What is a Remote Access VPN?

Remote Access VPNs are vital for organizations with BYOD policies, providing a secure connection for personal devices to access corporate networks.

This post describes remote access VPNs, explaining how they enable secure remote work and the key benefits they provide to businesses.

How Remote Access VPNs Work

A remote access VPN establishes a secure, encrypted connection between a remote user’s device and their organization’s private network. 

The VPN tunnel enables users to access resources on the private network as if they had a physical connection to the on-site network. When a remote user initiates a VPN connection, their VPN client software authenticates with the organization’s VPN server, also known as a network access server (NAS). 

After authentication, the user’s device creates an encrypted tunnel to the NAS. 

All data transmitted through are encrypted, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the information.

  • The VPN client software manages the initial authentication process, confirming that only authorized users can connect to the private network. 
  • The VPN gateway acts as the server, facilitating a secure path for data transmission. 
  • The encrypted tunnel protects data over public internet networks, extending the private network’s perimeter to the user. 

Types of Client-Based Remote Access VPNs

There are two primary types of client-based remote access VPNs:

  1. Secure Connections via SSL

Leveraging the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, SSL VPNs establish secure connections through a web browser. SSL VPNs offer granular access control, allowing administrators to restrict access to specific applications or resources based on user roles and permissions.

These VPNs are known for their ease of use and compatibility with various operating systems. 

It provides secure remote access without requiring the installation of specialized client software, making it a convenient option for remote workers.

  1. Private Network Access through IPsec

Using the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) suite, these VPNs create encrypted tunnels to provide secure access to the entire network. 

Organizations often deploy IPsec VPNs when users require broad access to network resources.

IPsec VPNs offer strong encryption and authentication mechanisms, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between the remote user and the organization’s network. 

These are compatible with various devices and operating systems, making them popular for enterprise-level VPN deployments.

Benefits of Using Remote Access VPNs

Businesses benefit from remote access VPNs in a number of ways, including: 

Secure Remote Access

VPNs provide employees with secure connections to corporate resources from anywhere, using any device with an internet connection.

It empowers remote workers with flexibility and maintains the security of sensitive data.

Cost-Effective

Implementing a remote access VPN is more cost-effective than traditional dedicated leased lines or long-distance dial-up connections. Organizations can leverage their existing internet infrastructure, reducing the need for additional hardware investments.

Scalability

Remote access VPNs may swiftly accommodate a rising remote workforce. 

As more employees require remote access, organizations can add more licenses or increase the capacity of their VPN servers.

Improved Productivity

Remote access VPNs enable employees to work efficiently from any location by providing secure remote access to corporate resources. The flexibility provided by remote access VPNs can increase productivity and job satisfaction among remote workers.

Implementation of Remote Access VPNs

To implement a remote access VPN, organizations need the following components:

  1. VPN Server

NAS, the VPN server, authenticates remote users and establishes the encrypted tunnel. It’s the gateway between the user’s device and the organization’s private network.

It plays a critical role in managing VPN connections, enforcing access control policies, and ensuring the security of the remote access environment. 

From 2024 to 2031, the global Remote Access VPN market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.50%. 

  1. VPN Client Software 

Remote users must install VPN client software on their devices. 

The software establishes the connection to the VPN server and manages the encryption process.

The VPN client software provides an intuitive interface for users to initiate the connection and authenticate with the VPN server. It encrypts outgoing data and decrypts incoming data, ensuring the confidentiality of the transmitted information.

  1. Remote User Authentication

Remote access VPNs require a strong authentication mechanism to verify users’ identities. Authentication mechanisms include:

Strong authentication mechanisms help prevent unauthorized access to the organization’s network and resources. These mechanisms ensure that only authorized users establish a VPN connection and access sensitive data.

  1. Network Configuration 

Setting up the organization’s network is essential for remote access through the VPN. 

The configuration process includes:

  • Choosing encryption protocols
  • Enabling features like kill switches or split tunneling
  • Selecting preferred server locations

Proper network configuration is crucial for maintaining the security of the remote access environment. 

