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Remote access is a normal part of how many businesses operate today, whether teams are working from home, traveling, or connecting across different locations. As systems and data are accessed outside the office network, it becomes important to understand how those connections are secured and what can go wrong if they aren’t managed carefully.
According to IBM, breaches involving remote work factors cost about $1 million more on average than those without. In this guide, we’ll break down what secure remote access means, the common risks businesses should be aware of, and the best practices to reduce exposure.
What is secure remote access and why does it matter?
Secure remote access refers to connecting to company systems, applications, or data from outside the office network in a way that keeps those connections protected. It typically involves verifying who is logging in, securing the connection, and controlling what can be accessed once connected.
It matters because business systems are often accessed beyond the office network, which can introduce risks if connections aren’t properly secured. Putting appropriate safeguards in place helps maintain control over access, protect sensitive information, and support daily work without unnecessary exposure.
Common remote access security risks for businesses
Here are some risks businesses need to be aware of when using remote access:
Weak or stolen credentials
Usernames and passwords remain one of the most common ways to access business systems remotely, which makes them a frequent target for attackers. Credentials can be exposed through phishing emails, reused across multiple services, or guessed if they are weak or predictable.
When compromised credentials are used to sign in, the activity can appear legitimate because the login comes from a real account. As a result, unauthorized access can be harder to detect, allowing attackers to move through systems or access sensitive information without immediately raising suspicion.
Lack of multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of verification beyond a password, such as a one-time code. When remote access depends only on passwords, accounts become more vulnerable because a single set of compromised login details can be used to sign in without any further confirmation.
Attempts to sign in are harder to distinguish from normal activity when organizations only require one form of verification. Access may be granted without confirming that the person logging in is actually the intended user, allowing unauthorized access to go unnoticed.
Limited visibility into remote activity
Remote access typically involves users connecting from different locations, devices, and networks, making it harder to maintain a clear view of how systems are being accessed. Inconsistent tracking or review of activity can make unusual behavior difficult to spot or investigate.
Gaps in visibility can make it challenging to understand who accessed what, when access occurred, or whether actions taken were expected. Identifying potential issues or responding to incidents may take longer, leaving organizations with limited insight into what happened.
Excessive or uncontrolled access permissions
Access permissions (also called access rights) define what users are allowed to view, modify, or manage within business systems. Permissions that are broader than necessary or not regularly reviewed can result in individuals retaining access to resources that are not required for their role.
Over time, unused or excessive permissions can make it harder to maintain clear boundaries around sensitive systems and data. Accounts with more access than needed may be used in ways that weren’t intended, which can lead to unauthorized changes or exposure without immediate visibility.
Unencrypted connections or unsafe networks
Remote access takes place over home networks, shared environments, or public internet connections that may not be fully controlled by the organization. Connections that are not encrypted can expose data transmitted between users and business systems to interception or monitoring.
Unsecured networks can also make it easier for unauthorized parties to monitor or interfere with traffic, especially if protective measures aren’t in place. Sensitive information exchanged during remote sessions may face a higher risk of being accessed or viewed by unintended recipients.
Exposed remote services & misconfigurations
Remote services such as remote desktops, administrative interfaces, or internal applications may sometimes be accessible from the internet to support remote work. Services left exposed or configured without appropriate restrictions can be discovered and accessed by unauthorized parties.
Configuration issues, like unnecessary open ports or weak access controls, can make systems easier to reach than intended. Exposed services may provide unintended pathways into business environments or increase the likelihood of unauthorized access attempts if not carefully managed.
Remote access security best practices to follow
So, how can businesses manage remote access more safely? Taking the following measures can help:
Adopt a zero trust approach
A zero trust approach assumes that access requests should not be automatically trusted, even if they originate from inside the network. Each attempt to connect is evaluated based on identity, device posture, and context before access is granted, so trust is established through verification rather than assumed.
Applying a zero trust model to remote access restricts users to the resources they are authorized to reach, while access decisions can be reassessed as circumstances change. Ongoing checks help reduce exposure if credentials are compromised or if a device operates outside expected parameters.
Enforce strong authentication
Strong authentication helps confirm that the person attempting to access systems is who they claim to be. Measures can include multi-factor authentication, strong password practices, hardware security keys, certificate-based methods, or other approaches that reduce reliance on passwords alone.
Using stronger authentication measures reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access if credentials are exposed or guessed. Additional verification helps ensure that access is granted only after identity has been properly validated, particularly in environments where remote connections are common.
Implement least privilege
Least privilege involves granting users access only to the systems, applications, and data needed to perform their responsibilities. Permissions are assigned based on roles or specific tasks so that access remains limited to what is necessary rather than broadly available across the environment.
Restricting access helps reduce the potential impact of compromised accounts or unintended actions by narrowing the scope of what can be reached. Reviewing and adjusting permissions over time also helps keep access aligned with changing roles, project requirements, or system updates.
Secure & manage endpoints
Endpoints such as laptops, mobile devices, and other systems used for remote access can serve as entry points if not properly secured. Keeping devices updated, protected, and configured according to organizational policies helps reduce exposure and supports safer remote connections.
Managing endpoints consistently helps maintain visibility into device health and keeps security controls in place as devices connect from different locations. Clear oversight of endpoint posture can help identify potential issues before they affect systems or data.
Use encrypted connections
Encryption protects data as it travels between users and business systems during remote access, helping reduce the risk of interception or unauthorized access. Encrypted connections can be established through methods such as HTTPS/TLS, VPNs, remote access gateways, or other secure tunneling approaches.
Encrypted channels also safer communication across different networks by protecting session data as it moves between endpoints and systems. Applying encryption consistently across remote access pathways, businesses can reduce the risk of sensitive information being exposed during routine use.
Monitor remote access activity
Monitoring remote access activity helps organizations maintain awareness of how systems are being used outside the office network. Reviewing login patterns, access attempts, and session behavior can help surface unusual activity that may require further attention.
Maintaining logs of remote access events supports investigation if issues arise and provides context around who accessed systems and when. Regular monitoring can also allow organizations to identify patterns that indicate misuse or unexpected behavior across environments.
Apply session security controls
Session security controls help manage how remote sessions behave after access has been granted. Measures such as session timeouts, reauthentication prompts, or restrictions on idle sessions can help reduce the risk of sessions remaining active longer than intended.
Managing session behavior supports better control over ongoing access, particularly when devices are shared or left unattended. Session controls can also help limit exposure if a session is interrupted or accessed unexpectedly.
Train employees on remote security
Employees play a key role in maintaining secure remote access through everyday actions such as recognizing suspicious emails, protecting login credentials, and using approved connection methods. Providing clear guidance helps reinforce expectations around secure behavior when working remotely.
Regular training helps keep security practices visible and supports awareness of common risks that may arise during remote work. Reinforcing these practices can help reduce mistakes that might otherwise expose systems or data.
Review and update access policies
Access policies define how remote access is granted, used, and managed across the organization. Periodic review helps confirm that policies reflect current systems, user roles, and operational needs as environments evolve.
Updating policies over time supports consistent application of security controls and helps address gaps that may emerge as technologies or workflows change. Clear policies also provide a reference point for managing access decisions and responding to new risks.
Final word
Remote access plays an important role in how modern businesses operate, but it also requires thoughtful safeguards to reduce risk. By understanding common challenges and applying consistent security practices, organizations can support flexible work while maintaining better control over systems and data.
