Keeper Security has launched Keeper Connection Manager (KCM). It is the latest addition to its suite of secure access solutions. KCM is a remote access gateway aimed at DevOps and IT teams. It is designed to work with any web browser to create a highly secure connection to RDP, SSH, VNC, MySQL and Kubernetes endpoints.
Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, said, “In today’s highly distributed world, organizations need a secure, reliable and simple way for their teams to remotely connect to servers in the cloud, applications behind the firewall or desktop applications.
“Keeper Connection Manager hardens security by making it possible for organizations to adopt zero-trust remote access for their distributed workforces, giving the organization granular visibility and control across all designated endpoints.”
What is Keeper Connection Manager (KCM)?
Keeper Security claims, “KCM significantly enhances security by enabling organizations to adopt zero-trust remote access to IT infrastructure, with no need for client or agent software, with features such as least-privilege access, role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).”
The company highlights four use cases for KCM:
- Remote Infrastructure Access for IT teams connecting to databases, SSH and Kubernetes (container deployments) nodes
- Privileged Access Management (PAM) with session recording and auditability
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) replacement with zero-trust access to systems following least-privilege principles
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for distributed workforces that need to use centralized applications and data
While this is the first version called Keeper Connection Manager, it is not the first iteration of this solution. In February, Keeper Security acquired Glyptodon. It has now integrated the Glyptodon Enterprise platform into its products. KCM is the result of that work.
That integration includes Keeper Enterprise Password Manager (EPM), Keeper Secrets Manager (KSM) and the Keeper Vault. The latter is important. It means that credentials are centrally managed and securely provisioned. It allows multi-factor authentication, including biometrics and hardware keys.
Perhaps the most interesting thing for many here will be the claimed speed response and that no VPNs or agents are required. This is because connectivity is through the web browser of the users’ choice, not an app. It removes the problem of app compatibility across platforms. It also means that it will work from any desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile device.
Enterprise Times: What does this mean?
Anything that simplifies and enhances security is good news. KCM is built on a proven platform, which is also good news. It means that customers can get started quickly instead of waiting for all the bugs to be worked out. The integration with other Keeper Security products provides an additional reason to consider KCM.
KCM is likely to appeal to DevOps and IT teams who have to connect to IT infrastructure regularly. Speed, use of any device and MFA will make their lives easier.
