Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Remote Desktop (RDP), the best option for your organisation.
Did you know that you can log onto another computer from the device that you’re using right now? You are constantly connected to remote servers to browse the web, talk to staff and friends?
Since the start of lockdown more businesses and users have become reliant on working from home and inviting outsiders onto their networks and systems in their businesses, in order to provide technical support, or outsource work. As the requirement grows, more tools are being developed to enable this activity.
Virtual Private Networks or Remote Desktop Sharing
Virtual Private Networks and Remote Desktop Sharing are two common applications used for remote work and support. It is important to remember that these applications are two very different technologies, serving a purpose, even though there are pros and cons to their technological advantages.
What is a Virtual Private Network?
A VPN is a piece of software that is used to keep your internet activity private and secure. If you are working remotely and you need to access an important file from a corporate server located on a private network, you cannot access this directly from a public network and that is where a VPN can help. When using a VPN service, your device connects to a VPN server. As the user, you cannot control the VPN server.
A VPN acts like a tunnel for your communication and enables you to remain secure and anonymous online. This network extender was created to be used over a public network like the internet, using encryption to keep the user’s session safe and secure.
The technology works at a network level and give users access to servers and machines that are generally only available within the corporate firewall.
For the average remote corporate user, this is all you need.
For internal support staff this type of connection works fine, as all the resources that they need access to are provided as part of their employee onboarding, such as email, and group and shared drives.
A VPN can be installed on any device as there are user-friendly apps for most major platforms, it also offers a browser extension and add on.
An important to remember that a VPN allows you access to files that have been already shared on the private network. If these files are located on your office PC’s hard drive, you will need to establish a remote desktop connection to that computer.
What is a Remote Desktop (RDP)?
A RDP is a way of accessing a remote server or computer directly as if you were sitting in front of the machine. This is very useful if you need to work on applications that require access to databases or require access to the work network that the devices are connected to.
A RDP connection is seen as being more forgiving for an end user as it provides them with a system that they are more likely to recognize and work with daily as it simulates an “in office” experience, while providing them the ability to work remotely.
The RDP connection can be established from almost any device. Microsoft has launched a RDP app which can be installed on Windows, MacOS, IOS and Android, giving you the ability to take your work with you, anywhere you go.
These applications allow users to cache credentials and provide seamless access to their working environment.
RDP does come with a security risk, as it has an “open” remote desktop connection, which can leave you open to attacks from hackers as they can gain access to your network and can navigate to other servers or devices on your network.
So, what is best for you?
At NETCONFIG we strongly recommend the use of both VPN and RDP connections to provide the best security and ease for the end user.
