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Enhancing Content Management with Scalefusion FileDock for Windows Devices

Imagine you’re an IT administrator at a rapidly growing tech firm. Each day, you juggle the demands of securely managing and distributing a vast array of digital content across hundreds of devices; the pressure is uncanny.

According to a recent study, the global mobile content management market, valued at USD 2.48 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2% from 2023 to 2030[1]. In such a dynamic scenario, efficient content management is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Windows content management

Enter Scalefusion FileDock, an innovative application designed to streamline content management on Windows devices. This powerful tool extends Scalefusion’s kiosk feature set, providing a secure gateway for IT admins to upload, manage, and distribute content seamlessly from a central dashboard.

This blog will explore how FileDock revolutionizes enterprise content management, its key features, and real-world applications. Discover how this essential tool can enhance your organization’s efficiency and security in the ever-evolving modern workspace.

What is Scalefusion FileDock?

Let’s understand the core concept of Scalefusion FileDock for Windows.

FileDock’s Primary Function

Scalefusion FileDock is an enterprise application designed to enhance content management on managed Windows devices. It serves as a secure gateway, allowing IT administrators to upload, manage, and distribute content directly from the Scalefusion dashboard to managed Windows devices. By integrating seamlessly with the Scalefusion ecosystem, FileDock ensures that any content uploaded via the Windows content management module is accessible only through the FileDock app on the device, maintaining high security and control over distributed content.

Core Features

a. Secure Content Upload and Distribution

FileDock provides a secure platform for uploading various types of content, including files, folders, presentations, and multimedia. Once uploaded, content is distributed over the air directly to the devices, ensuring that all data remains secure during transmission.

b. Content Categorization

FileDock categorizes content into different types such as documents, pictures, videos, music, and others. This categorization simplifies content organization and retrieval for end-users, allowing them to quickly find and access the necessary files.

c. User-friendly Interface

The FileDock application features an intuitive interface similar to traditional file explorers. It includes:

  • Menu Bar: Options to sync files, view logs, and access help.
  • Left Panel: Lists file categories.
  • Main Section: Displays the list of files based on selected categories.
  • Toolbar: Includes search, filter, and sync options.
  • Status Bar: Shows the total number of items and other relevant information.

d. Advanced Security Features

FileDock enhances security by restricting content sharing, applying file expiry settings, and supporting secure content distribution protocols. Administrators can define additional locations for file storage and set specific expiry periods to ensure content is automatically removed after a certain time.

e. Remote Management Capabilities

FileDock allows IT admins to manage content remotely, making it ideal for distributed work environments. Admins can push updates, publish new content, and manage existing files without needing physical access to the devices.

f. Presentation Mode for Digital Signage

In addition to content management, FileDock can run presentations and turn Windows devices into digital signage kiosks. This feature is useful for marketing and information dissemination in public spaces.

Content Management with FileDock

Let’s discover how you can efficiently manage content with FileDock.

1. Empowering IT Administrators

FileDock revolutionizes how IT administrators manage and distribute content across multiple devices from a centralized location. Using the Scalefusion dashboard, admins can effortlessly push new content, manage existing files, and update applications on all enrolled devices. This centralized control eliminates the need for physical access, making content management efficient and seamless.

2. Streamlined Content Delivery

FileDock allows IT admins to remotely transfer files to Windows desktops. This means that whether it’s a critical information update, a company-wide policy document, or training materials, admins can ensure that all devices receive the necessary content without delay. This capability is crucial for maintaining operational consistency and ensuring all users have the latest resources.

3. Real-Time Updates

One of the standout features of FileDock is the ability to perform real-time updates. This ensures that all managed devices are always up-to-date with the latest content. The endpoint users can access required content instantly with FileDock, avoiding unwanted delays.

4. Enhanced Security Protocols

FileDock places a strong emphasis on security, incorporating advanced protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Admins can control who has access to what content, setting permissions and restrictions to prevent unauthorized sharing or viewing. This is particularly important for protecting proprietary information and ensuring that sensitive data does not fall into the wrong hands.

