In today’s world, remote work isn’t a luxury; it’s the way we operate. But with flexibility comes responsibility. If your business handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or sensitive systems, compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC standards is non-negotiable. Secure remote access is about more than just ticking boxes—it’s about protecting your operations and staying ahead of potential threats.

This post walks you through how to create a practical system for secure remote access compliance, using a detailed questionnaire as an example. Let’s dive in.

Why Remote Access Compliance Matters

Remote work expands your reach but also opens up vulnerabilities. A misconfigured device or unsecured network can lead to major breaches. Standards like NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC provide clear guidelines to protect your business, focusing on:

• Multifactor authentication (MFA) for secure access.
• Encryption for data and communications.
• Monitoring and controlling remote sessions.
• Limiting access to only what’s necessary for the job.

Getting compliance right isn’t just a defensive move—it’s a way to keep your team working efficiently and securely.

Building a Remote Access Questionnaire

To ensure compliance, we created a Remote Access Compliance Questionnaire to cover the essentials. Here’s how we structured it and why it works.

User and Location Information

We start with the basics. Knowing who is accessing your systems, from where, and under what conditions is critical. Example:
☐ Personal Property
☐ Business Property
☐ Hotel/Temporary Residence
☐ Other (please specify)

Device Information

Your team’s devices need to meet security standards. This section ensures every laptop, tablet, or smartphone is ready for the task:

• Is full-disk encryption enabled?
• Is antivirus software installed and updated?
• Are security patches current?

Network Access

Unsecured networks are a hacker’s playground. This section digs into the remote user’s setup:

• What’s the router make and firmware version?
• Is the network secured with WPA3 or WPA2?
• Is a company-approved VPN in use?

Requiring this level of detail helps identify weak points before they become problems.

Authentication and Access

No open doors here. MFA and strict role-based access ensure users only touch what they need. Tools like Microsoft Authenticator make secure login seamless while protecting sensitive data.

Example:
☐ OTP (e.g., Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator)
☐ Hardware Token
☐ Biometric Authentication

Systems/Platforms Accessed

This section limits the scope of access. Knowing which platforms—ERP, financial systems, SharePoint—users will touch helps minimize risk.

Example:
☐ Email
☐ ERP
☐ Government/Military Systems

Security Awareness

Finally, we confirm that the user knows their responsibilities and is prepared to report incidents like lost devices or unauthorized access.

Why Collecting This Data Matters

1. Proactive Risk Management
   Details like firmware versions and encryption types help IT teams lock down potential vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
2. Accountability
   When users sign off on their responsibilities, you create a culture of accountability. They’re part of the solution.
3. Audit Readiness
   A well-documented process means your business is ready for compliance checks, with all the data to back it up.
4. Incident Response
   If something goes wrong, having this information allows for faster and more targeted responses.

How to Implement This System

1. Go Digital
   Use tools like Microsoft Forms or WordPress plugins to distribute and collect questionnaires. Streamlined processes mean less friction for your team.
2. Automate Notifications
   Set up workflows so IT gets a heads-up when users submit forms. This keeps the process efficient.
3. Train Your Team
   Even the best systems need informed users. Pair this process with regular cybersecurity training to reinforce good habits.
4. Regular Updates
   Cybersecurity evolves fast. Review your questionnaire and processes regularly to ensure they stay relevant.

The Path Forward

Handling remote access compliance isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about building trust, maintaining efficiency, and protecting your business. A questionnaire like this isn’t just paperwork; it’s a vital tool to keep your operations smooth and secure.

Stay sharp, stay compliant, and keep pushing forward. If you’ve got questions or want help refining your process, drop a comment or reach out. This is the kind of preparation that keeps you ahead of the game.