What is the Best Way to Access a Remote Server via the Internet?

In 2024, more than 60% of global businesses operate at least part of their IT infrastructure remotely—a number that’s expected to increase significantly as hybrid work, cloud computing, and global collaboration continue to surge.

So whether you’re a developer maintaining codebases on a test environment, a business owner keeping an eye on digital operations, or an IT manager overseeing multiple deployments, one question keeps popping up: “What’s the best way to access a remote server via the internet?”

With an ever-evolving landscape of tools and technologies—RDP, SSH, VPNs, cloud-based consoles—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But if you're aiming for speed, reliability, and security, the answer lies in making the right combination of cloud infrastructure, access protocol, and hosting platform.

In this guide, we’re breaking it all down—no jargon, no fluff—just a straight-up roadmap to help you confidently access your remote server from anywhere in the world.

Remote Server Access in a Cloud-Powered World

Let’s be honest. The days of accessing servers from a dedicated office PC with a static IP are long gone. Now we work on the move, across time zones, and from multiple devices. That means remote server access needs to be:

Fast

Secure

Always available

And the rise of cloud computing is exactly what’s made this possible. Hosting your infrastructure in the cloud eliminates the need for on-prem servers and gives you on-demand access from literally anywhere. Providers like Cyfuture Cloud offer virtual server environments with built-in remote access tools, making remote administration smoother than ever.

But how do you actually access a remote server via the internet—safely and efficiently?

Let’s explore.

The Foundation: Choosing the Right Hosting Environment

Before you talk about access methods, it all starts with where your server is hosted.

A server that’s not built for remote access, or hosted in the wrong environment, will create headaches from the start.

Key Considerations:

Geographic Location: Choose data centers close to your primary users.

Cloud-based Setup: This gives you the flexibility to scale and manage access with ease.

Managed Hosting Support: Helpful if you’re not a full-time sysadmin.

Providers like Cyfuture Cloud check all these boxes. With data centers strategically located across Asia, including Indonesia and India, they offer cloud hosting solutions that are optimized for performance, uptime, and security.

Whether you need a Linux VPS for web hosting or a Windows server for RDP access, Cyfuture Cloud gives you a base that’s purpose-built for remote operations.

Method 1: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) – For Windows-Based Servers

If your server is running Windows, RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is your best bet for GUI-based access.

Here’s how it works:

Enable RDP on your cloud-hosted Windows server.

Open port 3389 on your firewall or hosting security settings.

Use Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app (available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).

Enter your server’s public IP and credentials.

Once connected, you’ll see the server’s desktop just like you would if you were sitting in front of it.

Why it’s a great option:

User-friendly (especially for non-tech users)

No need for additional software on Windows systems

Good for managing apps or databases in GUI format

Just make sure to secure the RDP port by limiting access to specific IPs and enabling Network Level Authentication. If you're on Cyfuture Cloud, their control panel allows easy port restrictions and user access management.

Method 2: SSH (Secure Shell) – For Linux-Based Servers

For Linux users, SSH is the gold standard. It’s fast, encrypted, and efficient.

How to connect:

Generate SSH key pairs (public and private)

Add the public key to your server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file

Use the private key to connect via Terminal or PuTTY (for Windows)

SSH is ideal for command-line tasks—like running updates, installing software, or deploying code.

Advantages:

Lightweight and blazing fast

End-to-end encryption

Perfect for devs and sysadmins

Hosting on platforms like Cyfuture Cloud allows you to configure SSH keys during setup, making the process seamless and reducing manual configuration time.

Method 3: Web-Based Server Consoles – For Emergency Access

Most cloud hosting providers offer web-based consoles that let you access your server directly from a browser—even if SSH or RDP fails.

This is especially helpful when:

You’ve locked yourself out

The server is not responding to remote connections

You need to reboot or edit configuration files urgently

With Cyfuture Cloud, every VM comes with a console access feature—right from the control panel—so you’re never stuck outside your machine.

Method 4: VPN + Remote Access – For Enhanced Security

Sometimes, exposing your server directly to the internet (even with port restrictions) isn’t ideal—especially for sensitive environments.

Here’s where VPNs come in.

You can:

Set up a Virtual Private Network (using OpenVPN or WireGuard)

Route RDP or SSH connections through the VPN tunnel

Hide your server’s public-facing ports altogether

This adds a second layer of protection, making your remote access setup more enterprise-grade.

Many cloud platforms support native VPN setups or allow you to deploy a VPN server alongside your app cloud infrastructure. Cyfuture Cloud, for instance, supports custom VPN configurations and private networking for precisely these scenarios.

What to Avoid: Common Pitfalls in Remote Server Access

Before you finalize your remote access method, avoid these rookie mistakes:

Leaving default ports open (like 22 or 3389)

Using weak or reused passwords

Not enabling firewall rules or security groups

Ignoring OS updates or patches

No backups—seriously, always schedule backups!

Thankfully, Cyfuture Cloud offers automatic backup scheduling, security rules, and multi-user access control to help you stay ahead of these pitfalls.

Conclusion: Find What Works for You—But Build on a Solid Foundation

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the question: What is the best way to access a remote server via the internet?

It really depends on your use case:

Need graphical access? → Use RDP.

Managing Linux environments? → SSH is your best friend.

Want maximum control and safety? → Pair VPN with SSH or RDP.

Need to act fast during a crash? → Use web-based console access.

But no matter which route you choose, the key is to build on a secure, scalable, cloud-based infrastructure—which is why choosing the right hosting provider matters.

If you want reliability, uptime, and robust security built in, go with a provider like Cyfuture Cloud. With easy deployment, full access control, multiple access protocols, and world-class support, they make remote server management feel like a breeze.