SANS Remote Access Tools Policy
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terramocoSANS Remote Access Tools Policy
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terramocoConsensus Policy Resource Community
Remote Access Tools Policy
Free Use Disclaimer: This policy was created by or for the SANS Institute for the
Internet community. All or parts of this policy can be freely used for your organization.
There is no prior approval required. If you would like to contribute a new policy or
updated version of this policy, please send email to [email protected].
Things to Consider: Please consult the Things to Consider FAQ for additional
guidelines and suggestions for personalizing the SANS policies for your organization.
Last Update Status: Updated June 2014
1. Overview
Remote desktop software, also known as remote access tools, provide a way for computer users
and support staff alike to share screens, access work computer systems from home, and vice
versa. Examples of such software include LogMeIn, GoToMyPC, VNC (Virtual Network
Computing), and Windows Remote Desktop (RDP). While these tools can save significant time
and money by eliminating travel and enabling collaboration, they also provide a back door into
the <Company Name> network that can be used for theft of, unauthorized access to, or
destruction of assets. As a result, only approved, monitored, and properly controlled remote
access tools may be used on <Company Name> computer systems.
2. Purpose
This policy defines the requirements for remote access tools used at <Company Name
3. Scope
This policy applies to all remote access where either end of the communication terminates at a
<Company Name> computer asset
4. Policy
All remote access tools used to communicate between <Company Name> assets and other
systems must comply with the following policy requirements.
4.1 Remote Access Tools
<Company Name> provides mechanisms to collaborate between internal users, with external
partners, and from non-<Company Name> systems. The approved software list can be obtained
from <link-to-approved-remote-access-software-list>. Because proper configuration is
important for secure use of these tools, mandatory configuration procedures are provided for
each of the approved tools.
The approved software list may change at any time, but the following requirements will be used
for selecting approved products:
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a) All remote access tools or systems that allow communication to <Company Name>
resources from the Internet or external partner systems must require multi-factor
authentication. Examples include authentication tokens and smart cards that require an
additional PIN or password.
b) The authentication database source must be Active Directory or LDAP, and the
authentication protocol must involve a challenge-response protocol that is not susceptible
to replay attacks. The remote access tool must mutually authenticate both ends of the
session.
c) Remote access tools must support the <Company Name> application layer proxy rather
than direct connections through the perimeter firewall(s).
d) Remote access tools must support strong, end-to-end encryption of the remote access
communication channels as specified in the <Company Name> network encryption
protocols policy.
e) All <Company Name> antivirus, data loss prevention, and other security systems must
not be disabled, interfered with, or circumvented in any way.
All remote access tools must be purchased through the standard <Company Name> procurement
process, and the information technology group must approve the purchase.
5. Policy Compliance
5.1 Compliance Measurement
The Infosec team will verify compliance to this policy through various methods, including but
not limited to, periodic walk-thrus, video monitoring, business tool reports, internal and external
audits, and feedback to the policy owner.
5.2 Exceptions
Any exception to the policy must be approved by the Infosec Team in advance.
5.3 Non-Compliance
An employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and
including termination of employment.
6 Related Standards, Policies and Processes
None.
7 Definitions and Terms
The following definition and terms can be found in the SANS Glossary located at:
https://www.sans.org/security-resources/glossary-of-terms/
Application layer proxy
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8 Revision History
Date of Change
Responsible
Summary of Change
June 2014
SANS Policy Team
Updated and converted to new format.
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