The basic architecture for all remote access is a connection from a central site through a network to a remote site. This may include direct-dial and VPN, which are not mutually exclusive. These two complementary technologies can help maximize remote access capabilities, while minimizing the underlying costs. A secure VPN integrates strong authentication, powerful encryption, firewalling, VPN tunneling, compliance with standards, secure remote access, IP routing and scaleability and redundancy. These elements combined render a cost-effective solution and provide robust security, user transparency and data accessibility.
Encryption is essential to a secure remote access or VPN solution.
Powerful encryption methods such as DES, Triple-DES and 3DES offered by VPN vendors should be sought after when considering a VPN solution for remote access. The optimal choice for remote access is combination of both direct-dial and VPN technologies. This combination will work to best serve the needs of each remote user, while minimizing the cost to the corporation.