In this post we’ll discuss why utilizing a gateway for remote desktops isn’t just for Microsoft RDP users. Plus, we outline three ways to make remote access connections more secure.
In a remote access solution, a gateway allows authorized users to connect to session-based desktops, hosted workstations, and virtual machines over a private network or the internet. Connections are secured behind HTTPS and a display protocol which creates a simple way for users to access on-premises or cloud-based resources.
If you’re a Microsoft user, you’re likely familiar with Remote Desktop Gateway which refers to a Windows server role that provides web-based point-to-point access connections using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). However, what about remote users who are not utilizing RDP? What if you need to take security and performance one step further than RDP?Is there another way to leverage a gateway?
There sure is! The Leostream Gateway establishes remote connections using RDP and a host of other display protocols. As an enterprise-grade remote access solution, the Leostream Platform™ focuses on flexibility and enhanced security — ensuring that all users can connect to corporate resources no matter what protocol, device, or operating system is being used.
Utilizing a Gateway for Remote Desktops isn’t just for Microsoft RDP users
Microsoft RDP isn’t the only remote display protocol on the market. VNC and SSH are other popular choices. In addition, there’s a host of display protocols that cater to those with high end visualization requirements (such as designers, creatives, and engineers). These display protocols include RemoteFX, Teradici PCoIP, HP ZCentral Remote Boost, Mechdyne TGX, NICE DCV, Scyld Cloud Workstation, NoMachine and more.
The Leostream Gateway supports protocols through a variety of different mechanisms for in-browser connections, such as a built-in HTML5-based RDP, VNC and SSH client. In other instances, an HTML5 viewer provided by the protocol can be leveraged so that users can connect to their desktops without requiring additional installed software. The Leostream Gateway also enables client-based connections for several protocols not compatible with HTML-5.
Benefits of Connecting to Remote Desktops with a Gateway
One of the main benefits of utilizing a gateway for remote desktops is to avoid VPNs. Although VPNs can be a great tool, they are often too clunky and cumbersome for the end user.
With a gateway, users receive a streamlined login to connect to the corporate network. Since connections through a gateway are browser-based, users can leverage a range of personal devices for in-browser viewing as long as an internet connection is established. This also means that end users have the flexibility to work from anywhere if the bandwidth is strong enough.
Is using a gateway for multiple remote desktop connections secure?
It’s no secret that there was vulnerability in the encryption of earlier versions of RDP. This often makes people wonder whether a remote desktop gateway for RDP client connections can be secure enough.
At Leostream, we understand these concerns and have developed our software to give administrators a complete toolset for deploying remote access at scale while minimizing the risk of a data breach. Organizations in some of the most highly regulated and audited industries rely on the Leostream Platform for its superior security features. Users around the globe connect through the Leostream Gateway daily using RDP and other protocols. When it comes to locking down gateway connections here are some of our recommendations:
3 Ways to Secure Remote Desktop Connections
- Use multi-factor authentication
A simple way to greatly increase security is by introducing multi-factor authentication. The Leostream Platform for remote desktop connections integrates with a range of MFA providers and authentication methods (including PingID, Duo, Okta, or any other Identity Provider (IdP) that supports SAML or the RADIUS protocol). - Limit user access
It may go without saying, but another way to reduce cyber threats is reserving access to internal resources to only those who need it when and where it is necessary. Leostream offers a number of sophisticated ways to control logins such as limiting access based on time of day and location. - Perform regular monitoring and audits
Administrators can spot potential issues by carefully monitoring login and desktop connection activity amongst users. From within the Leostream Platform, administrators can review log history and track user activities by connection state (active, idle, disconnected, etc.), how long connections lasted, the IP address where the user connected, and more.
Conclusion
A remote gateway is an excellent solution for accessing virtual or hosted resources, both on-premises and in the cloud. If your organization relies on secure remote access – whether that’s using RDP or any other display protocol — Leostream can facilitate and help you monitor the connections.
Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your security needs and for a free trial of the Leostream Platform including the Leostream Gateway.