Secure remote access software is a type of remote access tool designed with enhanced security features to ensure that the connection between devices remains protected from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks. It allows users to securely connect to remote systems, often with extra layers of encryption and authentication to keep sensitive data safe.
Discover the Top 8 Best secure remote access software solutions
Splashtop
Splashtop – Quick, easy, and secure remote access for individuals and teams, enabling you to work from anywhere on any device.
- Enjoy smooth, high-quality 4K streaming up to 60fps and iMac Pro Retina 5K streaming with 4:4:4 color mode and high-fidelity audio for an immersive remote access experience
- Stay connected from anywhere! Access Windows, Mac, and Linux devices remotely from any device, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Chromebook
- Team admins can manage device permissions directly through the Splashtop web console
- View all monitors in one window and select which remote screen to see
- Move files between local and remote devices without starting a session, or use the drag-and-drop feature during a session
- Print documents from within a remote session by selecting the Splashtop Remote Printer driver to send jobs to your local printer
- 4:4:4 color mode ensures the most accurate colors, contrasts, and details for stunning visuals
- Get precise audio for sound editing and AV sync with ultra-high audio bit rates for detailed sound editing, post-production, and more
- Use USB devices from your local machine as if they were plugged directly into the remote computer
- Connect your local microphone to a remote computer for real-time app access and communication
Logmein
Experience the flexibility to work remotely with dependable access and secure remote software tools from LogMeIn.
- Quick and easy support for any PC or Mac, from anywhere
- Group your users, set permissions, enable two-factor authentication, and manage computer access with ease.
- Organize computers based on location, function, access rights, or any criteria you choose
- Monitor and manage antivirus software from a single dashboard
- Detect potential mishandling of sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access
- Get a full overview of each LogMeIn host’s health to identify critical issues and important updates
Anydesk
Whether you’re managing multiple devices, monitoring and maintaining computers, or controlling high-performance machines, AnyDesk lets you access them securely, reliably, and across all platforms.
- Securely access devices from anywhere using a password, so remote sessions don’t require manual acceptance
- Add an extra layer of security with time-based codes in addition to your Unattended Access password to further protect access
- If the remote device is in sleep mode, use AnyDesk’s Wake-On-LAN feature to wake it up from another device
- You can black out the screen for privacy while you work
- Easily integrate AnyDesk with an MDM solution to manage and maintain large fleets of mobile devices from a central location
- Streamline your processes by integrating AnyDesk into your existing software for automation or data collection, bringing you closer to seamless IoT connectivity
Aeroadmin
AeroAdmin is an all-in-one remote desktop solution that provides complete control over remote computers, including unattended access, simultaneous connections to and from a single device, file transfers, and the ability to connect to an unlimited number of endpoints.
- Instant remote desktop access and control
- On-demand customer tech support
- Remote file access
- Virtual office capabilities
- Unattended remote access
- Interactive meetings
- Online education and classes
- Virtual presentations
- Online collaboration and coworking
- Employee monitoring
- Parental control
- Data protection and isolation
- Stolen PC tracking and recovery
Anyviewer
Anyviewer – Access and control remote desktops or laptops from any device, anywhere, for swift remote support and efficient remote work.
- AnyViewer lets you access unattended computers using a security code
- Users can choose the ideal resolution based on network speed and computer performance
- Adjust image quality (high or low) depending on your network speed
- Resize the remote desktop window to full screen for an experience as if you’re sitting right in front of the PC
- Hide the host computer’s wallpaper to improve remote access performance
- AnyViewer offers shortcuts for practical tasks like lock, restart, task manager, and CMD, making remote access more convenient
Rustdesk
RustDesk provides an open-source remote desktop solution with self-hosted server options, making it the ideal TeamViewer alternative for secure, private, and customizable remote access.
- Simplify regulatory compliance with self-hosted RustDesk, ensuring full data sovereignty
- On-premise deployment keeps your data fully under your control
- Ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime with on-premise deployment
- Customize RustDesk on-premise to meet your unique needs
- Brand your RustDesk client with your name, icon, and logo for a personalized experience
- With built-in network configuration and server setup, deploying RustDesk on-premise is hassle-free
- Over 90 configurable options allow you to tailor RustDesk to your exact requirements
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Host the web client on your server with your own domain name for even easier remote access
Goto
GoTo Resolve is secure remote access software that enables employees to work from anywhere, while IT teams can provide support from any device, anytime.
- Easily and securely transfer and sync files and folders between devices
- Navigate host computers with ease, access multiple monitors, and sync clipboards
- Perform essential tasks like rebooting, reconnecting, and responding to User Access Control (UAC) prompts for admin-required actions
- Send documents to printers connected to either your remote or local PC
- Listen to audio played on the host computer
Ninjaone
Gain direct control of remote IT assets for advanced remediation with NinjaOne’s integrated remote access software for both Mac and Windows.
