How to ensure optimal security for remote connections

Remote work and the challenge of risky user behaviour

VPNs help mitigate several major risks associated with remote working. They encrypt data, making it unreadable in the event of interception, hide the employee’s IP address to prevent tracking, and reduce the risks associated with using unsecured networks.

However, other threats arise directly from users’ digital behaviour. For example, mobile employees may fall victim to phishing emails by opening infected attachments or clicking on malicious links. They may also become targets of other social engineering attacks, where cybercriminals attempt to manipulate or pressure them into performing actions such as bank transfers or disclosing confidential information.

The absence of strong authentication for accessing company resources also represents a significant risk, particularly in the event of device loss or theft. If employees benefit from extensive access rights that are not justified by their responsibilities, a simple smartphone loss could compromise critical organisational data.

Finally, stolen credentials or session hijacking may allow cybercriminals to take control of a user account.

Although VPNs remain essential tools, they must therefore be part of a broader strategy for securing remote work and remote access in order to effectively contain all these threats.

The three pillars of an effective remote access protection strategy

For CIOs and CISOs, securing remote access relies on three key pillars:

• Robust cybersecurity tools: Deploying an encrypted VPN helps secure remote connections. In addition, organisations should implement a multi-factor authentication solution to strengthen access control and ensure that only legitimate users can access company resources. It is also important to adopt a centralised mobile fleet management solution, enabling IT teams to configure remote access rights or remotely erase device data in the event of loss or theft.
• Devices aligned with cybersecurity requirements: Device protection starts with up-to-date operating systems and applications incorporating the latest security patches. Additional measures such as antivirus software installation or assigning administrative rights according to the principle of least privilege help protect devices against malware, vulnerabilities, and the installation of unauthorised applications.
• Employee awareness and training: To eliminate risky behaviour and reduce threats linked to human error, organisations must train employees on cybersecurity best practices and raise awareness of cyber threats, for example through phishing simulation campaigns.

Cryptosmart PC: a solution designed for sensitive environments

As part of a comprehensive security approach, ERCOM has developed Cryptosmart PC, a turnkey solution including:

• A sovereign VPN, approved at Restricted Distribution level by ANSSI*, designed to secure remote PC connections with a government-grade level of security and confidentiality
• Strong authentication based on a SIM-format cryptographic component certified EAL4+, integrated into a USB token for simplicity of use
• Centralised administration, enabling IT teams to remotely deploy and supervise devices, as well as perform actions such as remote data wiping in the event of device loss or theft

Cryptosmart PC therefore combines ease of use with the highest possible level of security to meet the requirements of sensitive and critical environments. At the same time, the solution adapts to the operational reality of mobile employees, allowing them to work efficiently without compromising productivity.

*Renewal currently in progress

Conclusion

Remote access is not inherently a threat vulnerabilities are often created by uncontrolled user behaviour. Securing professional mobility and remote access therefore requires a comprehensive approach combining high-performance cybersecurity tools, devices configured according to internal security standards, and continuous employee awareness of cybersecurity best practices.

Cryptosmart PC fully aligns with this approach by strengthening security while preserving simplicity and user experience. Download our brochure to discover all the features of Cryptosmart PC and secure your remote working environments.