5. Granular Control with File Expiry

To further enhance security, FileDock allows admins to set expiry dates for files. This means that content will automatically become inaccessible after a specified period, reducing the risk of outdated or sensitive information lingering on devices. This feature is particularly useful for managing temporary projects or time-sensitive information that should not remain accessible indefinitely.

6. Customized Download Locations

IT admins can define custom locations for downloading files, providing an additional layer of control over where data is stored. This flexibility allows organizations to enforce data storage and access policies, ensuring that files are stored in secure, approved locations and reducing the risk of data breaches.

7. Comprehensive Audit Trails

FileDock also supports comprehensive logging and audit trails, enabling IT admins to track all content-related activities. This includes who accessed which files, when updates were made, and any changes to permissions or settings. These logs are invaluable for maintaining accountability and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Real-world Applications of FileDock App

Scalefusion’s FileDock app provides numerous advantages to different industries. Let’s explore them one by one.

1. Healthcare

Managing sensitive patient information and ensuring regulatory compliance is crucial in healthcare. FileDock enables healthcare providers to securely distribute and manage patient records, treatment plans, and medical imaging files. Hospitals can push updated protocols to Windows devices, ensuring staff have immediate access to the latest information, improving patient care and streamlining operations.

2. Education

Educational institutions benefit by efficiently managing and distributing content to students and faculty. Universities can push curriculum updates, lecture notes, and multimedia content directly to students’ Windows laptops and desktops, ensuring consistent access to necessary resources and enhancing the learning experience.

3. Retail

Timely and accurate information is vital in retail. FileDock enables retail chains to manage and distribute product information, training materials, and promotional content to store computers. Retailers can push new product information and training videos to store devices simultaneously, ensuring employees are well-informed and providing a consistent customer experience.

4. Vehicle Fleet Management

Real-time data and updates are essential in vehicle fleet management. FileDock helps fleet managers distribute important information such as route changes, maintenance schedules, and compliance documents to vehicles equipped with Windows tablets or laptops. This improves operational efficiency and ensures the fleet operates within regulatory guidelines.

5. Corporate Offices

Large corporations can standardize communication and content distribution. FileDock allows businesses to push corporate policies, training materials, and announcements to all Windows desktops and laptops, ensuring every employee has access to the same information. This is particularly beneficial for compliance with company policies and onboarding new employees.

The Future is Now with Scalefusion FileDock

As the business perspective evolves, staying ahead requires tools that are not just functional but transformative. Scalefusion FileDock is not just another content management solution—it’s a gateway to a more efficient, secure, and streamlined way of handling your digital content assets. Imagine a world where every file, every update, and every piece of critical information is just a click away, securely delivered to all your devices, no matter where they are.

With Scalefusion FileDock, the future of content management is not just a possibility; it’s here. Embrace the power of seamless integration, strong security, and unparalleled efficiency. Ready to revolutionize how you manage content? The next step is yours to take.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Scalefusion
Scalefusion’s company DNA is built on the foundation of providing world-class customer service and making endpoint management simple and effortless for businesses globally. We prioritize the needs and feedback of our customers, making sure that they are at the forefront of all decision-making processes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive customer support services, and place emphasis on customer-centric thinking throughout the organization.

How a BYOD Policy is Protecting Your Organization

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, organizations are increasingly adopting “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) policies. Allowing employees to use their personal devices for work fosters flexibility and boosts productivity. However, without a well-structured approach, BYOD can expose organizations to numerous cybersecurity risks. A strong BYOD policy is not just a set of guidelines; it’s a critical framework designed to protect sensitive data, mitigate threats, and ensure compliance. By recognizing the importance of a comprehensive BYOD policy, organizations can turn potential vulnerabilities into fortified defenses. 