- Remotely connect to devices directly from the NinjaOne Device page or a ticket, no need to sign in or switch tabs, just a fast, seamless connection from your NinjaOne console
- NinjaOne Remote treats both Windows and Mac devices equally, enabling quick remote support for your entire user base
- For enhanced security, NinjaOne Remote uses x25519+XSalsa20+Poly1305, one of the most secure encryption, key exchange, and authentication methods available
- Disable clipboard syncing and use the Paste as Keystrokes feature to ensure privacy for sensitive information
- NinjaOne Remote adapts to any bandwidth, adjusting video quality and switching between TCP and UDP when needed to optimize the technician’s experience
- Through the NinjaOne end-user portal, users can quickly and securely access their devices, with access controlled via NinjaOne’s permission settings
- With NinjaOne Remote, you can control the NinjaOne App on your iOS or Android device, allowing you to provide support while on the go
- Enhance your support experience with live chat and differentiated screen cursors, making it clear who’s in control of the device
Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Secure Remote Access Software Solutions

Both cloud-based and on-premise secure remote access software solutions allow users to securely access remote systems and data, but they differ significantly in terms of deployment, maintenance, and scalability.
Cloud-Based Secure Remote Access Software
Definition: Cloud-based secure remote access software is hosted on a third-party cloud server and accessed via the internet.
Benefits of Cloud-Based Solutions
Scalability: Cloud-based solutions are highly scalable, allowing organizations to easily add more users or resources as needed without requiring significant changes to the underlying infrastructure.
Reduced IT Burden: The software provider handles all maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting, which reduces the burden on an organization’s internal IT team.
Access from Anywhere: Users can securely access the remote system from any device with an internet connection, making it ideal for remote work, traveling employees, or businesses with multiple locations.
Lower Upfront Costs: Cloud solutions typically follow a subscription-based pricing model, which means lower initial costs. Organizations pay based on usage rather than having to invest in hardware or extensive on-premise infrastructure.
Automatic Updates: Software updates and patches are automatically managed by the provider, ensuring that security vulnerabilities are addressed quickly and efficiently without any manual intervention.
Reliability: Cloud providers often offer high availability, with redundant systems, backup infrastructure, and uptime guarantees. Downtime risks are minimized, and the cloud system is typically backed by a Service Level Agreement (SLA).
Compliance and Security: Many cloud providers offer tools to help organizations comply with industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) by implementing strong security measures, like encryption, access controls, and data redundancy.
Drawbacks of Cloud-Based Solutions
Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Cloud solutions require an internet connection to access the remote system. If the internet is down, users can’t access their systems.
Data Privacy Concerns: Sensitive data is stored on third-party servers, which may raise concerns about data privacy or security, especially for highly regulated industries.
On-Premise Secure Remote Access Software
Definition: On-premise secure remote access software is installed and hosted directly on an organization’s internal infrastructure.
Benefits of On-Premise Solutions
Full Control: The organization has complete control over the infrastructure, security, and maintenance of the remote access solution, giving them more flexibility in tailoring the solution to meet specific needs.
Data Privacy and Security: With on-premise solutions, data is stored and accessed within the organization’s internal network, which can be critical for businesses dealing with highly sensitive information or operating in industries with strict data privacy regulations.
Customization: On-premise solutions can be more customizable, allowing organizations to fine-tune the solution to meet their unique security, compliance, and operational requirements.
No Dependence on Internet Connectivity: On-premise solutions can be accessed through local networks, meaning they’re less reliant on external internet connections, although secure remote access still requires a connection to the internal network.
Compliance and Control: Organizations have direct control over how the solution is configured to comply with industry-specific regulations and can manage security measures to meet their internal policies.
Drawbacks of On-Premise Solutions
Higher Upfront Costs: On-premise solutions often require significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and infrastructure, as well as ongoing maintenance and management costs.
Maintenance Burden: The organization is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure, performing software updates, managing backups, and ensuring that the system remains secure, which can place a heavy burden on the IT team.
Limited Scalability: Scaling an on-premise solution typically requires more hardware and resources, which can involve time and expense to expand the infrastructure.
Longer Setup Time: Implementing an on-premise solution can take more time compared to cloud-based options due to hardware installation, configuration, and testing.
Comparison
Feature | Cloud-Based | On-Premise |
---|---|---|
Deployment | Managed by the provider, accessed via the internet | Hosted on internal servers, within the organization’s network |
Cost Structure | Subscription-based, lower initial cost | High upfront costs for hardware and software |
Maintenance | Managed by the provider | Managed by the organization’s IT team |
Scalability | Easy to scale with minimal effort | Can be costly and time-consuming to scale |
Data Security | Depends on provider’s security protocols | Direct control over data security and storage |
Accessibility | Can be accessed from anywhere with internet | Typically requires a local network or VPN connection |
Compliance | Often includes tools for regulatory compliance | Full control over compliance configurations |
Customization | Limited customization options | Highly customizable to specific needs |
Cloud-Based Secure Remote Access Software is ideal for organizations that need a scalable, cost-effective, and easy-to-maintain solution.
