What is Remote Access Security?

Remote access is the ability for users to access information on your company's network from outside the gateway. In today's non-stop business environment, organizations must provide 24 x 7 access to their network. Whether it's an employee logging in from home to finish a report, a teleworker, a mobile employee—even third-party contractors and vendor partners—access to applications at all hours is needed to conduct business effectively.

In providing this access, organizations open themselves up to a number of vulnerabilities. Remote access security solutions can proactively manage these risks and keep your business productive, flexible and secure.

What Options Are Available to Me?

When it comes to remote access security, there are several options available to consider. Your CDW account team can help you identify which solutions work best for you.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) - A very popular method of remote access is to create a VPN. Companies can utilize a VPN as a means to provide remote offices or users with secure access to their networks through Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), which is a private, encrypted tunnel from the outside into the network. This tunnel is created over public IP lines. Another type of VPN to consider is a secure sockets layer (SSL) VPN. The SSL VPN uses a web browser to create that private tunnel so no specialized software needs to be downloaded on the client's device.

Network Access Control (NAC) - NAC is a complement to the VPN. A NAC product reviews all users attempting to access the network, and verifies the person is who he says he is. NACs also review the user's system security to ensure they are compliant with the company's security policy before allowing that user access to the network. If the user's device is not compliant, the system will attempt to remediate the device so access can be granted to either the entire network or just the areas defined for that user.

User Authentication/Key Fob - A key fob is a token device that enforces two-factor authentication for remote users. To access the network, a user needs to enter a password and a passcode that is provided by the token. The passcode is typically refreshed on a short time interval to maintain high security.

Encryption - As mentioned above, VPN sessions are encrypted and the session is stored on network servers rather than the remote user's device. However, many users still download and save documents to their laptop hard drives—a practice that presents a significant vulnerability to organizations when a laptop is lost or stolen. Utilizing encryption technologies on laptops and mobile devices can ensure the data is useless should the device fall into the wrong hands.

Why Should I Consider Remote Access Security Solutions?

CDW can assist you with a variety of solutions geared toward your organization's current and future needs. Improving your remote access security capabilities can deliver big benefits, including:

CDW's Approach

CDW has developed a simple, yet comprehensive approach to remote access security solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds.

Engage Your Account Manager
Your CDW account manager and our pre-sales team will work with you to assess your current environment and future needs.

Implement and Manage
Working together, CDW will design detailed configurations for your future environment, drawing from best-in-class solutions from our enormous in-stock inventory. We work with multiple service providers to deliver a solution that fits seamlessly into your IT environment.

CDW's commitment continues long after your purchase. Certified technicians offer 24 x 7 telephone support for ongoing management needs, and you can always access online tech support through your My Account tab above. The My Account area also serves as a round-the-clock extension of your account team, detailing your pricing, order status, account history and more.

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