Remote Access
Remote Access technologies enable users to remotely connect to and control computers or networks. These tools are essential for remote work, IT support, and accessing resources outside a physical office. Common types of remote access technologies include:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Securely extend a private network over a public network, allowing users to access resources as if they were directly connected to the private network.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): This protocol enables users to control a remote computer's desktop environment over a network connection.
Remote Access Software: Applications like LogMeIn and TeamViewer provide remote access and control capabilities, often with additional features such as file transfer and screen sharing.
Importance of Knowing If Your Organization Uses these Technologies:
Organizations must know whether remote access technologies are being used within their infrastructure, both sanctioned and unsanctioned, especially from a cybersecurity perspective. Here's why:
Unauthorized Access: Remote access tools can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. Weak passwords, unpatched vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations can open the door to cyber threats.
Data Breaches: If an attacker gains access through a remote access tool, they can exfiltrate sensitive data, install malware, or disrupt operations.
Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have regulations governing the use of remote access technologies to protect sensitive data (e.g., HIPAA in healthcare). Unsanctioned use can lead to non-compliance and legal consequences.
Shadow IT: Unsanctioned use of remote access tools (shadow IT) can introduce unknown risks and vulnerabilities into the organization's network.
LogMeIn and TeamViewer: Specific Cybersecurity Concerns:
LogMeIn: While LogMeIn offers robust security features, cybercriminals have targeted it. Weak passwords and phishing attacks have been used to gain unauthorized account access.
TeamViewer: TeamViewer has also faced security incidents, including a data breach 2016. Ensuring that TeamViewer is properly configured and updated with the latest security patches is crucial.
ThreatNG: Identifying and Managing Risks from Remote Access Technologies
ThreatNG can significantly help identify and mitigate the risks associated with remote access technologies like LogMeIn and TeamViewer.
External Attack Surface Management (EASM): ThreatNG continuously scans the internet to discover all externally visible digital assets associated with your organization. This includes identifying any exposed remote access services, such as RDP or VNC. By discovering these services, ThreatNG can help you assess potential misconfigurations and vulnerabilities attackers could exploit.
Digital Risk Protection (DRP): ThreatNG monitors the dark web, social media, and other online channels for mentions of your organization, brands, or sensitive data. This includes detecting any leaked credentials related to remote access tools or discussing potential exploits.
Security Ratings: ThreatNG provides a comprehensive risk score by analyzing your organization's external attack surface and digital risk profile. This score includes an assessment of the risks associated with using remote access technologies by your organization, helping you benchmark against industry standards and prioritize security improvements.
Example Workflow with Complementary Solutions:
ThreatNG Discovery: ThreatNG identifies an open RDP port on a server associated with your organization.
Vulnerability Scanner Integration: ThreatNG alerts your vulnerability scanner, which assesses the RDP configuration for weaknesses.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Integration: ThreatNG sends an alert to your SIEM platform, correlating the findings with other security events and triggering an incident response workflow.
Remediation: The security team investigates the open RDP port, determines whether it's authorized, and takes appropriate action to secure or disable it.
Overall Benefits:
By implementing ThreatNG, organizations can:
Gain Visibility: Discover all instances of remote access technologies your organization uses, both sanctioned and unsanctioned.
Mitigate Risks: Identify and address security vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and leaked credentials.
Protect Sensitive Data: Reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Ensure Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements regarding the use of remote access technologies.
Improve Security Posture: Continuously monitor and improve the security of your remote access infrastructure.