Understanding the Imperative for a BYOD Policy

In today’s increasingly mobile and remote working environments, the surge in BYOD adoption is both a boon and a bane for organizations. While employees relish the convenience and flexibility, these advantages are counterbalanced by heightened cybersecurity risks. Without a rigorous BYOD policy, personal devices can become conduits for cyber threats, jeopardizing organizational integrity. A well-structured BYOD policy delineates clear guidelines for device usage, data access, and security protocols, establishing a mutual understanding of responsibilities. This clarity is pivotal in fostering a culture of accountability, wherein employees recognize the gravity of protecting sensitive information. Knowing the dos and don’ts, employees are less likely to inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities, though often times employees use personal devices for work regardless of their organization’s rules or policies regarding BYOD. Furthermore, a BYOD policy acts as a strategic framework for identifying and mitigating risks specific to personal devices. Different devices, operating systems, and applications present unique threats that must be meticulously assessed. With this granular understanding, organizations can implement tailored security measures that substantially reduce the risk of breaches. Equally important is the policy’s role in harmonizing technological defenses with human behavior. An effective BYOD policy ensures that security measures are seamlessly integrated into daily operations, reinforcing the organization’s overall cybersecurity architecture. By embedding the BYOD policy into the core cybersecurity strategy, organizations can better prepare for and respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, safeguarding their digital assets and operational continuity.

Mitigating Cyber Threats Through Stringent BYOD Measures

To bolster an organization’s defenses, a BYOD policy must encompass rigorous measures designed to mitigate cyber threats. Central to this strategy is the enforcement of strong authentication protocols. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions empower IT teams to remotely monitor, manage, and secure employee devices. 87% of companies rely on employee access to mobile business apps via personal smartphones. MDM facilitates the enforcement of encryption standards, the installation of critical security updates, and the remote wiping of data from lost or compromised devices. These capabilities are essential for ensuring that all personal devices adhere to the organization’s stringent security criteria. Equally critical is the provision of comprehensive cybersecurity training for employees. Awareness training educates staff on recognizing potential threats such as phishing attempts and malware infections, fostering a culture of vigilance and proactive defense. By equipping employees with this knowledge, organizations fortify their cybersecurity posture, leveraging human awareness as a key component of their defense strategy. Additionally, implementing endpoint protection measures, such as antivirus software and firewalls, is crucial in shielding personal devices from malware and other malicious attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and rectify potential weak points within the BYOD framework. These stringent measures, when seamlessly integrated into a cohesive BYOD policy, create a fortified digital environment where both technological defenses and human awareness coalesce to safeguard organizational integrity against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Aligning BYOD Policy with Cybersecurity Compliance Standards

In a regulatory environment where adherence to stringent standards is crucial, aligning a BYOD policy with prevailing cybersecurity compliance mandates is indispensable. Organizations are obligated to ensure their BYOD policies conform to rigorous frameworks such as the GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, among others. By embedding these regulatory requirements into the fabric of the BYOD policy, organizations can preemptively mitigate legal and financial risks. Key elements such as data encryption, secure access controls, and stringent authentication measures are not just best practices but often legally mandated. These components, when integrated into the BYOD policy, not only bolster security but also ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations. The dynamic nature of compliance requires that organizations adopt a continuous improvement mindset. Regular audits and evaluations of the BYOD policy are essential to maintain alignment with evolving regulatory landscapes and emerging cyber threats. This proactive stance allows organizations to stay ahead of compliance requirements while reinforcing their cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, organizations should consider the synergies between their BYOD policies and broader cybersecurity strategies. By creating a cohesive, compliance-driven approach, organizations can achieve a unified defense mechanism that simultaneously satisfies regulatory demands and fortifies their security posture. Integrating automation into compliance processes further enhances the ability to swiftly adapt to new regulations, thereby ensuring continuous adherence without compromising operational efficiency.

