Remote access best practices

Remote access best practices

Decisions on the best way to provide remote access will vary depending on the tools you have chosen. Here are some thoughts.

  • Install and test RRAS servers before making them IAS (Internet Authentication Services) clients.
  • Immediately after installation, back up the IAS database file, ias.mdb, from the %systemroot%system32ias folder.
  • Back up the ias.mdb file whenever changes to the IAS configuration are made.
  • The IAAS and RRAAS servers should be dedicated servers. This will help eliminate the possibility that unauthorized users will gain access and weaken the security configuration.
  • Physically secure IAS, VPN and RRAS servers.
  • Protect IAS and VPN routers behind a firewall.
  • Turn on the account lockout feature.
  • Disable authentication protocols you do not use. Do not use PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) unless you must support legacy systems.
  • Determine desired logging for audit purposes and back up IAS logs.
  • Do not use telnet.
  • Secure remote administration sessions with IPsec or with VPNs if these sessions are being initiated externally to your network.
  • Increase encryption levels on Terminal Services when providing remote access.

To learn more about

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register, my team of editors will also send you the latest expert resources covering pertinent IT topics such as Windows server backup and recovery, server administration, storage management, infrastructure security, virtualization, Hyper-V, Active Directory and Group Policy.

    Cathleen A. Gagne, Senior Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchWindowsServer.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchWindowsServer.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

Windows 2000 Security, or to buy this book, click here.


This was first published in January 2001

Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

Back to top