Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are using VPNs to work remotely. Unfortunately, with companies needing more remote access, cybercriminals have a heightened interest in remote access-based data breaches.
Enter CMMC AC.2.013 – monitoring and controlling remote access sessions.
Before diving into this specific policy, check out our article on CMMC 2.0 – Understanding the CMMC 2.0 Framework. This blog post will give you the foundational knowledge you need to get started on CMMC compliance.
Now, let’s get into the details. CMMC AC.2.013 states that you must monitor and control remote access sessions.
What does this even mean?
In simpler terms, CMMC AC.2.013 says you need to carefully monitor and regulate who is accessing your network remotely. In some cases, a detailed log of who is connecting with timestamps should be kept.
Implementing the CMMC framework can vastly improve your cybersecurity measures, protect you from potential breaches, and position your business as reliable and secure – even with cyber attacks on the rise.
Additionally, for some businesses affiliated with the Department of Defense, CMMC compliance isn’t just encouraged – it’s required. Depending on your relationship with the DoD, you may have to comply with CMMC regulations in the near future.
Most specifically, CMMC AC.2.013 is important to protect your business, no matter the size. You don’t want anyone to be able to gain remote access to your network. If someone were to gain unauthorized access, the hacker can monitor working times and attack after hours or even track your work habits. While tracking your work habits doesn’t sound like a major red flag, hackers are now using AI to read and digest your emails and learn how you speak. Then, they’re using AI to create an email in your tone of voice, allowing them to ask clients, financial institutions, or anyone else for confidential information on your behalf.
To be able to control who remotely accesses your network, setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is necessary.
What is the importance of a VPN in network security?
A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the Internet. This ensures that sensitive data transmitted over the network remains protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Unfortunately, every VPN is unique so there isn’t a one-size fits all solution. However, the basics of what you’ll need to get started are similar. To make it simple for you, we’ve broken down the necessities before setting up a VPN for remote access.
1. Have a business-grade firewall in place that supports VPN functions. Without this, the VPN won’t deliver continuous security updates or frankly, do its job correctly.2. Take into consideration the type of VPN you want to have. There are several types to choose from (SSL, iPSEC, L2TP, & more), and each type operates differently.
3. Create users and assign them appropriate permissions. Your firewall will need to know who is allowed to remote connect, before being able to control who can’t.
4. Enable monitoring logs. Without these logs, you won’t have any record of who is trying to access your network. Ensure these logs are sent to an email that’s monitored daily.
Keep in mind, that not all VPNs are the same, so monitoring and controlling remote access isn’t as simple as it may seem on the surface. The effectiveness of a VPN largely depends on its security features, encryption standards, and the ability to integrate with existing network infrastructure. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a VPN solution that aligns with your organization's specific security requirements and compliance obligations.
To get started, connect with an IT consultant and start protecting your data.