Leveraging Automation in Enforcing BYOD Policies

To keep pace with the escalating sophistication of cyber threats, automation must be integral to enforcing BYOD policies. Automated solutions elevate the efficiency and efficacy of managing personal devices by providing real-time visibility into device compliance. These systems can instantly identify non-compliant devices, prompting swift corrective actions that preclude potential security breaches. Automation also enhances incident response capabilities. When a threat is detected, automated protocols can isolate affected devices, curtailing the spread of malicious activity and minimizing damage. This rapid response is crucial in maintaining organizational integrity against an ever-evolving threat landscape. Further, automating updates and security patches ensures that all devices are continuously protected against the latest vulnerabilities. This eliminates the latency inherent in manual updates, which can expose the organization to unnecessary risks. By maintaining a state of perpetual readiness, organizations not only enhance their security posture but also make optimal use of their cybersecurity budgets. The synergy between automation and BYOD policies extends to regulatory compliance as well. Automated systems can streamline adherence to various cybersecurity standards, ensuring that devices consistently meet compliance requirements. This not only reduces the administrative burden but also fortifies the organization’s defense mechanisms. Embracing automation in BYOD policy enforcement positions organizations to proactively counteract emerging threats, safeguarding their digital ecosystem while optimizing resource allocation. Factors such as the spread of 5G internet access and employee privacy concerns will affect how BYOD might change in the future.

 

Conclusion

A well-structured BYOD policy is essential for balancing flexibility and security in today’s digital landscape. By establishing clear guidelines, enforcing stringent security measures, and aligning with compliance standards, organizations can protect their sensitive data while fostering productivity. Automation further enhances these efforts by streamlining enforcement and response processes, ensuring that organizations remain agile in the face of evolving cyber threats. With the right BYOD strategy, businesses can turn potential vulnerabilities into opportunities for stronger, more resilient cybersecurity frameworks.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Scale Computing Named in 2024 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Data Center Infrastructure Technologies

INDIANAPOLIS – September 18, 2024 — Scale Computing, a market leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions, today announced it has been recognized as a Sample Vendor in the 2024 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Data Center Infrastructure Technologies. We feel this acknowledgment underscores Scale Computing’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of modern data centers.

As organizations increasingly embrace digital transformation, the demand for efficient, resilient, and sustainable data center infrastructure has never been greater. Gartner says, “By 2028, 40% of data center infrastructure will be managed through a cloud-based control plane, an increase from less than 15% in 2023. By 2028, more than 70% of enterprises will alter their data center strategies, due to limited energy supplies, a major increase from less than 5% in 2023.” The Gartner Hype Cycle report highlights the latest innovations designed to help IT leaders enhance business technology platforms and achieve these goals by devising sustainable, secure, scalable, agile, and resilient data center infrastructure at an acceptable cost.

“Scale Computing has long been dedicated to developing innovative solutions that empower businesses to meet their goals in an increasingly complex IT environment,” stated Jeff Ready, CEO and co-founder of Scale Computing. “We are honored to be recognized as a Sample Vendor in the 2024 Gartner Hype Cycle for Data Center Infrastructure Technologies, which provides a valuable framework for IT leaders to understand new technologies and their potential impact on their businesses. To us, this recognition validates our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to optimize their data center operations and drive digital innovation.”

Scale Computing Platform brings together simplicity and scalability, replacing existing infrastructure to empower enterprises to run applications and process data outside centralized data centers, at the edge of their networks, closest to where data is created and utilized. With Scale Computing Fleet Manager, the industry’s first cloud-hosted monitoring and management tool built for hyperconverged edge computing infrastructure at scale, customers can quickly identify areas of concern using a single pane of glass, scaling from 1 to over 50,000 clusters. Zero-touch provisioning enables administrators to centrally monitor and manage hundreds or thousands of distributed edge infrastructure deployments with minimal or no on-site IT personnel.

Gartner Hype Cycle reports provide a visual depiction of the maturity and adoption of applications and technologies, providing business leaders with a roadmap for understanding how these technologies are expected to evolve over time. ​​The reports offer insights into the potential of emerging technologies within industries, allowing enterprises to assess their risk tolerance on an individual basis. IT leaders can leverage Hype Cycle reports to uncover the real drivers of a technology’s commercial promise, reduce the risk of technology investment decisions, and assess a technology’s business value objectively based on data from experienced IT analysts. The latest report covers the five phases in the Hype Cycle: Technology Trigger, Peak of Inflated Expectations, Trough of Disillusionment, Slope of Enlightenment, and Plateau of Productivity.

For complimentary access to the 2024 Gartner Hype Cycle for Data Center Infrastructure Technologies and to read the thoughts and expertise of the Gartner analysts who authored the report, visit the Scale Computing website.

