Top 10 Most Secure Remote Access Solutions [2024 UPDATED]

Review & comparison of the best Secure Remote Access Solutions to keep your organization safe while providing a remote working experience:

It is no secret that a large chunk of the world’s corporate workforce has shifted their work to offsite locations. In fact, most workers today prefer to work remotely. While this has worked wonders in boosting employee morale and productivity, it has made organizations employing them susceptible to all sorts of cyber-security threats.

There’s no way for an organization to know whether an employee working from home is using a secure device or internet connection when accessing important company files or apps. As such, the need for secure remote access, especially among companies with a remote workforce, is at an all-time high.

This is where a good secure remote access solution can come to an organization’s rescue.

Most Secure Remote Access Software – Complete Review

Remote Access Solutions consists of tools or software that can be used to provide an authorized individual secure access to computers and devices from a geographical distance. As more and more workers switch to remote work, establishing secure remote access protocols is becoming more crucial.

With the help of this brief article, we want to introduce you to top such solutions that are some of the best secure remote access solutions you can try to keep your organization safe while providing your employees with a convenient remote working experience.

List of the Best Secure Remote Access Solutions

Some impressive and remarkable Secure Remote Access Software:

1. LayerX (Recommended)
2. NordLayer
3. Citrix
4. Zscaler
5. Venn
6. Checkpoint Harmony
7. CloudFlare
8. Chrome Remote Desktop
9. Zoho Assist
10. GlobalProtect
11. VMware

Comparing Some of the Top Secure Remote Access Tools

Detailed Review:

#1) LayerX (Recommended)

Best for securing remote access through a Browser Security Platform.

LayerX browser security platform provides continuous monitoring, risk analysis, and proactive protection for web sessions, securing remote access to internal web apps and SaaS applications. LayerX secures both initial connection aspects, transforming the browser’s user profile to a non-intrusive MFA verification to prevent account takeover risks.

LayerX also secures the web session itself, detecting and mitigating any anomalies that indicate an attempted malicious activity.LayerX can be deployed, either as a standalone secure access solution or as an additional security layer integrates with the identity providers or ZTNA\VPN in place.

Features:

• High SaaS Governance, Visibility, and Monitoring
• Non-intrusive MFA that doesn’t require user interaction
• SaaS and web apps activity monitoring and threat prevention
• Extend Zero-Trust to the browser

Pros:

• Quick and easy deployment
• 360 coverage of remote access from initial authentication throughout the entire session
• Real-time protection without any impact on networking speed and user experience
• Native integration with cloud identity providers

Cons:

• Nothing significant

Verdict: With LayerX you can either enhance your existing secure remote access capabilities or replace it altogether to consolidate in one solution all the required protection against the wide range of threats like account takeover, session interception, and compromise of the SaaS\web destination itself.

Its quick and seamless deployment enables provides immediate time-to-value, enabling your workforce to access remote resources in a secure manner without risk to your apps, data, and devices.

Price: Contact for Price, Free Demo Available

#2) NordLayer

Best for Great network security.

NordLayer is a fantastic cybersecurity solution that has worked wonders for business’s who’ve shifted gears to the work-from-home model. It empowers businesses with a ton of features that together make remote work as secure as possible for companies and employees alike. 

Once deployed, NordLayer makes it easier to manage user permissions, apps, and resources based on employee responsibility. NordLayer excels at securing all devices on your company’s network, regardless of whether they are on-site or remote. It will help you set-up multi-layered authorization for all users and protect all apps, cloud resources, and accounts with the help of ZNTA and network segmentation. 

Features:

• Zero network trust access
• Network segmentation
• Privilege and access management
• Vendor management
• Compliance regulations

Pros:

• Highly scalable
• Flexible pricing
• Easy to deploy

Cons:

• Many customers have complained about the customer support being subpar. 

Verdict: With NordLayer, you get a solution that guarantees robust network security the moment it is deployed. It can help you establish zero network trust access in a bid to protect all of your apps, users, and cloud resources on the network. Plus, the software is excellent at helping you meet compliance requirements. 

Price: NordLayer offers the following plans:

• Lite: $10/user/month
• Core: $15/user/month
• Premium: $ 18/user/month

Contact the custom plan.

#3) Citrix

Best for Zero Trust network access.

Citrix offers a comprehensive suite of secure remote access solutions for organizations to choose from. With Citrix Secure Private Access, for instance, offers Zero Trust Network Access to secure an organization’s applications 24/7. Then there is Citrix Secure Internet Access, which allows users to safely access web and SaaS applications.

Citrix also offers tools to provide organizations with excellent protection against zero-day attacks and the most known security threats. For more advanced enforcement of secure remote access, you can also opt for the Citrix Analytics for Security tool. This solution leverages artificial intelligence and ML algorithms to accurately detect and prevent risk events.

