What is a remote access server?

Telework is being promoted through the use of remote access tools. This time, I will explain about the server of the remote access tool.

Understanding remote access servers is critical to ensuring telework security.

For those who want to learn more about remote access, we will introduce tools that can be used as a reference for selecting tools, focusing on “VPN”, which is particularly important among remote access servers.

What is a Remote Access Server (RAS)

RAS stands for “Remote Access Server”.

RAS is a virtual network server that enables you to connect to your company’s network from outside the company, such as when you are a client, on the move, or working from home.

It is necessary to build a VPN (Virtual Private Network) environment to connect to the internal network from outside the company.

What is a VPN connection

Since RAS is a network server used by an unspecified number of people, there are security issues such as information leakage.

Using a VPN connection solves security problems

“VPN connection” is a dedicated network that sets up a virtual dedicated line on the Internet and can be used only by specific people.

A dedicated device (router) is installed at the site (branch office) that you want to connect to, enabling secure communication between sites.

Benefits of VPN connection

Telework can be safely implemented

A VPN has a network structure that is conscious of security, such as the technology (tunneling) necessary for secure access and encryption of communication information .

Therefore, you can safely access internal servers and systems from remote locations such as telework.

low cost

Unlike dedicated lines , which only allow communication between the company and its bases, VPN allows secure communication between bases.

Also, unlike leased lines, which require construction and maintenance costs, VPNs use virtual network servers, which reduces operating costs.

Cloud-based VPNs, in particular, reduce the burden on companies because they only need to install routers at each location and the detailed settings and management are handled by the telecommunications carrier.

There are four types of VPN connections

There are four types of VPN connections: If you know the characteristics of each, you can clarify the tools you should introduce in your company.

• Internet VPN
• IP-VPN
• SSL-VPN
• IPSec-VPN

If the VPN connection type is not listed on the service details page of each company’s remote access tool, you will need to contact customer support to confirm.

low cost internet vpn

“Internet VPN” is a VPN environment built on the general Internet. Since the environment is built using the existing Internet environment , VPN connection can be used at low cost .

However, the general Internet has the disadvantage that delays in communication speed are likely to occur because many people use it.

IP-VPN with fast communication speed

Among VPNs, “IP-VPN” is a network that is independently constructed by telecommunications carriers.

The advantage of IP-VPN is that the communication speed is fast and the security level is high.

On the other hand, the cost will be higher, so it is necessary to compare the cost that can be reduced by improving convenience and the cost of introducing IP-VPN.

Lower cost and more secure SSL-VPN

There is “SSL-VPN” in a VPN environment that reduces costs and increases security.

SSL stands for “Secure Sockets Layer”.

With this SSL-VPN, you can communicate with high security using SSL encryption communication technology between VPN-connected sites.

SSL-VPN does not require changing network device settings or installing dedicated software, so you can easily build a high-security VPN.

IPSec-VPN with communication encryption and fast communication speed

“IPsec-VPN” is a technology and mechanism for encryption for safe communication on the Internet. It is also possible to encrypt communication that cannot be encrypted with SSL-VPN.

In addition, IPsec-VPN is faster than building a VPN environment using a network used by an unspecified number of people because both the sender and receiver install dedicated software to build the environment. It is characterized by being able to communicate with

Why you need a remote access server Learning from accident cases

It is necessary to pay attention to information leakage and virus infection during telework.

Here are some examples of telework accidents that did not use a VPN.

This is a case of an accident in which confidential information written in an attached file was discovered by a competitor while sending and receiving e-mails using a public wireless LAN.

The use of cafes and family restaurants is increasing during telework, and the installed public wireless LAN is used.

Public wireless LAN may be intercepted by others who are using it at the same time. In order to prevent corporate information leakage, it is necessary to encrypt the communication path using a VPN connection.

summary

This time, we introduced the remote access server, focusing on “VPN connection”.

In order to operate telework safely, managers and administrators need to formulate and disseminate security policies, and regularly audit whether employees are complying with the policies.

If building a remote access server is difficult, use cloud tools.

Management and operation are very “easy” and telework can be carried out with “high security” .
Below are some recommended remote access tools.