It involves:

  • Choosing encryption protocols
  • Enabling features like kill switches or split tunneling
  • Selecting preferred server locations to protect against potential threats

Supercharge Your Business Security

4 Protocols Used in Remote Access VPNs

To establish secure connections, remote access VPNs use a variety of protocols. Some commonly used protocols include:

  1. SSL/TLS

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS), are widely used in SSL VPNs. They provide secure communication through web browsers.

  1. IPsec

Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) is a suite of protocols used to authenticate and encrypt data packets. IPsec VPNs offer strong security for remote access.

  1. PPTP

Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is an older VPN protocol that provides basic encryption. Microsoft created this older VPN protocol in the 1990s for dial-up internet connections. 

  1. L2TP/IPsec

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is often used with IPsec to create secure VPN connections. L2TP handles the tunneling, and IPsec provides the encryption.

Supercharge Your Business Security

Remote Access VPNs vs. Site-to-Site VPNs

Site-to-site VPNs secure two or more networks, and remote access VPNs connect users to a central network. Organizations commonly use these to connect branch offices or remote sites to their leading network, and 93% of organizations currently use a VPN.

Here are some key differences between remote-access VPNs and site-to-site VPNs:

Connection Type

Remote access VPNs connect individual devices to a network, and site-to-site VPNs connect entire networks.

It serves individual users who need to access corporate resources from remote locations. Site-to-site VPNs, meanwhile, connect geographically distributed networks, allowing them to communicate securely.

User Management

Remote access VPNs require users to install VPN client software on their devices and authenticate individually. Site-to-site VPNs eliminate the need for individual user management because they establish network connections.

With remote access VPNs, users must have the appropriate client software installed and configured. Site-to-site VPNs are managed at the network level, simplifying user management and reducing the burden on individual users.

Use Cases

Remote access VPNs primarily provide secure remote access for individual employees or workers. Site-to-site VPNs connect geographically dispersed offices, data centers, or partner networks.

These are ideal for remote workers, traveling employees, or contractors needing corporate resources outside the office. 

Site-to-site VPNs establish secure connections between locations, enabling seamless communication and resource sharing.

Maximize Security with Check Point’s SASE

Check Point offers a complete Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution that combines remote access VPN capabilities with advanced security features. 

Count on Check Point’s integrated approach to safeguarding your networks and data in the era of remote work and cloud-based services. The solution safeguards your enterprise from advanced threats, malware, and ransomware, ensuring remote user connectivity and performance.

Partner with Check Point to secure remote access in the modern workplace. Request a demo today to see how Check Point’s SASE solution can protect your networks, critical assets, and digital business.

FAQ

How do remote access VPN solutions secure my company network from Cyber threats when mobile users connect remotely?
Remote access VPN solutions create a secure tunnel, encrypting all data transmitted between mobile devices and the company network. This prevents unauthorized access and protects sensitive corporate data from cyber threats during remote connections, ensuring secure remote access for mobile users.
What are the benefits of using a remote access VPN solution for mobile devices accessing the internal network?
Using a remote access VPN solution provides secure access to the internal network for mobile devices, improving user experience and productivity. It also enhances security by protecting corporate data transmitted from remote devices, enabling secure remote work.
How does a remote access VPN work to provide secure access to my corporate data center for remote devices?
A remote access VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel between a remote device and your corporate data center. This secure tunnel protects sensitive data as it travels over public networks, ensuring only authorized users with the right VPN client software can access resources within the internal network.
What types of remote access VPNs offer different levels of access to my company network for mobile users?
SSL VPNs offer granular access control, limiting access to specific applications. IPsec VPNs provide broader access to the entire network. The choice depends on your organization’s needs and the level of access required by mobile users accessing the internal network.
How can I improve user experience while using a remote access VPN solution to access my company network from remote locations?
Implementing a robust remote access VPN solution with intuitive client software improves user experience by providing seamless access to company resources. Choosing the right encryption protocols and server locations contributes to a faster, more reliable, and secure connection for remote connections.

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