What is a remote desktop proxy?
A remote desktop proxy will act as a secure gateway between the technician and the remote device. Instead of establishing a direct connection, data is routed through a secure proxy server that acts as a bridge. This setup is especially useful in environments where outbound connections are restricted or where devices cannot communicate directly with external servers due to firewall or other security policies.
Zoho Assist's remote desktop proxy is designed to simplify these challenges without requiring any major network configuration changes.
Why do you need a remote proxy?
Many businesses operate within private or highly secured networks, such as banks, hospitals, educational institutions, and government offices. In these environments, outbound connections might be restricted, making it difficult for remote support sessions to initiate normally. Zoho Assist’s proxy support allows these systems to communicate with the Zoho Assist servers securely, so support can be provided without compromising network integrity.
Types of proxies for remote access
Not all proxies work the same. Each type serves a different purpose based on your network and security needs. Here are the most common ones:
- Forward proxy: Sits between your internal network and the internet. It helps filter traffic and adds a layer of control.
- Reverse proxy: Protects servers by managing how users from outside access them.
- Transparent proxy: Works in the background without needing user setup. It’s often used for monitoring or filtering.
- SOCKS proxy: Handles different kinds of traffic beyond just web data. It’s useful for complex applications.
- Authenticated proxy: Allows access only to users with login credentials, making it ideal for secure environments.
Zoho Assist supports these common proxy types and fits easily into most business networks. These are among the key features of remote desktop solution that make Zoho Assist suitable for diverse environments.
Who can access a remote proxy?
Remote proxies are not available to everyone. They are usually set up and managed by IT admins or technicians with the right permissions. Access is controlled through authentication to ensure only trusted users can connect.
In Zoho Assist, proxy settings can be customized for individual users or applied across the entire team. Access is limited to approved users with the required roles. This helps keep your network protected and your remote support secure.
How to connect through a proxy using remote desktop?
Zoho Assist provides a proxy configuration option within its technician console or deployment setup. Technicians or IT administrators can configure proxy settings to allow outbound traffic through authenticated proxy servers. The system supports multiple proxy types, including:
- HTTP/HTTPS Proxy
- Authenticated Proxy Servers (with username and password)
- Custom Port Settings
Once set up, all communication between the local and remote machines is routed through the configured proxy, ensuring a secure, policy-compliant connection. Zoho Assist makes use of its end-to-end encryption (AES 256-bit) to safeguard session data.
These settings also support use cases like unattended remote access, ai powered remote desktop, and free remote access for businesses looking to scale without added complexity.
Benefits of using remote desktop proxy
- Bypass network restrictions: Seamlessly connect to devices in networks with strict outbound rules.
- No major configuration needed: Avoid complex firewall changes or VPN setups.
- Enhanced security: Sessions are protected with robust encryption, and access is controlled through proxy authentication.
- Ideal for large enterprises: Especially useful in multi-location networks or organizations where IT teams support hundreds of devices behind protected networks.
These are some of the core advantages of using remote desktop in secured or restricted environments.
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