On-Premise Secure Remote Access Software is better for organizations that require more control over their systems and data, or those that have strict regulatory or security requirements.
What Security Features Should You Consider?
When choosing secure remote access software, it’s crucial to evaluate its security features to ensure that your remote connections and sensitive data are properly protected.
Encryption: Encryption ensures that the data transmitted between the local and remote devices is unreadable to anyone intercepting the communication.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an additional layer of security beyond just passwords, reducing the chances of unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised.
Single Sign-On (SSO): SSO allows users to access multiple services with a single set of login credentials, streamlining the user experience and reducing the need for multiple passwords.
Granular Access Control and Permissions: Not all remote users need access to all systems or data. Granular access control helps ensure that each user has only the permissions necessary for their tasks.
Audit Logs and Monitoring: Monitoring and logging remote access activities can help detect suspicious activity, facilitate investigations, and provide a detailed history of who accessed what data and when.
Endpoint Security: The device used to access the remote network should be secure.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) Integration: A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for data to pass through, protecting it from interception when using unsecured networks (e.g., public Wi-Fi).
Session Timeout and Auto Disconnect: Leaving remote access sessions open indefinitely can expose systems to security risks, especially if a device is left unattended or compromised.
Strong Password Policies: Weak or easily guessed passwords are a common entry point for attackers. Strong password policies ensure that only secure login credentials are used.
Zero Trust Architecture: Zero Trust assumes that no one, inside or outside the network, should be trusted by default.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP tools help prevent sensitive data from being leaked or accessed by unauthorized users during remote access sessions.
Two-Way Authentication (Device Authentication): It’s important not just to authenticate the user, but also to authenticate the device being used to access the system to ensure it meets security standards.
Redundancy and Backup: Remote access solutions should ensure that data and sessions are protected even in the event of a system failure.
Summary of Key Security Features to Look For
- Encryption (AES-256, TLS/SSL)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Granular Access Control and Permissions
- Audit Logs and Monitoring
- Endpoint Security Integration
- VPN Integration
- Session Timeout/Auto Disconnect
- Strong Password Policies
- Zero Trust Architecture
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Device Authentication
- Redundancy and Backup
FAQ about Secure Remote Access Software
What is secure remote access software?
Secure remote access software allows users to connect to their work systems, networks, or devices from a remote location, while ensuring that the connection is protected by strong security protocols like encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and access control.
Why is security important in remote access?
Security is crucial because remote work involves accessing company data and systems over the internet, which exposes businesses to cyber threats like hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Secure remote access software ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information and that all data transferred is encrypted and protected.
How does encryption work in secure remote access software?
Encryption protects data by converting it into a format that can only be decoded by authorized users with the correct decryption key. In secure remote access software, encryption (e.g., AES-256 or TLS/SSL) ensures that any data transmitted between the remote and local systems is unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.
What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an added layer of security that requires users to provide two or more verification methods to access a system. This typically includes something you know (e.g., a password), something you have (e.g., a phone or hardware token), or something you are (e.g., biometrics like a fingerprint or face scan).
How does secure remote access software help businesses stay compliant with regulations?
Secure remote access software includes features like audit trails, role-based access controls, and encryption to help businesses meet regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS).
Can secure remote access software protect against cyberattacks?
Yes, secure remote access software reduces the risk of cyberattacks by using encryption to secure data in transit, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access, and offering real-time monitoring to detect suspicious activity.
What is Zero Trust Architecture, and how does it relate to remote access?
Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no one, inside or outside the network, should be trusted by default. All access requests are verified regardless of the user’s location. In remote access, Zero Trust ensures that every access request is authenticated, authorized, and encrypted, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
How can secure remote access software improve productivity in a remote work environment?
Secure remote access software enables employees to connect to their work systems from anywhere, ensuring they have access to the tools and data needed to perform their tasks.
What happens if a remote worker’s device is lost or stolen?
If a remote worker’s device is lost or stolen, secure remote access software can help mitigate the risk by using features like remote wipe, device authentication, and session timeout.
Can secure remote access software be used for IT support or troubleshooting?
Yes, many secure remote access solutions include tools for remote IT support. This allows IT personnel to access a user’s device securely to troubleshoot issues, perform maintenance, or resolve problems without needing to be physically present, all while ensuring security through encryption and authentication.
Is secure remote access software suitable for small businesses?
Absolutely! Secure remote access software is beneficial for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, it provides affordable and easy-to-deploy solutions to ensure secure remote work, protect sensitive data, and improve productivity without requiring extensive IT infrastructure or expertise.
How do secure remote access solutions impact business continuity during a crisis?
During a crisis (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics), secure remote access software ensures that employees can continue working from home or other safe locations without disrupting business operations.
Key takeaways
Secure remote access software has become a vital tool for businesses navigating the evolving world of remote and hybrid work.
If you’re considering a secure remote access solution, make sure to prioritize security features, ease of use, and scalability to ensure long-term success for your business and your employees.