Gartner, Hype Cycle for Data Center Infrastructure, by Henrique Cecci, Philip Dawson, 27 June 2024.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark, and HYPE CYCLE is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Scale Computing 
Scale Computing is a leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions. Scale Computing HC3 software eliminates the need for traditional virtualization software, disaster recovery software, servers, and shared storage, replacing these with a fully integrated, highly available system for running applications. Using patented HyperCore™ technology, the HC3 self-healing platform automatically identifies, mitigates, and corrects infrastructure problems in real-time, enabling applications to achieve maximum uptime. When ease-of-use, high availability, and TCO matter, Scale Computing HC3 is the ideal infrastructure platform. Read what our customers have to say on Gartner Peer Insights, Spiceworks, TechValidate and TrustRadius.

RDP security: The impact of secure defaults and legacy protocols

Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a commonly used technology for providing a remote Windows graphical environment. RDS use cases range from merely enabling remote server management all the way to providing full Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) for enterprises. In this blog, we’ll explore how the network level security controls have evolved to address risks, the reasons why defaults can impact an environment’s security, and using runZero to audit your environment.

In the beginning (abridged)

In 1995, before RDS, Citrix released a multi-user remote desktop product called WinFrame, based on Windows NT 3.51. This was promising enough that Microsoft later licensed the core technology from Citrix and used it to build a product called Terminal Services. It was first released in 1998 as Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition. In Windows 2000, Terminal Services became a standard Windows feature. After that, nearly every version of Windows Server improved on RDS in some way.

The network protocol used for communication between the RDS client and server is called Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The protocol evolved alongside the RDS changes and was the impetus for various improvements. Many of the security controls discussed in this blog are changes to RDP.

Not remotely secure

It will likely surprise no one that a protocol and corresponding implementations from the 1990s and early 2000s had security problems. The impact of these problems grew over time as more organizations started exposing the RDS services directly on the Internet. Some organizations were doing this to enable remote management of servers while others were hosting applications and other services for clients.

The major issues that we’re going to cover here are:

Information disclosure

When a client connected to RDS they would be presented a login screen. By default, the login screen often displayed a list of recent users and Windows Domain or Active Directory that the server was part of. This information could then be used in brute force attacks.

FIGURE 1 – Legacy RDS pre-login screen

Brute force attacks

The client side of the RDP protocol required minimal resources and there were no controls in place to stop attackers from using tools such as Hydra or Ncrack to test various username and password combinations in order to discover valid credentials. While Administrators could configure Windows policies to lock out accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts this precaution often wasn’t enforced for Administrator accounts – admins always had login access.

Denial of service

During the initial client connection and prior to authentication, the server provisioned an entire desktop environment before beginning the login process. This meant that attackers could easily create a resource-exhaustion situation by simply opening a large number of sessions. This could happen accidentally as part of an effort to brute force credentials.

Machine-in-the-Middle

The early versions of RDP were susceptible to Machine-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks that could enable decryption or modification of RDS session data. They used a form of authentication that is now known to have many weaknesses. The encryption used was a stream cipher named RC4. At the time RC4 was commonly used in various protocols such as WEP, WPA, SSL, and TLS. Today, however, it is known to be broken by multiple techniques and the key sizes are such that modern computers make short work of them. It became so risky that RFC 7465 was drafted in 2015 to prohibit RC4’s use in all TLS versions. Further compounding the RDS risks, RDP allowed keys sizes as small as 40 bits in order to comply with US cryptographic export restrictions.

The issues with authentication didn’t end there. Microsoft’s implementation of the key exchange protocol depended on the client and server creating and exchanging random values. The server’s random value was sent unencrypted over the network. The server also provided a public RSA key that could be used by the client to encrypt the client’s random value so that only the server could read it. Unfortunately, Microsoft baked the same public-private RSA key pair into every RDS host. This key was, predictably, extracted and made public. With that information attackers with network access to RDS communications could decrypt the data and extract authentication and session information. Advanced attackers in the correct network position could intercept and monitor or modify an RDS session in real time.

