That's just fine, but in addition to this, getting a connection to your computer from somewhere out on the internet involves some 'jiggery pokery' and tweaking of your systems. This is where the various options become more of a minefield to the uninitiated.
The most common ways of overcoming this are as follows:
Network Address Translation (NAT) configuration of your existing broadband router
This method is the simplest and is usually used by people who are unfamiliar with security risks. It offers anyone with internet access to attempt to log into your PC. Any vulnerabilities on your computer could be exploited to gain access. Even without hacking, your system is only protected by one username and password combination. There are password cracking applications freely available on the internet that could allow someone into your PC in no time. What they do to your PC and it's data is then out of your control. Subscription to a Web Based Connection
In an effort to strengthen the security of remotely connecting to your PC, some companies have developed web based methods. In general, this usually involves installing a program on your Office PC. Then, when you're away from the office, you get an internet connection, browse to a web site, log in to the web site and then you are offered the ability to connect to your PC. The major flaw in this system is the fact that a key-logging virus or similar program (these are more common than you might think!) could capture your username and password as you to log in. This information then enables a hacker to log in as if they were you. Cyber Cafes are prime targets for this method of hacking. Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
To the rescue comes the IPSEC VPN. There are various different types of VPN but the most common is IPSEC. This system uses a complicated set of algorithms to build an encrypted 'tunnel' through the internet. The basic idea is that the remote computer shares a collection of secrets with your office's broadband router. When the remote computer attempts to connect, it is challenged for these secrets. If the remote computer offers answers that match the ones in the router, then the connection is allowed. The VPN link does not require the user to type in a password and therefore, nothing can be logged by viruses, trojans, malware etc. At this point, the remote computer can attempt to establish a connection with your office computer using the previously described Remote Desktop Connection (RDP).
In this explanation, we described the remote computer communicating with the local router. However, this is also something that can be configured to suite the circumstances. For instance, you could have two offices connected by an IPSEC VPN between their routers. This means that any computer at Office1 could connect to any computer at Office2.
Alternatively, using a mixture of NAT, VPN and an even higher standard of authentication called SSL, a remote computer could establish a secure connection directly to a computer or a number of computers within the local Office from any internet connection. In addition to the series of protocols that must match, this system uses client certificate files that have to be issued by the host computer. A password may also be assigned to this to further strengthen the security. One of the benefits of this system is that there is usually no need to upgrade your office's router as most routers are already compatible.
So ... your options are:
- NAT configuration of your existing router
- Subscription based web connection service
- Router-to-Router IPSEC VPN configuration
- Computer-to-Router IPSEC VPN configuration
- Computer-to-Computer SSL VPN configuration
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NAT Configuration |
Web Connection |
Router to Router VPN |
PC to Router VPN |
PC to PC
VPN |
| Port-Scan Hacker Prevention |
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| Key-logging prevention |
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| Access from any PC |
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- |
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| WiFi Hotspot compatible |
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| 3G mobile compatible |
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Depends on Network Provider |
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| GPRS mobile compatible |
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Depends on Network Provider |
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| Ability to connect to more than 1 PC as standard |
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| Expandable to connect to more than 1 PC |
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Security Rating
(5 = highest) |
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| Setup Cost |
£75 |
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£150 |
£150 |
£250 |
| Hardware Cost |
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£300
(2x VPN Routers) |
£150
(1x VPN Router) |
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| Software Cost |
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£30 |
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| Estimated Monthly Cost |
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£12 per month per PC |
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Estimated Lifetime Cost
(4 years) |
£75 |
£576 |
£450 |
£330 |
£250 |
| Overall Rating |
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Our Recommendation: "PC to PC VPN"
To us, this is the clear winner. It offers the most flexibility whilst remaining secure by utilising the high level SSL certificate techniques.
We can usually install PC-to-PC VPN systems remotely within minutes.
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How much time do you spend traveling to and from the office?
Would it be cheaper and less stressful to work from home?
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Save TIME!
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You could achieve all of this for a one-off hit of just £250
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0800 9752845
All prices exclude VAT |
