Unlimited mobility, flexibility, and security - these are the key attributes of using a company network during remote work. The concept of the "anywhere workplace" is a trend that has revolutionized the way we work and has led to the development of new forms of business communication. However, with the growing number of remote connections to the company network, the risk of cyber attacks also increases. To ensure secure access to corporate resources for remote employees, many companies and organizations have started using solutions such as Aruba RAP (Remote Access Points).

Cyber Threats Don't Take a Break

Organizations, whether in business, industry, or the public sector, are increasingly implementing the latest technologies to create more efficient and comfortable working conditions. Employees have been given the opportunity to use various platforms, have remote access to corporate resources, participate in video conferences, and engage in chat conversations. This allows them to flexibly organize their work schedule, adapting to both professional and personal commitments.

Such a remote work model means that continuous access to company resources - 24/7, even after office hours and outside the office - is essential. The problem is that cyber threats don't take a break and can paralyze an organization's operations at the least opportune moment. Therefore, it is necessary to implement solutions and tools that significantly increase the security threshold and create an effective barrier against cybercrime and various security incidents in the network.

Secure Network Access

Companies and organizations, aiming to maintain uninterrupted and efficient remote work, must be highly resilient to cyber attacks. Secure network access during the "anywhere workplace" is crucial to protect sensitive information and prevent cyber attacks.

Thus, it is essential to create the right conditions, keeping in mind some basic principles:

• Secure VPN connection, which encrypts internet traffic and masks the user's real IP address. This provides an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access to data.
• Regular software updates on all devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, are crucial to ensure protection against security vulnerabilities. It is also important to use strong passwords and avoid disclosing them to third parties.
• Additional authentication methods, which, in addition to passwords, require additional authenticating information.
• Using only secured Wi-Fi networks.
• Regularly creating backups of data.
• Cybersecurity training for employees.

Aruba RAP

Aruba RAP is a very interesting, user-friendly, and incredibly secure solution. It is designed in response to the aforementioned needs of remote work, serving as a dedicated line of HPE Aruba devices. The Access Points, known as RAP (Remote Access Point), enable secure remote connection of users to the company network. These special access points allow easy access to organizational network resources from any location. This is especially useful for remote workers who need access to data outside of the office. The work can be easily tailored to the established priorities of secure network traffic and the level of "resilience" of the employee's own device, such as a laptop, printer, or smartphone.

RAP is configured to use the IPsec protocol to connect to a public IP address. It receives an internal IP address known to the controller from a preconfigured pool of VPN IP addresses. From that point on, RAP is treated like any other network access point, reachable via an internal IP address. In other words, RAP extends the same SSID identifiers available in the office, allowing employees to work from home as if they were in the office, without the need for additional VPN clients.

Aruba RAP provides advanced authentication mechanisms that protect against unauthorized network access. It uses various authentication methods, such as digital certificates, EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) protocols, and multi-factor authentication (e.g., password and one-time code), to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the network. Additionally, Aruba RAP allows administrators to control remote access points, enabling them to monitor network activity, detect abnormalities and suspicious behavior, and take appropriate action in case of threats. This allows for a quick response to potential attacks and minimizes risk.

The most popular RAP access point models in the Aruba 303, 503, and 505 series are perfect for SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) environments, with features such as compact size, desk-mountable, one or more local wired ports, and Power over Ethernet-out (PoE-out) support.

In the context of remote work, where an increasing number of employees use the internet outside the traditional office, Aruba RAP is a significant solution for ensuring network security. Its advanced authentication features, data encryption, remote monitoring, and protection against attacks contribute to minimizing the risks associated with remote work. Aruba RAP enables organizations to effectively manage remote employees, providing them with secure access to the company network while safeguarding data from unauthorized access and attacks.