Remote access is how your IT provider fixes a problem at midnight, how administrators check the census from home and how a software vendor updates their application. It is also one of the most common doors attackers use to enter healthcare networks. Exposed remote desktop services, unpatched VPN appliances and shared vendor passwords appear again and again in security advisories.
This article explains the main options in plain terms and offers a safer way to handle both staff and vendor access.
A virtual private network creates an encrypted tunnel between a remote user and your network. Once connected, the user usually behaves as if they were on the internal network. It is familiar and works well, but it often grants broad access, and the VPN appliance itself becomes a high-value target. Unpatched VPN devices have been exploited widely.
Some organizations open remote desktop ports directly to the internet for convenience. This is dangerous. Attackers scan for these continuously and try stolen passwords. Remote desktop should never be exposed directly without strong protection in front of it.
Commercial tools let a technician connect to a specific computer, with the user approving the session. They are useful for helpdesk work, provided the tool is well controlled, logged and protected with multi-factor authentication.
Zero trust approaches shift from trust everyone on the network to verify every request. Instead of connecting a user to the entire network, they grant access to specific applications after checking who the user is, the health of the device and other conditions. This limits how far an attacker can go if credentials are stolen.
Whichever method you use, a few principles apply.
Multi-factor authentication for every remote connection, with no exceptions for executives
Least privilege: users reach only what they need
Patched and monitored access systems, with exposed devices updated promptly
Logging: a record of who connected, when and what they did
Device checks: access from managed, updated, encrypted devices is preferred over unknown personal computers
Third-party access deserves extra care, because you do not control the vendor's security. Consider these practices.
Each vendor technician should have a named account rather than a shared login. Shared credentials make it impossible to know who did what, and they linger after staff leave the vendor.
Enable access only when needed, for a defined period, and turn it off afterward. Permanent open tunnels for vendors are a frequent source of incidents.
Limit the vendor to the specific system they support. A pharmacy interface vendor does not need to reach your accounting server.
Require the vendor to request access, have someone internal approve it and review session logs periodically. Some tools record sessions so you can review them later.
Include security expectations in contracts and business associate agreements, such as multi-factor authentication for vendor staff and prompt notice of incidents.
List every way someone can connect to our network from outside. Is that list complete?
Which of those require multi-factor authentication?
When was our VPN or remote access device last updated?
Which vendors have standing access, and do they still need it?
Do any former employees or vendors still have remote credentials?
Staff who work from home, such as billing and administrators, may use personal computers. Provide managed devices when possible or require up-to-date protection and screen locking, and prohibit saving protected information locally.
You can improve remote access without a major project. Require MFA, remove unused accounts, patch exposed devices and close any ports that do not need to be open.
UnityCare IT can audit your remote access paths, close unnecessary exposure and implement a controlled approach for staff and vendor connections.
Call or text: 405-285-3845
New customers: start@unitycareit.com
Existing customers: support@unitycareit.com
Address: UnityCare Technologies, 2524 N Broadway Ste 554, PMB 947974, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034-4172