It is absolutely essential in remote control software that you can ensure access to data is protected from unauthorised users. The process of remote control - being able to see the screen of a remote computer and controlling its keyboard and mouse - creates an environment that needs careful security considerations.
"When securing a remote control session, the guest computer, host computer and data transmissions involved in the remote control process must all be taken into consideration," says Ighsaan Akoojee, Product Manager at Networks Unlimited.
"The guest computer initiates the remote control session by attempting to take control of the remote PC, or host computer. Typically, an IT employee or an administrator controls the guest computer, and the host computer belongs to an end-user, often an employee requesting assistance," adds Akoojee.
According to Akoojee, securing access to the guest and host computers is absolutely necessary. "It is essential that your remote control program contain security features that counteract the methods described to hack into a computer," he says.
There are several ways that information moving between the host and guest modules can be protected:
* Encryption - Data transmitted between modules can be encrypted end-to-end using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with key lengths up to 256 bits.
* Integrity and message authentication - The integrity and authenticity of encrypted data is verified using the Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC) based on the Secure Hash Standards SHA-1 (160-bit) or SHA-256 (256-bit).
* Key exchange - Encryption keys for encrypted data transmissions are exchanged using the Diffie-Hellman method with key lengths up to 2 048 bits and up to 256-bit AES and up to 512-bit SHA HMAC verification. Complete, scalable and secure remote control for IT professionals provides a number of business benefits:
* Improves business efficiency by minimising down time for employees through the instantaneous help-desk solution.
* Helps system administrators work easily from one location and connect directly to end-users` computers, speeding up the ease and efficiency of technical solutions to software issues.
* Provides a protected connection - completely protected from unauthorised access, which is essential to the stability of an organisation`s network and a business`s integrity.
* Reduces costs of IT departments and increases productivity; secure remote control has a proven track record of providing a fast ROI.
* Can be managed from both local and central locations so there is very tight protection.
* Provides a scalable solution that is suitable for many different companies; from small organisations with modest remote control and security needs up to very large organisations with 100 000-plus users and very high demands for security.
Protecting confidential information, such as business plans, marketing strategies, sales figures, or employee records from getting into the wrong hands, from being leaked, tampered with, or destroyed, is essential to the success of any organisation.
"Remote control applications can be very beneficial when providing high quality technical support," says Akoojee. "However, if the software lacks tight security features, a remote control application can jeopardise a company`s crucial information, making it vulnerable to attack. Having enough security to ensure a protected connection and block out possible network intrusions is absolutely necessary when utilising remote control software as a remote support solution.
"When purchasing remote control software, security should be just as much of a deciding factor as platform support, speed and usability features," Akoojee says. "A good remote control application will be well rounded and stable; providing cross platform support, quick remote connections (over high bandwidth or dialup), a number of usability features that improve the remote control process, and rock-solid security to protect all enterprise data and block would-be attackers."
NetOp Remote Control offers the most comprehensive security regime on the market and is incredibly stable, fast and user-friendly. This program offers unrivalled flexibility, supporting all commonly used operating systems and communication protocols. NetOp Remote Control`s intuitive interface and variable settings mean you can literally model the system to support the way you do business.
Contact Networks Unlimited for more information about NetOp Remote Control on (021) 531 6000 or www.nu.co.za.
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Networks Unlimited provides product solutions in the areas where efficient networking communications is the key to success. Our solutions are focused on providing tangible results to our clients through network management, productivity and security solutions.
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