Secure Remote Access Solutions, Built for IT Teams and MSPs

Modern IT environments demand secure remote access to protect data, meet compliance requirements, and maintain uninterrupted operations. This guide explores what secure remote access is, why it matters for MSP remote monitoring and management, and how peer-to-peer remote access outperforms traditional relay-based models.

You will discover common secure remote access technologies, essential security controls, and how integrating remote access into your RMM for MSPs can enhance automation, visibility, and performance. We will also look at specific use cases for macOS IT support, peer-to-peer encrypted connections, and the benefits of adopting a well-structured secure remote access strategy.

What is Secure Remote Access and Why it Matters

Secure remote access allows authorized users to connect to endpoints and networks while meeting data protection, access control, and compliance needs. It ensures that connections between devices are encrypted, authenticated, and limited to the appropriate scope of access.

Common controls include:

• Encryption to secure data in transit
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for stronger user verification
• Role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict access to only what each user needs
• Endpoint security measures to safeguard devices from threats
• IP restrictions to limit connections to approved locations

Many teams still rely on VPNs, and a VPN is indeed one example of secure remote access. However, RMM for MSPs now provides built-in remote access that offers a more granular, per-endpoint approach, with better automation, visibility, and compliance alignment.

Common Secure Remote Access Technologies

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

A VPN creates a secure tunnel over the public internet, encrypting data and masking IP addresses to maintain privacy. While effective, VPNs can slow performance if not configured correctly and require ongoing patch management and endpoint security monitoring.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

RDP allows remote control of desktops and servers as though the technician is on-site. While it is common in MSP remote monitoring and management workflows, unsecured RDP is a prime cyberattack target. Encryption, MFA, and RBAC are essential safeguards.

Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA follows the "never trust, always verify" principle. It evaluates user identity, device health, and contextual risk before granting access, reducing attack surfaces and supporting compliance regulations.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

SASE combines VPN, firewall, and cloud-based protections with wide-area networking, making it a scalable choice for distributed teams.

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software

RMM for MSPs centralizes remote device control, automation, patch management, alerting, and IT asset monitoring. These tools often include secure remote access capabilities to protect data while improving efficiency.

Why All Remote Access Should Be Peer-to-Peer

Traditional remote access routes sessions through a vendor’s relay server, adding latency and creating an expanded attack surface. Peer-to-peer remote access connects devices directly, bypassing third-party servers so session data remains private.

Key Advantages of P2P Architecture

• Direct endpoint connection improves performance and reduces lag
• No middle server means fewer interception points or metadata harvesting risks
• Supports compliance regulations by minimizing external data exposure
• Greater resilience because there is no single relay bottleneck
• Enables low latency connections for faster troubleshooting

Level Peer-to-Peer Remote Access Explained

Level peer-to-peer remote access is designed to be browser-based, delivering direct encryption, endpoint-to-endpoint control, and live screen sharing over P2P without routing sensitive data through Level servers.

The process works like this:

1. Devices exchange connection candidates via the ICE framework.
2. If possible, they establish a direct connection.
3. STUN and TURN are used only for NAT traversal when necessary.
4. WebRTC handles real-time streaming inside your browser.

Because it is browser-based P2P, no separate remote access client is needed, which makes it easier to support cross-platform compatibility, including Windows, Linux, and remote access software for macOS.

Secure Remote Access Tools for IT Teams

Whether you are running a large enterprise or managing small business networks, these tools form the backbone of remote connectivity.

1. Level – A modern RMM that integrates peer-to-peer encrypted remote connection capabilities, automation, patch management, and IT asset monitoring in one centralized dashboard. It also supports unattended remote access and multi-monitor support directly from the browser.
2. TeamViewer – A popular remote access software that includes file transfer, remote reboot, and background access features.
3. AnyDesk – Known for low latency performance, especially useful in low-bandwidth areas.
4. Splashtop – Offers secure remote access solutions with MFA and encryption plus Mac remote control features.
5. RemotePC – Provides private path connections and endpoint agent connection capabilities for businesses of all sizes.

Best RMM Tools for Small MSP Businesses

Small MSPs have unique needs. The best RMM tools for small MSP businesses must balance affordability, ease of use, and strong secure remote access tools for IT teams. Key features include:

• Proactive monitoring for early issue detection
• Endpoint automation for repetitive tasks
• Alerting and SLA reporting to meet client commitments
• In-browser remote control for faster access without extra installs
• Decentralized connection options to reduce reliance on third-party relays

Secure macOS Remote Access Considerations

When evaluating secure macOS remote access software comparison results, consider:

• Cross-platform compatibility for mixed OS environments
• In-browser remote control to avoid installing additional clients
• Support for file transfer and multi-monitor support
• Integration with your RMM for MSPs for endpoint automation and patch management

How to Implement a Secure Remote Access Strategy

1. Establish access policies – Define rules for access control using RBAC, MFA, IP restrictions, and least-privilege settings.
2. Integrate into your RMM – Combine remote sessions, patch management, and automation in a centralized dashboard.
3. Prefer peer-to-peer – Choose solutions that support no middle server architecture for private path connections.
4. Standardize platform support – Include Mac remote control and cross-platform compatibility.
5. Measure results – Track network performance analysis, SLA uptime, and resolution metrics.

Measuring Remote Access Performance

The quality of your remote access solution can be measured by:

• SLA uptime – How often your service meets contractual targets
• Network performance analysis – Identifying latency, packet loss, or throughput issues
• First-contact resolution rate – How many problems are solved in the first session
• Reduced attack surface – Minimized external data paths and vulnerabilities

Business Benefits of Secure Remote Access

• Data protection – Ensures sensitive information remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized parties
• Business continuity – Enables operations during disasters or unexpected disruptions
• Compliance regulations – Meets industry requirements for data privacy
• Cost savings – Reduces expenses for travel, office space, and downtime
• Proactive monitoring – Identifies issues before they escalate

Secure Remote Access and Management with Level

Level combines secure remote access, endpoint automation, alerting, and patch management in a single solution. The browser-based P2P design allows direct endpoint connection with no middle server, delivering low latency sessions and private path data flow.

With endpoint-to-endpoint control, live screen sharing over P2P, and built-in file transfer, Level provides IT teams and MSPs with a comprehensive remote access toolkit. Book a demo or try Level free for 14 days.

FAQs About Secure Remote Access

What is a simple example of secure remote access?
A VPN encrypts traffic to create a private tunnel, but a Level peer-to-peer remote access architecture provides per-endpoint control, automation, and visibility.

Why choose peer-to-peer over relayed sessions?
P2P offers direct encryption, reduced attack surface, and faster connections by removing intermediaries.

How do I keep remote access secure?
Use MFA, RBAC, strong passwords, and regular updates. Combine these with endpoint agent connection logging for auditing.