Features:

• Adaptive authentication
• Zero Trust network access
• User-behavior based analytics
• Enforce Browser Isolation policies

Pros:

• DDoS Protection
• Seamless Deployment
• Tailor-made solutions for different situations

Cons:

• Existing features need better documentation

Verdict: Citrix offers you a stack of solutions that let IT teams create a productive hybrid work environment protected by zero trust security. Irrespective of the remote work environment your organization nurtures, you’ll find Citrix to be more than compatible to meet your specific requirements.

Price: Contact for Quote

Website: Citrix

#4) Zscaler Private Access

Best for excellent threat and data protection.

Zscaler Private Access is a cloud-based service that has the ability to meet most challenges that come with enforcing secure remote access today. Once deployed, Zscaler provides secure remote access to internal applications in the cloud. It does so without putting users on the corporate network.

It uses cloud-hosted policies to verify access and route traffic to an application that’s located the closest. It works phenomenally well in combination with direct access technology. As a holistic zero-trust platform, Zscaler could serve as the perfect alternative to most legacy VPNs when it comes to enforcing secure remote access.

Features:

• Threat and Data Protection
• Digital Experience Monitoring
• App Discovery and Protection
• AI-Powered segmentation

Pros:

• Easy deployment
• Simple managed as services not hosted on-premises
• Optimal pathway provided to promote global coverage for the remote workforce

Recommended Reading => Most Popular Remote Browser Isolation Vendors

Cons:

• Not recommended for small organizations

Verdict: Zscaler is a platform that leverages the principle of least privilege to provide users with fast, direct, and secure access to private applications, OT Devices, and services while making sure there is no lateral movement or unauthorized access.

Price: Contact for Quote

Website: Zscaler

#5) Venn

Best for seamless security policy enforcement.

Venn is yet another secure remote access solution that had me floored by how simple it was to deploy and use. First and foremost, it is very easy to configure security policies. Those policies, once enforced, do a good job of protecting sensitive company data. You basically ensure that all network access is policy-controlled.

With these policies, you can control where data is stored, which apps can run inside Venn, and other actions like downloading and capturing screenshots. With Venn, all work performed by your employees will be stored in a secure enclave that is completely controlled by the organization. You can set up the tool to wall off all personal applications from work.

Features:

• Centralized Administrative control
• Policy Controlled Network access
• All data is encrypted and access managed
• Remotely enable, suspend, terminate, or wipe information with a single click

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Purpose-built with high-standards
• Seamless integrations

Cons:

• Back end could be more efficient

Verdict: With Venn, you get to deploy a secure workspace that ideally caters to the specific nature of remote work. It immediately isolates and protects work from personal use on the same device, regardless of whether the device is company-issued or BYO.

Price: Contact for a quote

Website: Venn

#6) Checkpoint Harmony

Best for Attack Surface Reduction.

Checkpoint Harmony claims of being the industry first unified security system made to manage a remote workforce. After trying it out we can confidently say that it more than leaves up to the promises it makes. Upon launch, Checkpoint Harmony can protect your devices and connections from all sorts of sophisticated cyber security threats.

It does so while ensuring zero-trust access to corporate applications. The software facilitates full endpoint protection from threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. By preventing the download of malware and blocking malicious websites, the software also enables secure internet browsing.

Features:

• Zero Trust Network Access
• Secure Web Gateway
• Data Loss Prevention
• Intrusion Prevention System

Pros:

• Excellent anomaly detection and response
• Protects sensitive business data
• Secure mobile devices

Cons:

• The authentication process can take too long

Verdict: Checkpoint Harmony benefits from its use of advanced AI technology and an extensive threat intelligence network. This makes it capable of stopping all types of attacks before they even occur. The solutions offered by Checkpoint are perfect for organizations that wish to secure themselves and their remote workforce.

Price: Contact for Quote

Website: Checkpoint Harmony

#7) CloudFlare

Best for Internet Native Zero Network Trust access.

CloudFlare is yet another platform that creates an aggregation layer to ensure secure access to all SaaS, non-web applications, and apps that are self-hosted. You can configure policies to grant context-based, least-privilege access per access resource rather instead of network-level access. This is crucial if you want to shrink your attack surface and cyber risk.

CloudFlare also allows you to authenticate third-party users with social idPs, clientless options, and more. Furthermore, you can offer privileged users access to key infrastructure without performance downgrade.

Features:

• Device Posture Integration
• Identity-based context
• Clientless access option
• Browser-based SSH and VNC

Pros:

• Flexible pricing
• Free plan available
• Lateral Movement Elimination
• Easily scale Zero Trust

Cons:

• Would’ve liked more integrations

Verdict: CloudFlare allows you to enforce and effortlessly scale Zero Trust Network Access in a bid to reduce your attack surface and protect your critical apps. You can use this tool to protect your entire business’s IT infrastructure.

