Microsoft DirectAccess – Secure Remote Access Solution.

Microsoft DirectAccess in Windows 7 and 8.1 have both been certified as meeting the equivalent of Foundation Grade requirements, as described in the IPsec Client SC CESG document.

With many organisations moving towards a mobile and flexible working strategy, the need for secure remote access is ever increasing. Implementing a secure solution that is not only certified by CESG for PSN, convenient and easy to use for businesses, is a cost effective solution, and at the same time upholds confidentiality, Integrity and availability is always going to be a challenge.

Welcome DirectAccess.

Microsoft DirectAccess in Windows 7 and 8.1 have both been certified as meeting the equivalent of Foundation Grade requirements, as described in the IPsec Client SC CESG document, when using DirectAccess to connect to Windows Server 2012 R2. This means that DirectAccess can be used by government office’s for OFFICIAL and OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE business.

Microsoft’s DirectAccess remote access technology allows for a secure seamless and transparent always on network connection back to the corporate environment. It uses a collection of widely deployed industry standard protocols for its connection. Authentication occurs at several stages of the multi-tunnel IPSec connection and uses a combination of digital certificates, NTLM and Kerberos. Clients are configured through group policy. A specific set of CPA customisations are needed to configure DirectAccess in order to be compliant in CESG assured manner.

DirectAccess commonly already falls under many organisations ‘Microsoft Premier Agreement’ making it a cost effective viable solution to deliver. However you should always check with your Technical Account Manager that this is the case for your organisation.

Here at Aristi our cyber security consultants can review your Remote Access Architectural Design of DirectAccess and verify that its configuration falls in line with CESG PSN coco framework to keep your information secure.

If you have any queries regarding its implementation or security implications for your organisation we can offer advice.

To discuss your requirements in more detail please contact Martyn on 0121 222 5630 or email martyn.butcher@aristi.co.uk.