A remote access policy (RAP) guides off-site users who connect to the network. It expands the rules that govern network and computer use in the office, such as the password policy or network access control. It aids in assuring that only those users who require network access are granted access, as long as their devices are likewise compatible with the rules.

When correctly deployed, a RAP is a security solution that helps to protect the network from potential security risks. The policy should include everything, from the sorts of individuals who may be granted network access from outside the workplace to the types of devices that can connect to the network.

Why is a Remote Access Policy Important?

It is vital to ensure that your organization can maintain its cybersecurity protocols even with all the uncertainty that remote access brings: unknown users (you can’t see the person, after all), using potentially unknown devices on unknown networks, to access your corporate data center and all the information within.

Those are significant risks, but life during the coronavirus pandemic has made extensive remote access an unavoidable fact of life. Some users must have remote access to perform their duties from home and maintain business continuity. Remote access policies guide how your data can still be secure, and your operations can still meet any regulatory compliance obligations.

The good news is that organizations such as the National Cybersecurity Society (NCSS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed remote access policy templates that can be helpful if you’re writing your policy from scratch.

This post will review what a remote access policy should achieve, how to develop one, and several pitfalls to avoid.

What is the Purpose of a Remote Access Policy?

A RAP clarifies how the company will provide cybersecurity while users access data off-site. This includes what is expected of users as they access that data, how they establish secure connections, when exceptions to policy may be granted, and likely disciplinary actions for violations.

A RAP aims to keep corporate data safe from exposure to hackers, malware, and other cybersecurity risks while allowing employees the flexibility to work from remote locations. Follow APA guidelines