Shoring up defenses

With the release of Windows 2003 Service Pack 1, Microsoft introduced the ability to use TLS, which addressed the issue of machine-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks by enabling the use of significantly more robust encryption cipher suites and key exchange protocols. This also enabled the protocol to take advantage of improvements in TLS over time instead of being locked into a single algorithm. Additionally, TLS allows clients to cryptographically verify they were connecting to the expected server.

In Windows Server 2008, Microsoft introduced Network Level Authentication (NLA), which required users to authenticate themselves before a session would be established. NLA forced authentication to occur after the TLS handshake, but before the console was provisioned, which mitigated the resource-exhaustion concerns, reduced information leakage, and significantly impaired brute-force attacks. Since information leakage was reduced attackers could no longer collect the names of users, but they could still access the Windows hostname and domain information via the CredSSP authentication process. However, this is still an overall improvement in security. There is one downside to requiring NLA – users can no longer authenticate and change expired passwords. This functionality has to be provided via another mechanism such as a Remote Desktop Gateway.

When configuring RDS in Windows Server 2008, administrators had the option to require NLA for all connections or to allow the client to decide. Starting with Windows Server 2012, however, NLA was required by default to improve security across Windows environments.

Real world impact of NLA by default

We explored our data to determine if requiring NLA by default had a real world impact. In other words, do we see a significant percentage of assets where a less secure option has been enabled for Window Server 2012 and beyond?

The chart below shows the overall percentage of specific Windows operating systems (OS) in our data as well as the breakdown of NLA is enforcement.

FIGURE 2 – Operating system distribution for RDP NLA enforcement.

As the results illustrate, the majority of RDS on Windows Server versions where NLA is required by default do, in fact, require NLA. This is great news. It indicates that secure defaults can have a positive impact on security posture. Another takeaway is that more modern environments are less likely to operational or compatibility requirements that force less secure configurations. An argument could be made that the NLA requirement being disabled by default on Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2 shows up in the results as well, but this state may be influenced by those servers being more likely to have legacy or third-party clients that don’t support NLA.

We also reviewed the OS distribution of services that did not permit using NLA at all. This list is dominated by Red Hat Enterprise Linux and its various derivatives running the xrdp RDP service. The xrdp service does not currently support NLA, so these results are not surprising. However, we were encouraged to find so few results for Microsoft Windows machines without NLA support that the number is not statistically significant.

FIGURE 3 – Operating system distribution for RDP without NLA support.

Using runZero to audit RDP configurations

At runZero we put a tremendous amount of effort into trying to extract as much information from scan targets as possible, particularly if the information can help us understand the security posture of the device. From RDS services this includes enumerating all of the RDP authentication mechanisms that target supports. Explore our recommendations to audit RDP configurations in your environment.

Attributes of interest

We store RDP authentication attributes on the RDP service of an asset with the prefix rdp.auth. Here are the attributes that can be used to audit your environment to check to see if NLA is enabled or required as well as if standard, legacy RDP authentication is still enabled:

  • rdp.auth.nla – a value of supported indicates that the target supports NLA (this is good!).

  • rdp.auth.rdp – a value of supported indicates that the target still allows authentication using the legacy RDP mechanism. (Red flag. It should only really be required if you have very old clients that still need to connect).

  • rdp.auth.ssl – a value of supported indicates that the target still allows authentication using the TLS. (Somewhere in the middle. This is better than legacy RDP but still weaker than NLA).

In rdp.auth.rdp and rdp.auth.ssl a value of ERROR_HYBRID_REQUIRED_BY_SERVER indicates that the authentication mechanism is not supported and NLA is required. This is the desired state.

Within runZero you can use a Service inventory search to audit your environment. To find assets supporting legacy RDP authentication you can use the following search criteria:

protocol:rdp and _service.rdp.auth.rdp:="supported"

To find assets supporting either legacy RDP or SSL the following Service inventory search criteria can be used:

protocol:rdp and (_service.rdp.auth.rdp:="supported" OR _service.rdp.auth.ssl:="supported")

A glance into the near future

An interesting recent development is the introduction of Remote Desktop (using the RDP protocol) to both the Gnome and KDE desktop environments. In both cases Remote Desktop is a full fledged, native feature. Based on the currently released code, it appears that the implementations support NLA and do not support either the legacy RDP or SSL protocols. We will be monitoring the growth of these implementations over time and look forward to sharing more insight on that in the future.

