What is Remote Access Software?
Remote access software provides the user with the ability to operate one computer that is connected to a network from another as if they were sat at it, albeit without the ability to physically plug and unplug devices to it and switch it on and off.
Microsoft Windows Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol is included by default with the following versions of Windows:
- Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- Windows 8 Professional
- Windows 8 Enterprise
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 7 Enterprise
- Windows 7 Ultimate
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows 11 Pro
- Windows 11 Enterprise (allows multiple connections)
Remote Desktop Protocol communicates using port 3389 and uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) 128-bit encryption by default.
Virtual Private Network
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure connection with another computer or network by creating a secure end-to-end tunnel across a public network by encryption and encapsulation.
Whilst companies use the Internet to connect an office to another office, a VPN provides a way for those geographically distant sites to communicate securely, site-to-site, via VPN concentrators.
Site-to-Site VPN
When data is sent to a specific IP from one office, it is encrypted and sent using a concentrator to the other side of the tunnel over the Internet. When received, the VPN concentrator decapsulates and decrypts the packet of data and forwards that data to the destination within the receiving office.
Client-to-Site VPN
Client-to-Site VPN provides client computers and devices with the ability to connect to a company network, access business related files or databases securely over the Internet.
When the connection is made with the VPN concentrator from the Internet by the device via a pseudo network adaptor that is created by the VPN client any data is encrypted and then sent via that client, onto the network interface card and then to the VPN concentrator, via the Internet, on the corporate network which then decrypts the data and forwards it to the internal intended recipient.
Clientless VPN
A clientless VPN provides remote access to a network, without the need for a client, instead, they may use software, such as an Internet browser application, to access company applications or portals.
Virtual Network Computing
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is an open source based tool that uses TCP port 5590 to connect to other devices or networks, however, whilst it can be through the use of plug-ins, it is not encrypted by default.
As it is open source based, there are many types of VNC software available, however, generally, the target device allows remote control of it through connection using an ID and password.
Telnet
Telnet is a remote access facility for Linux and Unix based devices that provides an unencrypted connection via TCP port 23, however, as it is not encrypted, it is not considered secure and has predominantly replaced by SSH (Secure Shell).
Secure Shell
Secure Shell (SSH) is a remote access facility for Linux and Unix and provides public-private key cryptography for encrypted communication, either via key pair or username and password, between client and server, known as the SSH daemon via TCP port 22.
SSH can also provide remote access for applications, through SSH port forwarding, the application traffic can be encrypted from the client, through the encrypted tunnel, to the server.
Remote Monitoring and Management
Remote Monitoring and Management software provides the ability to monitor, such as measure usage and availability as well as to manage, such as software updates, the computer systems and workstations across the network.
Monitoring may involve an assessment of the software, such as security and virus scanning across the network or it can include hardware, such as updates required, system usage and vulnerabilities.
Reports can also be provided on a routine basis to provide a variety of information including specific information about the certain parameters or specific data on the state of the systems.
Management of the systems may involve the provision of remote desktop facility, allowing the administrator to assist when the system or local user experiences an issue. It also allows the systems and software present on them to be updated.
Microsoft Remote Assistance
The Microsoft Remote Assistance (MSRA) function within Windows Operating Systems enables a computer user to gain assistance from a known third party, inviting/requesting that third party that provides access to the computer via a session password.
The intended purpose of this function is to allow the third party to communicate with the local user and provide guidance in order to fix or resolve an issue on the computer.
It also provides the ability to assign control to the third party, enabling them access to the computer to fix or resolve those issues themselves.
In order to permit remote assistance, firewalls may cause connection issues, where the Easy Connect function removes this issue.
Quick Assist
Quick Assist was introduced with Windows 8 as a replacement for MSRA and, similarly to MSRA, functions as a remote assistance/access facility within Microsoft Windows, however, whilst Quick Assist is usable over firewalls, it does not allow file sharing.
In order to connect, both users need to enter a time limited passcode, providing either viewing or full access capability, with the choice of access level being dictated by the local computer user.
About Athena Forensics
For information on our computer forensic expert services or if you require any advice or assistance please contact a member of our team on 0330 123 4448 or via email on enquiries@athenaforensics.co.uk, further details are available on our contact us page.
Our client’s confidentiality is of the utmost importance. All correspondence is treated with discretion, from initial contact to conclusion of the matter.
We are fully aware of the significance and importance of the information that they encounter and we have been accredited to ISO 9001 for 14 years.
Our premises along with our security procedures have been inspected and approved by law enforcement agencies and we do not disclose personal information to other companies or suppliers.
Our team are all security cleared and we offer non-disclosure agreements if required.
Our premises along with our security procedures have been inspected and approved by law enforcement agencies.
Athena Forensics do not disclose personal information to other companies or suppliers.
