What is remote access control? Remote access control refers to the capability of an organization to monitor and control access to a network (home, school, office, etc.) or an individual device at any time from anywhere. Organizations use remote access control to allow authorized users the ability to log in remotely and still have secure access to necessary information within the network using a specifically approved device. Remote access control can include wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and also virtual private networks (VPNs).
The most popular types of remote access control include:
Remote access grants direct access to the network. A remote desktop grants access to a desktop device that may have specific programs, files, or applications loaded onto the device. Additionally, the desktop may also access the entire network.
Remote access tools (sometimes referred to as RATs) grant access to an organization's network, servers, drives, devices, and systems from a remote location. Although most are legitimate tools, there is the possibility some may be used for malicious purposes and can mislead an unaware user into installing malware, viruses, or dangerous bots and giving open access to their devices or networks.