Final Thoughts

Thankfully, the security of Microsoft’s RDS has improved over time. As with many such improvements, the benefits are lost if the new features are not implemented. In this case, Microsoft made the pragmatic decision for the most secure option to also be the default and we can measure the real world impact. In short, secure-by-default matters.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About runZero
runZero, a network discovery and asset inventory solution, was founded in 2018 by HD Moore, the creator of Metasploit. HD envisioned a modern active discovery solution that could find and identify everything on a network–without credentials. As a security researcher and penetration tester, he often employed benign ways to get information leaks and piece them together to build device profiles. Eventually, this work led him to leverage applied research and the discovery techniques developed for security and penetration testing to create runZero.

Beyond Passwords: Securing Access on BYOD with Single Sign-On

How frustrating is managing multiple logins across devices during your workday? A lot, right? First, you’re constantly trying to remember multiple passwords. Then you face interruptions like password resets, multiple authentication prompts, or security checks every time you switch between your laptop, phone, or tablet, slowing down your productivity. This kind of friction is common in workplaces that have adopted Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.

What about this on a company-wide scale? Employees waste time logging in repeatedly, managing passwords across multiple devices, or worse, reusing the same passwords across platforms. 44% or more of employees globally reuse passwords, which opens up significant security risks.[1] For businesses dependent on BYOD, this is a ticking bomb of productivity loss and security vulnerabilities.

Securing BYOD Access With Single Sign-on SSO
Securing Access on BYOD with SSO 

This is where Single Sign-On (SSO) comes in. With SSO, employees can securely log in just once, regardless of the device, and access all their authorized apps and systems without needing to enter passwords repeatedly.

By integrating BYOD with SSO, companies can save employees valuable time and reduce the risk of security breaches from weak or reused passwords.

The Impact and Downsides of a BYOD Setup

In a BYOD setup, employees often use multiple apps and services, each requiring its own password. This can lead to a lot of frustrations and lost productivity, not to mention lapses in security. When people have to remember so many passwords, they tend to pick weak ones or reuse them across different accounts. A staggering 81% of data breaches are linked to compromised passwords, according to Verizon.[2] This makes the issue quite serious.

For IT teams, dealing with this password overload is no small task. Managing countless passwords, making sure they’re updated regularly, and handling password reset requests can be incredibly time-consuming. This not only increases the risk of security breaches but also frustrates employees, leading to lower productivity and more frequent IT support issues. The complexity of managing passwords in a BYOD environment can really take a toll on both security and efficiency.

Single Sign-On: Simplifying the User Experience

SSO is a master key that unlocks all the doors you need. Once logged in through an SSO system, users can access multiple applications without having to log in separately for each one.

How SSO Works:

  • Unified Access: Users authenticate once through a central login page and gain access to various applications and services. This means no more juggling multiple passwords or facing login barriers throughout the day.
  • Reduced Password Fatigue: By minimizing the number of passwords employees need to remember, SSO reduces the temptation to use weak or reused passwords. This simple change can significantly enhance overall security.
  • Streamlined User Experience: SSO provides a smoother and faster login process, enhancing productivity and reducing frustration. Employees can spend more time focusing on their work rather than dealing with login issues.

Consider an employee at a marketing firm who needs to access their email, project management tool, and CRM system. Without SSO, they would need to enter different credentials for each application, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. With SSO, a single login grants them access to all these systems, saving time and reducing the risk of login-related security issues.

How SSO Strengthens BYOD Security

Managing security across various devices and applications can be next to impossible in a BYOD environment, which is heavily fragmented by device/OS diversity. SSO offers a streamlined way to ensure secure access to corporate apps without compromising user experience.

By allowing employees to authenticate once and gain access to all necessary systems through a single set of credentials, SSO simplifies the login process and eliminates the need for multiple passwords. But beyond convenience, SSO provides critical security enhancements that address many of the vulnerabilities introduced by BYOD policies.

