Remote Login: Using Secure Remote Access for RDP Connections

This article explains how to use the Secure Remote Access application to log into an RDP session with added security. This article is for users who need to use RDP remote connections and have been authorized to use the application.

Summary

This article explains how to use the Secure Remote Access application to log into an RDP session with added security. This article is for users who need to use RDP remote connections and have been authorized to use the Secure Remote Access application.

Note: Remote sessions in the Secure Remote Access application are recorded.

Why use Secure Remote Access to connect via RDP?

Secure Remote Access is a remote access application used to add an extra layer of security for users when connecting to remote resources such as a server or workstation. 

 

How-To

Instructions

If you don't have GlobalProtect installed on your computer, it can downloaded from the Company Portal on Windows or Self Service on MacOS.

Step 1 - Log onto a USNH-affiliated VPN in the GlobalProtect application or connect to a campus Wi-Fi network using your primary USNH account. You will not be able to access the Secure Remote Access application if there's a non-USNH VPN active on your machine at the same time.

Once connected to the VPN, log into the Secure Remote Access Console with your USNH SAML credentials (1). If you have a local login account specific to the Secure Remote Access application, enter your credentials using the Username & Password option from the drop-down menu (2).

 

Important: The application is designed to use your primary USNH login credentials unless you are an identified vendor. If you do not have a login for Secure Remote Access yet, please contact your supervisor for assistance.

 

Step 2 - Once logged in, a screen with all available groups will appear. Click on a group to show the list of machines associated with that team.

If you do not see the group or machine you need to access, please contact your supervisor.

 

Click for full-size image

Step 3 - From here, select the server you wish to access remotely. Both methods below are valid and can be used to access a server.

• Double-click on an item in the list to automatically begin the remote connection process.
• Single-click on an item in the list to open the item's system information on the right. Click the "Jump" button in the upper right corner of the page to begin the remote connection session.

Click for full-size image

Step 4 - A new tab will appear in the top left corner next to "Jump Items" (item B in the list below). Multiple remote connections can be opened simultaneously and accessed by clicking on the corresponding tab.

Note: Your screen may appear different from the example below, depending on the access your account has been granted.

 

Available Functions

Once connected, there are multiple functions available to use during the remote session. Refer to the diagram for each button outlined below:

Click for full-size image

Top Left:

• A - All active sessions can be viewed as a list by clicking on the monitor icon. 
• B - All active sessions will also appear as tabs at the top of the page.
•  
• 
   
•  

Top Right:

• C - Toggle the clipboard for copying/pasting.
• D - Send contents copied on the clipboard from your computer to the endpoint.
• E - Copy contents from the remote session to your computer.
• F - Take a screenshot of the remote session screen.
• G - Adjust the quality and resolution settings:
  • Black & White uses less bandwidth but is low resolution.
  • Few Colors is better quality, but might not render everything on the screen correctly.
  • More Colors will show more detail and appear similar in quality to a normal monitor screen.
  • Full Color will render the session screen in the highest detail, but will also consume more bandwidth. This setting is not advised on most machines due to the amount of bandwidth required.
• H -Toggle between a scaled view and a full size view.
• I -Toggle between an expanded view and a normal (scaled) view of the screen.
• J - Toggle the chat window. If multiple users are logged into the same remote session, the chat interface will be available. This window will also show all user actions such as starting a session, opening a file, etc.
•  
• 

 

Outcome

You have successfully used the Secure Remote Access application to start an RDP session.

 

Further Readings

Remote Login: Using Secure Remote Access for RDP Connections with an iOS Device

Secure Remote Access Console Log In page - https://usnhpra.beyondtrustcloud.com/console 

 

Need additional help?

If you have any additional questions, please submit a TeamDynamix IAM ticket request with as much detail as possible.