Price: There are three pricing plans. You’ll be charged $7/user/month for the pay-as-you-go model. For custom pricing, you can opt for the Contract Plan. A forever-free plan is also available.

Website: CloudFlare

#8) Chrome Remote Desktop

Best for offering remote assistance to Mac, Linux, and Windows users.

Chrome Remote Desktop is an extension that allows you to remotely access another computer through a Chromebook and Chrome browser. You have the option to make the computer available on a short-term or long-term basis. The connections you’ll establish with this solution are fully secure. The software is ideal for providing remote assistance to users across different OS.

Features:

• Remotely access another computer
• Remotely run applications
• Remotely manage files
• Browser Extension

Pros:

• Free to use
• Easy to set up
• Cross-platform

Cons:

• Very basic in its functionality

Verdict: Chrome Remote Desktop is a tool I would recommend to individuals who wish to remotely access their computers rather than businesses. It is free and easy to set up and use. Just don’t expect the tool to offer you features that were a highlight of all the tools listed above it.

Price: Free

Website: Chrome Remote Desktop

#9) Zoho Assist

Best for providing remote support.

Zoho Assist is a solution designed to make providing remote support easier than it actually is. The software is ideal for businesses that wish to offer a top-notch customer support experience. The software makes it effortless to establish connections with remote PCs, servers, and mobile devices.

The solution is also brimming with features. This is software that allows you to troubleshoot a remote computer through on-demand and ad-hoc sessions. You can also use the tool to set up unattended remote access within and outside the LAN.

Features:

• On-demand remote access
• Secure Online meeting
• Augmented Reality Remote assistance
• Rebranding and Custom Domains

Pros:

• Cross-platform compatibility
• 15-day free trial
• Feature-rich

Cons:

• Limited application

Verdict: Simple to use, feature-rich, and highly secure, Zoho Assist is an enterprise-grade remote access software that can be used to deliver an excellent remote support experience.

Price: Starts at $12/month, 15-day free trial available.

Website: Zoho Assist

#10) GlobalProtect

Best for establishing secure remote access for Hybrid Workforce.

GlobalProtect considerably simplifies the very concept of enforcing secure remote access policies. It does so with identity-based authentication or by using clientless and client-based deployment methods for mobile users.

The solution is also great at assessing the health and security of your organization’s IT infrastructure. It facilitates seamless Zero Trust Network Access by assessing sensitive data before establishing connections.

Features:

• SD-WAN
• Cloud Secure Web Gateway
• Zero Trust Network Access
• Identity-based access control

Pros:

• Full visibility
• Transparent, risk-free access
• Enforce security policies across incoming and outgoing policies

Cons:

• Not a fan of the UI.

Verdict: GlobalProtect allows you to enforce the least privilege access for remote employees. You can rely on this tool to extend consistent security policies across incoming and ongoing traffic.

Price: Contact for a quote

Website: GlobalProtect

#11) VMWare

Best for establishing optimized access for remote teams.

VMWare works in the same way most of the above-mentioned tools do. With this tool, you basically get to set up an environment where only trusted devices and users have access to applications hosted in the cloud and on-premises. Access policies are very easy to configure and enforce. You can easily set up additional authentication rules wherever necessary.

Remote users get to connect automatically to a VMWare SD-WAN service node that’s closest to them. This basically means a considerably excellent cloud application experience that isn’t mired with jittering, packet loss, and low latency.

Features:

• Per-Client Application Access Policy customization
• Automated Network Management
• SD-WAN
• Secure Access Service Edge

Pros:

• Easy policy customization
• Easily scale across multiple regions
• Good documentation

Cons:

• Issues with the interface

Verdict: With VMWare, it is very simple to enforce policies that ensure your remote workforce, no matter where they are located in the world, have secure access to applications hosted in the cloud and on-premises.

Price: Contact for Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

While remote work is being embraced by organizations worldwide, the online dangers it exposes companies to can’t be ignored.

Workers depending on their home devices to get their work done are using unsecured Wi-Fi networks and computers that are more often than not infected with malware. Cybersecurity threats in the wake of WFH trends have become a primary concern for companies worldwide.

This explains why secure remote access solutions are important and popular in recent times. These are solutions that companies can use to protect and manage their endpoints, encrypt data, and deploy advanced security protocols to protect sensitive files, applications, and devices.

You need secure remote access software today that can test samples of remote user devices, establish strong user authentication protocols, easily configure and enforce security policies, and ensure activity on remote devices is properly logged.

All of the above-mentioned tools do that with impeccable finesse. As per my recommendation, we suggest going with LayerX.

Research Process:

• Spent 12 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which secure remote access Solution will best suit you.
• Total Secure Remote Access Solutions Researched: 35
• Total Secure Remote Access Solutions Shortlisted: 10