What is Browser-Based Remote Access?
Browser-Based Remote Access is a method of securely connecting to remote systems, applications, or assets using only a web browser, without requiring local clients, VPNs, or software agents. This approach enables users to access authorized resources from any internet-connected device with a modern browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Browser-based access typically leverages HTTPS protocols and identity-aware gateways to establish secure sessions between users and systems, often using virtual desktop or protocol-isolation technologies to prevent direct network exposure.
Why is Browser-Based Remote Access Important?
As organizations adopt zero trust principles and remote work becomes permanent, even for critical infrastructure operators, browser-based remote access provides a secure, flexible alternative to legacy solutions like VPNs and jump servers. Traditional access methods often expose internal networks to untrusted endpoints, introduce complexity, and require ongoing client maintenance or patching.
Browser-based approaches reduce the attack surface by avoiding direct network connections and removing the need for software installations, which lowers the risk of malware propagation, credential theft, or lateral movement. For OT and industrial environments, where connectivity is intermittent and operational simplicity is paramount, browser-based access ensures fast, consistent usability without compromising security.
This method also improves user experience and scalability, especially for third-party vendors, field engineers, and support personnel, while supporting compliance mandates such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443, TSA SD02E, and NIS2 which require secure and auditable remote access to critical systems.
How Does Xona Help with Browser-Based Remote Access?
Xona delivers true zero-footprint access through its browser-native platform, purpose-built for secure remote access to critical infrastructure. Users connect via any modern browser without needing to install clients, plug-ins, or agents on their endpoints. This drastically reduces deployment time and simplifies access for remote employees, OEMs, and third-party vendors across air-gapped or bandwidth-constrained environments.
Xona’s disconnected access architecture ensures that browser-based sessions are isolated from user endpoints. Protocols like RDP, SSH, VNC, and WEB are proxied through a hardened gateway, preventing direct connectivity to OT assets, even during interactive remote sessions. All sessions are fully recorded, logged, and auditable to meet compliance requirements.
With multi-factor authentication, role- and time-based access control, and real-time session monitoring, Xona transforms browser-based access into a secure, scalable control plane that reduces cyber risk while improving operational agility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does browser-based remote access differ from VPN-based access?
Browser-based access does not require direct network connectivity or client installation, whereas VPNs extend the network perimeter and can expose internal systems to untrusted endpoints.
What protocols are typically supported in browser-based remote access platforms?
Commonly supported protocols include RDP, SSH, VNC, and HTTPS, which are proxied through a secure gateway to enable remote interaction without endpoint-to-system connectivity.