Here’s how SSO strengthens BYOD security:

  • Reduced Risk of Password Fatigue: By allowing employees to use just one set of credentials, SSO reduces the likelihood of weak or reused passwords, a common security risk. Fewer passwords mean fewer entry points for hackers.
  • Centralized Access Control: With SSO, IT teams have a single point of control to manage who can access which applications and resources. This means more consistent security policies across devices and the ability to monitor and adjust access in real time.
  • Improved Monitoring and Auditing: SSO systems typically include detailed reporting and monitoring features. IT can track who is accessing what, when, and from where, making it easier to identify suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Integration: SSO often works hand-in-hand with MFA, adding an extra layer of security. Even if someone gains access to an employee’s password, MFA ensures they can’t access systems without a second verification step, such as a fingerprint or one-time code.
  • Faster Response to Security Threats: With centralized access, IT teams can swiftly revoke or adjust permissions across all applications if a security threat is detected, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The Industry and Geographic Perspective on BYOD and SSO

The approach to BYOD and SSO varies across industries and regions, reflecting different challenges and strategies.

Industries

  • Healthcare: Protecting patient data is foremost in healthcare. SSO simplifies access to electronic health records (EHRs) and other medical systems, ensuring that healthcare professionals can efficiently access necessary information without compromising security. By centralizing login processes, enforcing SSO helps maintain security, in turn maintaining compliance with regulations like HIPAA while reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Education: Educational institutions often have diverse user groups, including students, teachers, and administrative staff, all needing access to various platforms. SSO provides a unified access point, simplifying the login process and enhancing security across educational tools and systems. It also helps protect student identity online by managing access centrally.
  • Finance: The financial sector faces strict regulations and high-security requirements. SSO solutions here integrate with advanced security measures, such as MFA and risk-based authentication, to secure financial transactions and sensitive data. By streamlining access management, financial institutions can meet compliance requirements while protecting against fraud and unauthorized access.

Regional Variations

  • North America and Europe: These regions are at the forefront of adopting advanced security measures, including SSO and Zero Trust frameworks, particularly due to widespread BYOD policies. 73% of organizations in North America have a defined Zero Trust initiative in place, which heavily relies on secure access management strategies like SSO.[3] The rise of remote work and stringent data protection laws, such as GDPR in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act, have further driven SSO adoption. As organizations prioritize securing both internal and external access, SSO has become essential in mitigating password-related risks and ensuring compliance.
  • Emerging Markets: The adoption of SSO is on the rise as BYOD policies and remote work become more commonplace in emerging markets. While cost and infrastructure limitations have historically slowed down initial adoption, the growth in demand for secure access management systems is undeniable. The global SSO market, valued at USD 3.51 billion in 2022, is expected to grow to USD 10.80 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 13.3%​.[4] This indicates a broader trend of increasing reliance on SSO across various markets, including emerging ones. As these regions mature technologically, SSO will play an essential role in managing secure access, especially in BYOD environments where simplifying authentication across devices is required.

BYOD Security with Scalefusion OneIdP’s SSO

Whether it’s a BYOD setup or a traditional office environment, securing access across various devices is vital. Scalefusion helps enterprise IT teams enforce corporate policies on work apps and resources on BYO devices. Further with Scalefusion OneIdP’s SSO solution, IT teams can ensure that employees can securely access multiple apps with a single login, regardless of using personal laptops, smartphones, or tablets.

Scalefusion OneIdP simplifies user authentication and also strengthens security with centralized access control, integration with multi-factor authentication (MFA), and real-time access monitoring. This eliminates password fatigue, reduces entry points for attacks, and enhances productivity by ensuring that employees can access the tools they need quickly and securely.

Contact our experts and schedule a demo to learn more about Scalefusion OneIdP.

References:

  1. Dashlane
  2. Silicon
  3. Okta
  4. SkyQuest

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Scalefusion
Scalefusion’s company DNA is built on the foundation of providing world-class customer service and making endpoint management simple and effortless for businesses globally. We prioritize the needs and feedback of our customers, making sure that they are at the forefront of all decision-making processes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive customer support services, and place emphasis on customer-centric thinking throughout the organization.

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