Terminal Servers Provide Security & Reliability For Remote Users
Many of us have changed the way we work over the last 18 months (thank you, Covid-19!). During the 2020 lockdown, AaSys experienced a spike in requests for Terminal Server configurations and installation. This solution may have seemingly increased the complexity of networks. To the application servers, switches, and firewalls, we now added a Terminal Server. But how did this solution make working remotely more efficient? With a Terminal Server solution, employees can work from anywhere on any device. Below is some general background on terminal servers and how they may benefit your environment.
A terminal server is a server that allows multiple users to simultaneously connect to a single server in individual sessions. Once connected to your network, end users connect to the Terminal Server via a Remote Desktop Session. This configuration aids data loss prevention by allowing remote users to connect to this server and operate while maintaining your sensitive information within your network. A Terminal Server can improve efficiency by having necessary software pre-installed, replacing the process of having to manually configure an individual workstation for each employee. It also improves security by allowing for a single server requiring routine patching or software updates versus an individual machine for each user. Due to the reduced hardware footprint, it is also possible that a hardware cost savings could be realized.
Think of it like this: a Terminal Server is a throwback to the computer mainframe days. When working on a Terminal Server, all of your data doesn’t flow from your desktop to the server. Instead, your data is compressed to mouse clicks and screen shots. This helps to optimize the speed at which you can work.
What are the benefits of a Terminal Server?
Like most things IT the goal is to make processes streamlined and easier. Having a Terminal Server does just that. Here are some key benefits:
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Having access anywhere any time. This is one of the most important factors of a Terminal Server. Working in a traditional office for some is no longer an option or necessary. The Terminal Server allows individuals to continue their daily routine despite their location.
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Security. Network administrators have the ability to monitor activity and lockdown files and access if needed.
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Reduced chances of malware attacks. Because software applications are not installed on an individual device and are centrally hosted instead, it cuts down on chances of an actual desktop computer being targeted with malware or viruses.
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One stop shop. The installation of the application only happens once, and everyone will receive the upgrade simultaneously.
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Hardware lifespan has the potential to be extended. Because all the processing is done through the server, the impact to the actual desktop is minimal allowing the organizations to hold on to hardware longer, which in turn can have a positive impact on IT budgets.
If you would like to learn more about how terminal servers can assist your organization contact your Account executive today!
Sources:
https://searchvirtualdesktop.techtarget.com/definition/terminal-server
https://www.parallels.com/blogs/ras/what-is-a-terminal-server/
https://networkinterview.com/what-is-a-terminal-server/
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ARRC Announces Best Practices For Use Of Forward-Looking SOFR Term Rate And Releases Related FAQs |
On Aug. 27, 2021, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”) announced conventions and use cases for how best to employ the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) term rate (“SOFR Term Rate”) in transitioning away from USD LIBOR. For new contracts, the ARRC continues to recommend SOFR for all products, recommending overnight SOFR and SOFR averages, particularly for floating rate notes, consumer products (including adjustable rate mortgages and student loans) and most securitizations. The ARRC noted that it supports the SOFR Term Rate in areas where use of overnight and averages of SOFR has proven difficult, specifically supporting the SOFR Term Rate in addition to other forms of SOFR for business loan activity. The ARRC does not, however, support the use of the SOFR Term Rate for the vast majority of the derivatives market because these markets already reference SOFR compounded in arrears. The conventions and use cases apply to CME Group’s forward-looking term rates, which the ARRC formally recommended on July 29, 2021.
The ARRC also released a related “Frequently Asked Questions on Best Practice Recommendations Related to Scope of Use of the Term Rate” addressing how best to employ the SOFR Term Rate in contracts.
KEY PUBLICATIONS
Source: Lexology.com
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One Simple Step to Securing Your Accounts
Overview
Does it seem like cyber criminals have a magic wand for getting into your email or bank accounts and there’s nothing you can do to stop them? Wouldn’t it be great if there was one single step you could take that would help protect your from cyber criminals and let you securely make the most of technology? While no sole step will stop all cyber criminals, one of the most important steps you can take is to enable something called two-factor authentication (sometimes called 2FA, two-step verification, or multi-factor authentication) on your most important accounts.
The problem with passwords
When it comes to protecting your accounts, you are most likely already using some type of password. There are several ways to authenticate yourself into an account: something you have, something you know, something you are, somewhere you are. When you employ more than one method of authentication, you are adding an additional layer of protection from cyber criminals – even if they crack one method, they’d still need to bypass the additional factor(s) to access your account. Passwords prove who you are based on something you know. The danger with passwords is that they are a single point of failure. If a cybercriminal can guess or compromise your password, they can gain access to your most important accounts. In addition, cyber criminals are developing faster and better techniques at guessing, compromising, or bypassing passwords. Fortunately, you can fight back with two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication
Adding two-factor authentication is a far more secure solution than relying on just passwords alone. It works by requiring not one but two different methods to authenticate yourself. This way if your password is compromised, your account is still protected. One example is your ATM card; when you withdraw money from an ATM machine, you are actually using a form of two-factor authentication. To access your money, you’ll need two things: your ATM card (something you have) and your PIN number (something you know). If you lose your ATM card, anyone who finds your card cannot withdraw your money as they do not know your PIN. The same is true if they only have your PIN and not the card. An attacker must have both to compromise your ATM account. The concept is similar for two-factor authentication; you have two layers of security.
Using Two-factor authentication online
Two-factor authentication is something you set up individually for each of your accounts. It is actually quite simple: you usually need to do nothing more than syncing your mobile phone with your account. That way when you need to log into your account, not only do you log in with your account username and password, but you also use a unique one-time code you get from your phone. The idea is the combination of both your password and unique code are required to log in. Usually, this unique code will be sent via a text message to your mobile device or email. Your phone may also have a mobile app (such as Google or Microsoft Authenticator app) that will generate the unique code for you. When possible, mobile apps are considered the most secure option for obtaining your unique code.
What makes this so simple is that you usually only have to do this once from whatever computer or device you are using to log in. Once the website or your account recognizes your device, moving forward you often only need your password to login. Any time you try (or someone else tries) to log in with your account but from a different computer or device, they will have to use two-factor authentication again. This means if a cybercriminal gains your password, they still can’t access your account as they can’t access the unique code.
Remember, two-factor authentication is usually not enabled by default, so you’ll have to enable it yourself for each of your most important accounts, such as banking, investments, retirement, or personal email. While this may seem like more work at first, once it’s set up it's very easy to use.
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Please Note: the following Adobe products are end of life and are no longer being supported by Adobe! Adobe will no longer issue updates or security patches for these products.
- Acrobat X Pro
- Acrobat X Standard
- Acrobat X Suite
- Acrobat XI Pro
- Acrobat XI Standard
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Proofpoint is offering complimentary Awareness Training Kits. The kits give you the tools you need to engage your users and turn them into a strong line of defense against phishing attacks and other cyber threats.
And if you are interested in acquiring Proofpoint for your organization, please contact your Account Executive today!
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2021 Company Holidays
Monday, October 11, 2021 - Columbus Day
Thursday, November 11, 2021 - Veterans Day
Thursday, November 25, 2021 - Thanksgiving Day
Friday, December 24, 2021 - Christmas Eve Day (AaSys will close at 12:00 PM)
Saturday, December 25, 2021 - Christmas Day
Saturday, January 1, 2022 - New Year's Day
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AaSys Group, Inc.
11301 North US Highway 301
Suite 106
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
(813) 246-4757 Phone
(813) 246-4576 Fax
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