How can I help my team work better from anywhere?

Ever been working on the go and realised you need something on your computer at home? Or perhaps a team member’s on holiday and forgot to share a report stored on their laptop.

It’s in these moments that remote access can help. But what exactly is this, and what can it do? Simply put, remote access is the ability to gain entry to another computer or network that isn’t physically near you.

How does remote access work?

Using remote access software tends to be easy and doesn’t need long to set up – all you need is a reliable internet connection. You’ll need to download the same software onto the device/s you want to access, as well as the one/s you want to access from.

Although, it’s worth knowing that there are also some solutions that allow you to connect via a weblink or code, to help you gain emergency access in unforeseen situations.

Remote access software isn’t your only option to get into files remotely. Another solution is a Virtual Private Network (also known as VPN). A VPN allows you and your team to access your corporate network, where all work can be saved centrally – eliminating the need to access particular remote devices. This solution protects your data by routing it through a secure connection and disguising your internet activity. Even better, a VPN is both secure and easy to access, it just requires authentication to ensure only approved people can use it.

What are the benefits?

Whether you choose remote access software or a VPN, both offer several benefits to businesses, including:

Get IT support from anywhere

According to a recent survey, most people only spend 1.5 days per week in the office, with the rest of the time spent working from home, so being able to solve problems from remote locations is vital. Remote access solutions provide an easy and secure way for IT support to take control of a computer to fix any technical issues, regardless of location.

Collaborate with ease

With remote access, employees can safely work from any device, platform, or network – from any location. They can view and download files, access applications and much more. Remote desktop functions also allow them to share their screen for easier collaboration – just like on a video conference call.

Keep track of all projects

An important feature of remote access software is the ability to register all activity taking place within a corporate network. These so-called ‘logs’ provide details about who is accessing your network, when, how, and what they’re doing there. They also provide logging information – for example, who has accessed the network, which is necessary for auditing. Sharing this detail is common practice – especially as businesses need to remain compliant with regulatory guidelines.

Are there any security considerations?

When employees work remotely, a host of security threats can pose a problem. Unattended devices, unsecured WiFi networks and unencrypted files are just a few examples that could put your company data at risk.

But there are different ways to manage this – from maintaining strong passwords to using multi-factor authentication, and it’s important to regularly update your software too.

When it comes to VPNs, they enforce a zero-trust access policy, which means each user needs to be verified every time they want to access the VPN. This is to ensure that intruders can’t accidentally gain access to critical company systems and information and it also ensures that employees can’t access information they shouldn’t see.

What are the best remote access tools available?

With so many remote access tools available, before looking to invest you should think about the needs of your business. This is particularly important as most access software comes with a small monthly or yearly fee.

Aren’t sure where to start? Some of the most popular remote access tools out there include RemotePC, ZohoAssist, ISL Online, Splashtop, LogMeIn Pro and TeamViewer. Or if you’re keen to explore VPN options, you could look into NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and Surfshark.

Want to learn more on how to secure your business while working remotely? Check out our article on how to maintain cyber security when working online remotely.