Employee Remote Access Capabilities

This question asks whether your employees can connect to customer systems from outside the customer's network - for support, maintenance, or any other reason. Universities want to understand: 'Can your staff get into our systems from their homes or offices, and if so, how is this controlled?'

Remote access capability affects both security posture and support quality. While it enables faster problem resolution and reduces travel costs, it also introduces security risks that concern universities. Clear remote access policies and controls can differentiate you from competitors who either can't provide remote support (increasing costs) or have loose security practices (increasing risk). The ability to provide secure, audited remote support can justify premium pricing and SLA commitments.

The biggest mistake is having informal or undocumented remote access practices. 'We use TeamViewer when needed' terrifies security teams. Another pitfall is not distinguishing between capability and practice - just because you can access systems remotely doesn't mean you always do. Be clear about when, why, and how remote access occurs, and what controls are in place.