Using Acumera Secure Remote Access

What is Acumera Secure Remote Access?

Acumera Secure Remote Access is a solution which allows you to log in to the computers at your site(s) from anywhere you have internet access, allowing you to work remotely in a way that complies with PCI Data Security Standards. 

How does it work?

Acumera maintains a secure connection between our servers and the firewall at your site(s) at all times. Using the steps below, we extend this secure connection through the firewall to specific machines at your site(s), and then grant you access to this connection through software which you install on your laptop / home office / remote computer. 

How do I get it?

You may already have it as a feature of your account. Check with your Salesperson or Account Manager to be sure.

How do I set it up?

There are three steps to the Remote Access setup process:

1. Grant "Remote Access" permissions to individuals on your account who need to use this feature by following the instructions here. 
   • You can also contact Tech Support or your Account Manager to see who already has permissions.
2. Have Acumera set up the machines you'll be accessing by following the instructions here.
   • A secure path must be created by Acumera to each machine you want to access remotely. You will only be able to access machines that have been set up through the form above. 
   • A secure path can only be created by Acumera for devices which are connected to your Acumera firewall.
   • You can contact Tech Support to find out which devices (if any) have already been set up for your site(s).
3. From the Acumera Support Page, locate "Internal Network Services Login" by clicking the Secure Edge Networking tab, then locate the BranchSDO & Firewall section https://www.acumera.com/secure-edge-networking/secure-edge-networking-support/#customer-logins (or click here for the direct portal).
4. Complete your "First Login" to the Internal Network Services Portal (INSP), during which the following steps will happen:
   • You will be required to choose a password. You were given a temporary password when your Acumera account was created, and the first time you log in, it must be changed.
     
     
     
   • The INSP will install the required applications for you, namely Pulse Secure and Acumera's Host Checker. 
     • During the installation process You will see a number program installation dialogue boxes which you will read and confirm.

After it's set up, how do I use it?

After you've set up the Pulse Secure Client on your machine, connecting is easy.

1. Log in to the Internal Network Services Portal (INSP) by clicking here OR by navigating to https://access.acumera.com/pulse.
   • Please note that Internet Explorer 32-bit is required.
2. Once logged in, click "Start" on the "Pulse Secure" item. The INSP will launch Pulse Secure and establish the connection for you automatically.
3. Click on the "Remote Access (MIP) Portal" link.
   
4. You will see a list of your sites by their Acumera Location Code. Under each site, you will find a list of machines which have been set up for remote access. For each machine, there is a link for the three most common methods of remote access.
   • RDP: This uses Microsoft's built in remote access client "Microsoft Terminal Services Client" (MSTSC), also called "Remote Desktop Protocol" (RDP). 
     • If you select this option, you will also have the option to save a link to each machine on your computer. Using this feature, you can skip the INSP web login if you wish: simply launch Pulse on your computer, log in through Pulse, and use the saved RDP link to access your computer after you're connected.
   • VNC: "Virtual Network Computing" requires a 3rd party VNC software, if you prefer to use one.
   • Browser: This option only works for machines that support a browser interface. Usually your camera system DVR.