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Home / Glossary / RAS
Glossary · Networking

RAS

Remote Access Server

In plain language

A server that lets staff connect to the office network from outside, such as from home.

The metaphor

Like the staff entrance at the back of a building, with a guard who checks every badge.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Staff sign in from outside over a secure link.
  • It checks their credentials before letting them in.
  • An exposed login page attracts constant guessing.
  • Modern setups use a VPN or cloud access with two-factor.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

A small firm left a remote-access login open to the internet with a weak password. Attackers guessed it within days and reached the file server.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the firewall that controls who can reach your office from outside.

In practice
  • A staff member works from home through a secure link.
  • A firewall report shows repeated failed logins.
  • A review moves remote access behind two-factor.

A question owners ask

Is it safe to leave open?

Only with strong sign-in checks. Better to put it behind a VPN or move to a cloud service.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

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