Building a NIST 800-53 Compliant Remote Access Proxy
Remote connections pour into your network from every direction. You need control before one leak becomes a disaster.
NIST 800-53 sets the rules. For remote access, it demands strict authentication, encryption in transit, and logging that can survive an audit. The Remote Access control family in NIST 800-53—especially AC-17—defines how systems must grant, monitor, and terminate connections. A Remote Access Proxy fits this model perfectly. It stands between users and private systems. It inspects every request. It logs each transaction. It applies policy without exposing the backend directly.
A compliant Remote Access Proxy under NIST 800-53 requires these capabilities:
- Strong identification and multifactor authentication for all remote users
- Encrypted tunnels using approved cryptographic protocols
- Persistent logging of session activity with tamper-resistant storage
- Real-time monitoring and automated alerts for abnormal behavior
- Segmentation to limit lateral movement after authentication
To align with NIST 800-53, proxy configurations must enforce principle of least privilege. Remote accounts only reach the systems they are approved for. Session timeouts prevent forgotten connections from becoming open doors. Administrative access must use separate proxies and stronger credentials.
Proper implementation ties into other families in NIST 800-53. AU (Audit and Accountability) ensures logs meet evidentiary standards. SC (System and Communications Protection) governs encryption and network controls. IA (Identification and Authentication) mandates how users prove who they are before gaining access. Bringing these pieces together builds a Remote Access Proxy that survives compliance checks and withstands modern threats.
Automation makes the difference. Static rules and manual reviews cannot scale. A proxy that can adjust policy based on risk signals from your SIEM and endpoint tools moves you closer to continuous compliance. It shortens the gap between detection and response.
Do not wait for an incident to expose the weakness in your remote access path. See how a NIST 800-53-ready Remote Access Proxy works in minutes at hoop.dev and lock down your connections before they lock you out.