Remote Access VPN: Providing Remote Access to the Company's Network

As companies are encouraging remote work in their workforce, remote access VPNs are being put forward for use. With this technology, people can access the company’s application and data remotely from afar over a secure network. Authorized employees can easily send and receive data on this network in encrypted format. 

These software programs not only offer operational efficiency to the company but are also known for offering a secure network for sharing data. So, let’s move ahead and read all the aspects of remote access VPNs.

What is a Remote Access VPN?

A remote access VPN is a virtual security solution that enables employees and contractors to connect to the company’s LAN and cloud networks remotely. This makes the connection easy to access, allowing users to access the data from their home or while travelling. 

This type of VPN is needed when a small workforce is working remotely from their home or any other place. A company leverages VPN services to deploy VPN client software that allows users to build strong connections while sitting outside the network perimeter. 

Different Deployment Types of Remote Access VPN

Depending upon the installation methods of the remote access VPN, there are mainly three different deployment types as mentioned below: 

• Hardware:  A specialized device, router, or firewall is installed to provide the VPN functionality.

• Software: A virtual solution is established for more user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and smoother management. 

• Cloud: This remote VPN service is delivered through a cloud service that doesn’t require any underlying infrastructure from the user. It eliminates the maintenance costs. 

Following this, there are also some other cloud VPNs like IaaS that come with larger service packages but are not easy to deploy. 

How Does the Remote Access VPN Work in a Corporate?

A remote access VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the client and a VPN gateway/server/collector. This tunnel in the server protects all the information from unauthorized access by third parties.

Therefore, the remote users and their devices first need to qualify for the authentication. This requires the employees to bring their device to the office premises at once via the following ways: 

• Digital Certificates: It is installed on the user’s device, which verifies the identity of the user when the connection is established. 

• Passwords: This authentication requires a one-time password that the user has to enter before being able to connect.

• Client App: A unique client application that verifies user information and devices while it is installed on the user’s device. This app is integrated into the operating system. 

When it comes to the easy authentication of the user, the client app method is the best, as it does not require any IT technician or administrator to build a tunnel to the server. 

How Does a Remote Access VPN Benefit a Company? 

Opting for a remote access VPN comes with several benefits that can add a layer of assistance to your business’s effective management and security. So, let’s see what benefits remote access VPN offers to companies. 

• Safe Remote Connection: Mobile users and distant workers can connect securely to the company network with a remote access VPN. It ensures secrecy and safeguards the integrity of sensitive data by encrypting data transfer.

• Easier Management: Remote access VPNs provide a centralized point of control for user access and security regulations. Administrators don’t need complicated on-site configurations to monitor security, implement policies, and manage connections.

• Cost-Effective Method: Sometimes, extending network access outside of the office’s physical boundaries can be accomplished at a lower cost by putting in place a remote access VPN. It can postpone the initial requirement for large infrastructure investments for certain businesses.

Security Concerns With VPNs for Remote Access 

While counting on the benefits, neglecting the security concerns can internally damage your company by compromising its security. So, without any ado, hop into the security concerns of remote access VPN. 

• Exposure to Network Threats: If the endpoint devices of the remote access VPN servers are compromised, the whole connection can be exposed to network security threats. Moreover, it can accidentally allow malware or other cyber threats to pass through, as they don’t check if a device is secure. 

• Inconsistent User Experience: Depending on the platform and provider, using a remote access VPN might occasionally be difficult and inconsistent. Remote workers may become frustrated and less productive due to connectivity problems and the requirement for manual logins.

•  Scalability and Complex Management: Managing a remote access VPN can get more difficult and time-consuming as businesses expand. Scaling to handle more remote workers frequently necessitates buying more technology and can result in a large administrative burden.

• Minimum Security Measures: Beyond the bare minimum of encryption and authentication, traditional remote access VPNs do not offer adequate security protections. They might not be able to implement fine-grained access controls, which could expose confidential company assets to unwanted access.

Remote Access VPN vs Site-to-Site VPN

One of the most common confusions among companies when opting for a remote working VPN connection is choosing between a remote access VPN and a site-to-site VPN. 

So, let’s dig deep and understand how these two are different, clarifying the doubts. 

Basis	Remote Access VPN	Site-to-Site VPN
Purpose	Connects individual users to a network.	Connects entire networks (e.g., two office locations).
Users	Used by remote workers or mobile users	Used by offices/branches
Setup	Requires VPN client software on the user’s device	Requires VPN gateways at both sites
Access	Provides user-to-network access	Provides network-to-network access
Security Access	Can include user authentication and device security checks	Typically, less user-level control

Alternatives to Remote Access VPN 

Let’s now take a look at some of the alternatives to the remote access VPN that can help you decide on what suits your business best. 

1.Digital Workspace

Digital workspaces come with a great ability to centralize the management of remote access to applications, leading to rapid adaptation by businesses. These digital workspace applications allow employees to utilize a limited number of tools and, in some cases, force the users to use only the vendor’s own application. 

Although the digital workspace significantly improves the user experience, it lacks the encryption of the data that is shared digitally. Over and above that, these are also not very strong with remote access mechanisms, making them lose the race with remote access VPNs. 

2. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

The latest innovation in the sector, the Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), strongly targets the network security of the connection via encryption, potent authentication, network segmentation, and monitoring.

Additionally, the security layers may include online threat detection and mitigation, two-factor authentication (2FA), robust access control, and even site-to-site VPN functionality.

3. Remote Desktop Software

Another great alternative to remote access VPN is the remote access software application, which allows the user to connect to an endpoint of the connection via the internet. However, the reason it failed to replace the remote access VPN is its lack of data encryption sent over the internet. 

Moreover, these applications are not very user-friendly compared to remote access VPNs, except for some web-based software. Remember that these software programs hold the maximum risk of unauthorized third-party intervention, as the data is transferred in the raw format. 

Bottom Line 

Remote access VPN is an invaluable tool that is being strategically used in companies to manage their workload from remote locations. These are the modern solutions to the risk-free workspace that streamlines the tasks and centralizes the management of the operations. 

Even after delivering so much, remote access VPN still remains cost-effective for even small-scale companies. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

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