What Is Remote Access for Privileged Functions?

Certain programs allow you to remotely log in to your computer.

Normally, you need to be at your computer to log in to it. However, certain programs allow you to log in to your computer remotely. If your account has administrator privileges, then you will be able to perform privileged functions remotely.

Privileged Functions

Computer operating systems that employ a multiuser model have a special class of user known as an administrator. Certain tasks that are sensitive for the system's operation are restricted to administrators. This protects the system from hackers and viruses and also helps normal users from making big mistakes.

SSH

Secure shell, or SSH, is a command line-based program that allows you to log in to your computer from remote locations. The program is secure because the information being sent between your remote computer and the home computer is encrypted.

Administrator Remote Access

If you have your computer configured to accept incoming SSH connections, then any of your computer's users can enter your computer with the full privileges of your account. This includes administrator accounts. Consequently, it allows administrators to log in remotely to perform maintenance on the computer, but if the administrator's password is compromised, it could give a hacker full access to the computer.

References

• Server Watch: SSH Hardens the Secure Shell
• The University of Manchester: Remote Login Using SSH