As lawyers increasingly work offsite, robust remote access solutions are essential to maintain productivity and confidentiality. This blog explores two primary remote access methods—Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Private Network (VPN)—and their security implications, providing practical advice for law firms to ensure secure remote operations.

The importance of secure remote access for law firms

With the rise in remote work, lawyers need reliable and secure methods to access their work systems from various locations. Remote access allows legal professionals to connect to their office computers, access client files, and use applications necessary for their work. However, without adequate security measures, remote access can expose sensitive information to cyber threats.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol is a popular method for accessing a computer remotely. It allows users to control a remote computer as if they were physically present at the machine. Here are the key aspects of RDP:

Windows remote desktop

Microsoft's RDP, available on Windows Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions, is widely used for remote access. It is particularly useful for IT management and troubleshooting but can also be leveraged by law firms for accessing office computers from remote locations.

Mac screen sharing

Mac users can utilize the built-in screen sharing feature for remote access. Apple's advanced solution, Apple Remote Desktop, offers additional functionalities suitable for institutional use.

Chrome remote desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is a versatile extension that supports remote access across different operating systems, making it a convenient choice for firms using multiple platforms.

Security concerns with RDP

RDP connections over the public internet are vulnerable to cyberattacks, as data transferred between the remote and local computers is not inherently secure. To mitigate these risks, lawyers should employ additional security measures like VPNs or third-party RDP software that offer encryption.

Third-party RDP software

Third-party solutions such as LogMeIn, GoToMyPC, and RemotePC provide enhanced security features, including data encryption during remote sessions. These tools are user-friendly and often come with mobile access options, making them ideal for lawyers who need to work remotely while maintaining data confidentiality.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN provides a secure tunnel for internet traffic, ensuring that data transferred between a lawyer's computer and the remote network is encrypted and protected from interception. Here’s how VPNs enhance remote access security:

How VPNs work

A VPN connects a user’s computer to a remote network via an encrypted tunnel, safeguarding the data from eavesdroppers. This is particularly useful for lawyers working from public Wi-Fi networks, which are prone to cyberattacks.

Popular VPN providers

VPN services like NordVPN, TunnelBear, OpenVPN, and ExpressVPN offer robust security features, including IP masking and encryption. By using these services, law firms can ensure that their remote access connections remain secure and private.

VPN vs. RDP

While RDP provides access to a specific remote computer, VPN offers access to a remote network and its shared resources. VPNs add an extra layer of security by encrypting all data traffic, thus enhancing privacy and reducing the risk of data breaches.

Enhancing remote access security with NVIS AI's ZTNA solution

While both RDP and VPN offer remote access capabilities, they come with inherent security risks that may not fully protect sensitive legal data. This is where advanced solutions like NVIS AI's Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) come into play, offering a more robust and secure alternative.

No public attack surface

NVIS AI significantly enhances security by eliminating the public attack surface. Unlike traditional RDP and VPN solutions that expose public IP addresses, NVIS AI ensures that no public IP address is exposed, making it impossible for cybercriminals to block, sniff, or trace the connection. This solution uses end-to-end encryption at Layer 2, which hides the source, destination, and traffic, further securing remote access.

Fast performance and speed

NVIS AI connects network resources directly via peer-to-peer connections, reducing latency and providing performance speeds similar to or better than on-premise connections. This ensures that remote work remains efficient and productive.

Easy management

With AI Provisioning, NVIS AI simplifies the management of complex network configurations, enabling setup and deployment within minutes. This ease of use means that even firms without extensive technical expertise can maintain secure remote access.

Universal connectivity

NVIS AI supports connectivity with any network resource, including OT and IoT devices, and is unaffected by VPN blockers. This universal compatibility ensures that law firms can securely connect to all necessary resources, regardless of their network environment.

Implementing secure remote access solutions

Choosing the right solution

Law firms must evaluate their specific needs and choose the most appropriate remote access solution. Factors to consider include the size of the firm, the types of data handled, and the technical expertise available.

Setting up secure remote access

For firms without in-house IT expertise, hiring an IT professional to set up and manage remote access solutions is advisable. This ensures that the setup is secure and tailored to the firm's specific requirements.

Regular security audits

To maintain security, law firms should conduct regular security audits of their remote access solutions. This includes checking for software updates, reviewing access logs, and ensuring that all security protocols are up to date.

Employee training

Training staff on the importance of cybersecurity and best practices for remote access is crucial. Employees should be aware of the risks associated with remote work and how to mitigate them, such as recognizing phishing attempts and using strong, unique passwords.

Conclusion

Secure remote access is essential for law firms to protect client data and maintain operational efficiency. While RDP and VPN offer valuable remote access capabilities, they come with security risks that may not fully safeguard sensitive information. By understanding the differences between RDP and VPN, implementing robust security measures, and leveraging advanced solutions like NVIS AI's ZTNA, law firms can ensure that their remote access practices are both secure and effective. Regular security audits, employee training, and professional IT support are crucial components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for remote work.

By prioritizing cybersecurity and choosing the right remote access solutions, law firms can continue to provide exceptional legal services while safeguarding their clients' confidential information.

To learn more, schedule a demo or contact our team of experts today.