notebook written work from home text with stationary

Secure Gateway Login Access to your office network

Security is absolutely critical for remote access. We at San Diego Computer have seen many nefarious and wicked attempts to penetrate computer, network, and servers over the last few years.

Today’s surreptitious schemes are designed to steal money from you. Encrypter viruses, bogus emails, and scams are out there more than ever. Talented people use subterfuge and trickery to steal from you instead of using their skills for bettering the world.

We at San Diego Computer Consulting use Microsoft solutions for remote access mostly because they are fully functional, multi-monitor, and are very responsive.

Many other remote access solutions including Go to My PC and others are very pricey. The Microsoft solution is built in and free. However, it must be locked down with 2-Factor. San Diego Computer Consulting chooses DUO at the 2-Factor solution that we like best.

Secure Entry to Remote Access

Windows Remote Desktop via Remote Desktop Gateway with 2-Factor by DUO

(An excellent solution for entire companies. Quick to setup)

This service is the same as Remote Desktop for Windows. However, instead of us opening in individual port number for each computer through the firewall, we install Remote Desktop Gateway. This makes the management of remote users very easy and allows us to help get computers online via remote access very quickly.

Windows Remote Desktop Gateway allows us to manage and control PC’s and the remote access to them very quickly. By default, all Windows computers use port 3389. The Remote Desktop Gateway service is design to use this port for all machines. This saves tremendous time, management and individual configuration for each port/pc management.

remote gateway
RDWeb

Windows Remote Gateway Service

Managing the remote gateway is preferable because we must only send one remote access icon to everyone in the company. All machines in the office that have Remote Desktop turned on will be accessible via this simple login.

We will integrate DUO, 2-Factor security, with each remote user account. The final security added through Remote Desktop Gateway is the Secure Certificate that is required for the Remote Desktop to connect providing a secure, encrypted connection.

This controlled environment has advantages allowing you to put a server alongside your network and control applications and the remote users that use them. This is a simple to administrate solution as we can add and remove users very quickly and control access at will. It is setup with an SSL certificate for the remote access name making sure the connection is encrypted via port 443.

DUO 2-Factor Authentication

The DUO-2 Factor challenge and response service coincides Remote Desktop logins of all types. With DUO 2-Factor login, all remote access to your Windows computer network is double verified before any remote access is allows.

We at SDCC install the DUO on the individual computer or preferable the Window Remote Desktop Gateway server. When DUO is installed, it works in connection with the DUO website that securely manages the user accounts for each company.
DUO allows us to control who logs in, when and where. It is an excellent software solution. It adds another layer of security to remote access. The DUO remote administrator website shows you all the information about each user at your company that has remote access and the secure approved connection that you allow.

When DUO is enabled for a remote access user, upon the correct login credentials to the Windows computer, DUO then sends a second authentication via software on your smartphone. Once approved on your cell phone the system allows you to pass through and open your remote desktop screen.
DUO also allows other 2-factor authentication via txt to your cell phone or phone call via a robotic auto caller.

VPN

Remote Access: Secure File Services

VPN – Secure remote access to office files on office network.

VPN does not require 2-Factor.  VPN for users has its own security algorithm and protocol that makes the connection to your business network secure.

Virtual Private Networking allows for you users to connect remotely directly to your office network. This direct network connection is done through the office network router.

San Diego Computer Consulting clients are either on WatchGuard or Sophos. Both routers have VPN capabilities allowing users to install remote access VPN software on their remote computers. The VPN is established via the remotely installed software and an approved user list on the VPN router.

VPN Secure Connectivity Protocols

VPN uses specific secure protocols for secure remote connection, that has been around for a long time. VPN is a very secured solution that does not require DUO, 2-Factor services.

VPN provides a secured connection to your office network only allowing you access to files. Access to those files can be controlled by Windows rights. What it does not do, is give you access to your typical in-house office applications.

VPN is very useful to connect offices together. By using VPN, you can connect all offices together on one network. That network can also be quickly and securely connected to users in remote locations.

Using VPN ensures that your networks and remote users are safely and securely interconnections on the same private network over the public internet.