used to detect intrusion from the outside at the gateway (entry point) and prevent the intrusion of viruses such as malware in advance.

However, with the advancement of IT technology and the sophistication of cyber attacks, as well as the promotion of remote work due to “work style reforms,” which has led to the handling of company information outside the company, exit measures have become more important.

“Exit measures” are “measures that assume that an intrusion will occur,” and are intended to prevent information leakage after an intrusion has occurred. For intrusions from the outside, “entry measures” such as firewalls are used, and endpoint security is used to prevent information leakage from the inside, and it is necessary to use these security measures together.

4. “EXO Security” is Safe for Endpoint Security Measures

If you are going to implement endpoint security measures, you may be wondering which tool to choose.

The endpoint security measure tool that I would like to recommend this time is “EXO Security.”

“EXO Security” can respond to various security threats and is easy to operate and manage, so even companies without a security 담당자 can implement it.

There are five main features:

Anti-malware blocking technology that utilizes AI and cloud analysis technology
Safely protected from new types of ransomware
Blocks and blocks access to malicious sites
Security measures for remote work
Low price and easy to implement

There are many other features, and “EXO Security” is recommended because it fully covers the functions required for endpoint security measures.

You can try it for free now, so if you are interested in endpoint security measures, please try it.

⇨ globalsupport@jiran.com

Summary

This time, we introduced the risks and security of remote access.

The remote access environment is a convenient and necessary technology for diversifying work styles. However, there are various security risks involved in handling information outside the company. It is necessary to constantly incorporate the latest information and take optimal security measures that suit your company.

Let’s improve business efficiency with a secure remote access environment.