REMOTE AND SECURE WORKFLOW AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Work Flexibility Made Easy: Complete Guide to Secure Remote Access
Maximizing Efficiency: Enhancing Office Network Access
The last five years brought massive changes to the workflow and organization of the working process of a myriad of companies. Due to the pandemic, remote work has become increasingly common. Various research over the past few months reveals that productivity while working remotely is better than working in an office. On average, those who work remotely spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive.
But this kind of work process brings new challenges. How to access office resources from anywhere? How to maintain collaboration even when physically distant? And what’s more important, how to make it secure? So, let’s explore the benefits of remote access, and all the associated security issues, and find the proper ways to securely access your office network from remote locations.
What is Secure Remote Access
Remote access refers to the ability to connect to and utilize resources on a corporate or office network from a remote location. It adds more flexibility to the work process and allows employees to access files, applications, and systems as if they were physically present in the office. This approach enables remote workers to stay productive and maintain seamless communication with colleagues and clients wherever they are.
Benefits of Remote Access
Remote access offers numerous benefits, making it an essential requirement for modern work environments. Here are some key reasons why you may need secure remote access to your office network:
- Flexibility: Remote access allows employees and professionals from various fields from marketing to software development to work from anywhere, providing flexibility in terms of location and work hours. This freedom promotes work-life balance and enhances productivity.
- Collaboration: With remote access to the office network, you can communicate and collaborate with your colleagues and teammates more effectively, regardless of their physical location and timezone. It encourages real-time communication, file sharing, and simultaneous editing, promoting teamwork and effectiveness.
- Disaster Recovery: Remote access to the office network allows businesses to continue working in hard circumstances and emergencies. And even unforeseen events that can make attendance to physical offices impossible are not a problem anymore. Employees can continue working remotely and accessing essential data, services, and even hardware ensuring uninterrupted workflow.
When You May Need a Secure Remote Access
Connecting to the Office Network
Maybe the main challenge of remote work is a secure connection to the office network. The reason is that when you use unsecured public WiFi or a compromised home network you can expose sensitive business data to potential security breaches. In this case, you need to make a secure tunnel through the internet to minimize the risk of sent data being intercepted. This is where a VPN comes in. Using, for example, VPN Unlimited, you encrypt your traffic and become invisible to outer internet threats, keeping valuable information, both private and corporate, protected from prying eyes.
Accessing Files in the Office
Access to office databases or files can be another limitation of remote work. However, with a VPN configured on your home router, you can securely access files stored on the office network from anywhere in the world. By establishing a protected connection to the office network, a VPN grants remote workers instant access to important files like a crucial presentation, a collaborative document, or a shared spreadsheet. This level of convenience boosts productivity and enables collaboration among team members.
Accessing Office Jira and Other Tools
In addition to accessing files, remote workers may face challenges in accessing office-specific tools and software like Jira, project management systems, and other team collaboration tools. Fortunately, by connecting to the office network through a VPN, remote workers can access office tools and systems as if they were physically present in the office. This eliminates any barriers to productivity and allows one to manage tasks and even use office printers and fax from any corner of the world.
Secure Options for Remote Access
To guarantee secure access to office networks while working remotely, here are three essential options to consider:
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): A reliable VPN service like VPN Unlimited creates a secure encrypted tunnel between your device and the office network, preventing any unauthorized access to your personal or corporate data. It masks your IP address and encrypts data, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept or decipher information.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple credentials for authentication in corporate accounts and services. In addition to a username and password, MFA involves a second authentication factor, such as a one-time password generated by the Authenticator app or sent to your mobile device. You can also enable biometric authentication if such an option is available.
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): RDP allows users to access their office computers remotely. This option assures that all data remains within the office network, reducing the risk of data leakage or interception. However, this kind of protection is sensitive to strong password policies and is recommended for usage only by authorized users.
- Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP): SFTP is an alternative to traditional FTP service but with better protection. During file transfer, all the traffic is encrypted, preventing interception by malicious actors.
Conclusion
Remote access to office networks is a fundamental requirement for modern work environments. However, it is crucial to prioritize security to mitigate the risks associated with remote connections. By implementing secure options like VPNs, MFA, RDP, SFTP, or cloud-based solutions, employees can work remotely without compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Remember to follow best practices, such as regularly updating software, using strong passwords, and remaining sharp against phishing attempts. By adopting secure remote access measures, organizations can foster a productive and secure remote work environment.
