8 Most common remote access vulnerabilities

Remote access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Organizations across industries are rapidly adopting remote access solutions to empower their workforce and meet evolving demands. However, with this shift comes a new wave of vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are eager to exploit.  

In this blog, we’ll explore the top eight most common remote access vulnerabilities and how you can defend against them. By identifying these threats, you’ll be better equipped to protect your organization and ensure seamless, secure remote operations.  

What are remote access vulnerabilities?

Remote access vulnerabilities include weaknesses in a remote desktop connection, virtual private networks (VPNs), or other access technologies. Attackers exploit these flaws to infiltrate networks. As such, security is a top priority for any organization embracing remote work.

According to the World Economic Forum, global digital jobs are estimated to grow by around 25% to over 90 million roles by 2030. While this shift offers incredible opportunities, it also creates new entry points for cyberattacks.  

Remote access vulnerabilities are among the top concerns. They allow attackers to bypass security measures, steal data, and disrupt operations.

The 8 most common remote access vulnerabilities

1. Lack of information

Many organizations lack comprehensive knowledge about remote access protocols and security best practices. This gap can result in misconfigurations, such as poorly configured VPNs, weak firewall settings, and accidental sharing of sensitive information.  

Without proper training, employees may unknowingly expose systems to unauthorized access. They may also be unaware of the risks posed by connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi or using outdated devices for remote work.

Solution:  

• Provide regular role-based cybersecurity training on secure remote access practices.  

• Develop clear, accessible policies and documented guidelines for remote access.  

• Conduct routine security assessments to identify and address gaps.

• Use third-party penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities and remediate them.  

2. Password sharing

Sharing passwords among employees is a risky practice that can lead to unauthorized access. It makes it difficult to track accountability and trace actions back to a specific user.  

Reused or weak passwords also make it easier for attackers to breach systems. After an employee leaves, shared credentials are frequently left unchanged. This can also create long-term vulnerabilities if not addressed.  

Solution:  

• Enforce the use of unique credentials for each employee.  

• Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) and/or password managers to securely store and manage credentials.  

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with password policies.  

3. Unsecured software

Using outdated or unpatched software in remote environments opens the door to malware and ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals frequently exploit known vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access.  

Unsecured software may also lack features like advanced encryption or role-based access controls. Third-party plugins or extensions can serve as entry points for attackers if they are not thoroughly vetted for security.

Solution:  

• Regularly update and patch all software and applications.  

• Use vetted, secure remote access software solutions.  

• Perform security vulnerability scans and assessments before deploying new software.  

4. Use of personal devices

Remote workers using personal devices for work without proper safeguards create significant security challenges. Personal devices often lack enterprise-grade security controls, increasing the risk of data leakage and unauthorized access.  

Personal devices may also fail to comply with company security standards, such as endpoint encryption or regular updates. Additionally, the use of unauthorized applications for work purposes—known as shadow IT—can lead to unmonitored data sharing that weaken an organization's security posture.

Solution:  

• Implement a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy with strict security requirements.

• Decide if a solution like Hypori, which provide secure virtual workspaces that separate personal and professional data is better equipped for your business or if you need to also deploy Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to manage and secure personal devices.  

• Conduct regular security checks on devices used for remote access. This includes also ensuring that the right folks have access while also removing users that no longer need access.  

5. Inadequate patching

Failing to regularly update systems and applications leaves organizations vulnerable to known exploits. Attackers actively target unpatched systems to infiltrate networks and steal sensitive data.  

Some organizations face challenges with patching due to compatibility issues with legacy systems or insufficient IT resources. Attackers exploit these delays by scanning networks for unpatched devices. They employ automated tools to exploit known vulnerabilities before they are addressed.

Solution:  

• Establish a routine patch management process.  

• Prioritize patches based on severity and impact.  

• Test patches in controlled environments before deployment.  

6. Vulnerable backups

Storing backups without proper encryption or security and access control can lead to data breaches. Unsecured backups are prime targets for attackers looking to compromise sensitive data or disrupt recovery processes.  

Beyond encryption, improperly configured backup systems may unintentionally expose data through cloud misconfigurations. Attackers often search for exposed backup storage on public cloud platforms to access critical data without much effort.

Solution:  

• Encrypt all backup data.  

• Store backups in secure, access-controlled environments.  

• Regularly test backup restoration processes to ensure data integrity.  

7. Poor device hygiene

Neglecting regular device maintenance and security updates can lead to malware infections and security breaches. Over time, vulnerabilities accumulate and increase the risk of compromise.  

Devices with excessive permissions or outdated security certificates increase the attack surface for cybercriminals. Failure to perform regular scans for rogue applications or malware can result in attackers gaining control of devices. They can then be used as a foothold to infiltrate larger networks.

Solution:  

• Conduct regular device audits and maintenance routines.  

• Install and update antivirus and anti-malware software.  

• Educate employees on best practices for maintaining device security.  

8. Phishing attacks  

Phishing remains one of the most prevalent cyber threats to remote access security. Attackers use deceptive emails, text messages (smishing), and phone calls (vishing) to steal credentials and gain unauthorized access.  

Unfortunately, phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated. Attackers are using machine learning to personalize messages that mimic legitimate communications. Attackers also employ tactics like domain spoofing or compromised websites to make their scams appear more convincing.

Solution:  

• Implement robust email filtering solutions.  

• Conduct employee training on recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts.  

• Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect against credential theft. Great options are Okta Verify or Microsoft Authenticator.  

Now that you’re familiar with the most common remote access vulnerabilities, you’re one step closer to protecting your organization from a costly cyber attack. But addressing these security risks requires more than just awareness. It calls for proactive remote access solutions.  

Safeguard your remote access systems With Hypori

If you want to take it a step further and find a more secure way to access your organization’s applications, Hypori is the answer.  

Our zero trust security platform is specifically designed to mitigate remote access vulnerabilities and other cybersecurity risks. It works by creating a secure, isolated virtual workspace on a user's personal device.  

This means no sensitive data is ever stored locally on the device. Users can eliminate the potential for a data breach even if the device is compromised through a remote access vulnerability.  

Request a demo today to learn how Hypori can revolutionize your remote access strategy.

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