The security perimeter has dissolved. In the modern business landscape, the “office” is wherever the employee happens to be, and the “network” is a sprawling web of cloud applications, on-premise servers, and mobile endpoints. Securing this distributed environment is the primary challenge for IT leadership in 2026. The traditional method of using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to grant broad network access is increasingly viewed as a liability, as it often provides too much trust to the connecting device.
To maintain integrity, organizations are shifting toward specific remote access solutions that enforce Zero Trust principles. These tools verify identity, validate device health, and ensure that users can access only the resources they need, rather than roaming the entire network. Selecting the right platform is critical; it must balance rigorous encryption and compliance standards with the high-performance user experience required to keep teams productive. Below are five of the top solutions available today that prioritize both security and connectivity.
1. Splashtop
Splashtop has established itself as a preferred choice for enterprises that demand high-performance capabilities without compromising on security. Originally designed to handle the latency-sensitive needs of the gaming industry, its engine provides real-time connections with high frame rates (up to 60fps) and 4K quality,
From a security perspective, Splashtop is built on a Zero Trust architecture. It features robust integration with Single Sign-On (SSO) providers, enforced Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and granular device authentication. For organizations seeking a comprehensive remote access solution for secure connectivity, Splashtop delivers deep observability features, including detailed session logs and recording capabilities that help satisfy compliance requirements like HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2. Its ability to perform “device posture checks” ensures that no computer enters the network unless it meets specific security criteria, such as having active antivirus software.
2. Microsoft Remote Desktop
For businesses operating exclusively within a Windows environment, Microsoft Remote Desktop is the ubiquitous standard. Built directly into the Windows operating system (Pro and Enterprise editions), it utilizes the proprietary Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to facilitate connections. Its greatest strength is its native integration; there is no third-party agent to install on the host machine, and it supports all standard Windows gestures and shortcuts seamlessly.
However, security requires careful configuration. As highlighted in CISA’s 2026 security guidelines, RDP ports are a frequent target for brute-force attacks. Therefore, Microsoft Remote Desktop is best deployed behind a secure gateway or used in conjunction with a VPN to encapsulate the traffic. While it lacks the centralized “single pane of glass” management console found in third-party enterprise tools, it remains a powerful, cost-effective option for smaller, Windows-centric organizations that have the technical expertise to secure the connection path manually.
3. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop offers a lightweight, cross-platform solution for users who live in the Google ecosystem. It works entirely through the Chrome browser, making it accessible on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It is free to use and relies on a Google account for authentication, making it an attractive option for freelancers or very small teams.
While convenient, it is limited in terms of enterprise governance. It lacks centralized user management, detailed audit logs, and the granular permission settings required for larger organizations. However, for a quick, encrypted connection to a personal work computer or for accessing a specific file on the go, it provides a secure tunnel leveraging Google’s robust infrastructure without the complexity of setting up a dedicated server. For organizations just starting their security journey, Techopedia’s guide to remote administration suggests that even simple tools like this must be bolstered with strong account-level security to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Apple Remote Desktop
For creative agencies, design firms, and educational institutions that run strictly on macOS, Apple Remote Desktop is the industry gold standard. It allows administrators to manage hundreds of Mac computers simultaneously, pushing software updates, executing terminal commands, and generating detailed hardware reports across the fleet.
Its integration with macOS is unparalleled, utilizing the native efficient graphics of the Apple ecosystem. Security features include the ability to “curtain” the remote screen (preventing physical observers from seeing the work) and encrypt all data in transit. While it is not a cross-platform solution (it cannot control Windows machines), it offers a depth of management and security controls that third-party tools struggle to replicate in a pure Apple environment.
5. NinjaOne
NinjaOne acts as a bridge between Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and remote support. It is designed for IT teams that want to be proactive rather than reactive. By combining health monitoring with remote access, it allows technicians to secure endpoints before a support session even begins.
Its security strength lies in its automation. It allows IT teams to automatically deploy security patches to the entire fleet, ensuring that vulnerabilities are closed quickly. Its remote access features are secured with mandatory MFA and strict user roles. Because it provides a single pane of glass for both management and support, it reduces the risk of “tool sprawl,” where forgotten or unmanaged support tools become security backdoors.
Conclusion
The market for remote access is diverse, with solutions tailored to different ecosystems and security needs. For pure Windows or Mac environments, native tools like Microsoft and Apple Remote Desktop offer tight integration. However, for modern, hybrid enterprises that require high performance and cross-platform compatibility, third-party solutions often provide better scalability. By auditing your specific compliance needs and workflow requirements, you can select the tool that best secures your network while empowering your workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) often considered a security risk?
RDP itself is a robust protocol, but it defaults to listening on a specific port (3389). Hackers constantly scan the internet for this open port. If it is exposed directly to the web without a gateway or VPN, it allows attackers to try guessing passwords (brute force) to break in.
2. Does it require a VPN to work securely?
No. Modern solutions like Splashtop are designed to work securely without a VPN. They use a cloud gateway to establish an encrypted tunnel (TLS 1.2 and AES 256-bit) between devices. This allows for secure connections without the speed bottlenecks often associated with routing traffic through a traditional VPN.
3. Can I use these tools to access my work computer from a phone?
Yes. These allow you to view and control your desktop computer from an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, with touch gestures translated into mouse clicks.
