Security When Installing and Using Remote Access Software
Remote access has extremely great benefits that users of all kinds—from the independent, freelance IT technician to entire IT departments in multinational companies—have installed remote support programs in their systems. This capability introduces a huge amount of flexibility, enhances productivity, and lessens cost. However, having the ability to access and control any computer in the network does have its dangers.
Installing such software to log on to other computers is not for all aspects in the business. This is particularly true if the computer is holding very sensitive data. For instance, let us imagine that you are in charge of the human resources department of a company. What would the repercussions be if someone maliciously alters their personal file which is saved in your computer? What would happen if that someone changes his salary records? What if that person sabotages the record of an employee that he cannot go along with?
Here’s another example: let us say you are an editor of a news publication company, and you are working hard on a deadline. Suddenly, the document you’re working on closes because someone in IT is doing a routine check. Or your mouse cursor suddenly moves to where you don’t want it to be because the IT personnel is repairing something in your computer. It would drive you crazy, wouldn’t it?
The worse thing that can happen is malware infestation. Because remote access software generally involves a network, the introduction of a Trojan horse, spyware, or viruses can spread and wreak untold havoc in a network. The company would lose a huge amount of money, time, and effort just to get rid of the malware and clean the system.
In order to mitigate the dangers of remote support, organizations have to implement a few polices, whether they are contemplating to put one up or already has an existing system. Such policies may include:
* limitation of personnel able to access the system
* implementation of passwords and other safety checks to ensure only authorized personnel can access the network
* approval of access should be granted only by department heads
* imposition of grave penalties to those that violate the company’s remote access policy
Use remote access software wisely.
