Session Confirmation Settings

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Session Confirmation Settings allow organizations to control how remote access requests are approved before a technician can connect to a device. This feature helps improve security, protect user privacy, and ensure compliance with organizational policies by requiring end-user consent before a remote session begins.

Session Confirmation is particularly useful in environments where users handle sensitive information or where regulatory requirements mandate explicit approval before remote access is granted.

Remote access user conformation prompt settings.

Overview

By default, unattended remote access allows authorized technicians to connect directly to managed devices. However, some organizations may prefer to notify users and request permission before a session starts.

When Session Confirmation is enabled:

  1. A notification is displayed on the remote device.
  2. The user is informed that a technician is requesting access.
  3. The user can approve or deny the request.
  4. The remote session begins only after approval.

This provides transparency and helps users understand when their devices are being accessed remotely.

Benefits of Session Confirmation

Session Confirmation provides several advantages:

Enhanced Security

Users are notified whenever a remote connection is requested, helping prevent unauthorized access.

Improved Privacy

Employees maintain visibility and control over remote access sessions.

Regulatory Compliance

Many organizations use Session Confirmation to support compliance initiatives and internal security policies.

Increased User Trust

Users are more comfortable with remote support when they know access requires their approval.

Reduced Support Disputes

Approval records provide visibility into when remote sessions were requested and accepted.

Accessing Session Confirmation Settings

To configure Session Confirmation:

  1. Navigate to Remote Tab.
  2. Click User Confirmation.
  3. Configure the required settings.
  4. Click Save Changes.

All changes apply to future remote access requests.

Enable User Confirmation

The Enable User Confirmation option controls whether users must approve remote access requests.

Enabled

When enabled:

  • Users receive a confirmation prompt.
  • The technician must wait for approval.
  • Remote access begins only after consent is granted.

Disabled

When disabled:

  • Approved technicians can connect immediately.
  • No confirmation prompt is displayed.
  • Devices operate in unattended access mode.

This option is commonly used for servers, kiosks, and other managed systems that require continuous administrative access.

Confirmation Timeout

The Timeout setting specifies how long the confirmation request remains active before it expires.

Example

If the timeout value is set to:

120 Seconds

The user has 120 seconds to respond.

If no action is taken:

  • The request expires automatically.
  • The connection attempt is cancelled.
  • The technician must initiate a new request.

Customizing the Prompt Message

Administrators can customize the message displayed to users when a remote connection is requested.

Example Prompt

$username$ is requesting remote access to your device.
Would you like to grant permission for this session?

The prompt should clearly explain:

  • Who is requesting access
  • Why access is needed
  • What action the user should take

Dynamic Variables

Session Confirmation supports dynamic variables that are automatically replaced when the message is displayed.

$username$

Displays the name of the technician requesting access.

Example:

John Smith is requesting remote access to your device.
Would you like to grant permission for this session?

This provides users with clear information about who is attempting to connect.

Writing Effective Prompt Messages

Use clear and professional language.

Example:

$username$ from the IT Support team is requesting remote access to your device to assist with troubleshooting. Do you want to allow this session?

This helps users make informed decisions and improves approval rates.

Excluding Devices and Device Groups

Some devices may require continuous unattended access and should not require user confirmation.

The Exclude Computers section allows administrators to exempt selected device groups from Session Confirmation requirements.

Common Exclusion Scenarios

Organizations often exclude:

  • Servers
  • Kiosks
  • Shared Devices
  • Conference Room Systems
  • Test Environments
  • Digital Signage Devices
  • IT Administration Workstations

Excluding a Device Group

To exclude a group:

  1. Open User Confirmation Settings.
  2. Navigate to Exclude Computers.
  3. Click Exclude Group.
  4. Select the desired device group.
  5. Save the configuration.

Devices within the selected group will bypass confirmation prompts.

Exclusion List Information

The exclusion table displays:

FieldDescription
Group NameName of the excluded device group
Excluded ByAdministrator who created the exclusion
Excluded TimeDate and time of exclusion
ActionAvailable management actions

Administrators can review and modify exclusions at any time.

When to Use Session Confirmation

Session Confirmation is recommended in the following environments:

Corporate Employee Devices

Employees should be aware when support staff access their systems.

Remote Workforce

Provides visibility and transparency for remote employees.

Privacy-Sensitive Environments

Useful when devices contain personal or confidential information.

Regulated Industries

Often required to support organizational security policies and audit requirements.

When to Use Unattended Access Instead

Session Confirmation may not be appropriate for:

Servers

Servers typically require immediate administrative access.

Data Center Systems

Infrastructure devices often need continuous remote management.

Kiosks

Interactive kiosks usually operate without active users.

Shared Devices

Confirmation prompts may not be practical when multiple users share the same endpoint.

For these scenarios, consider using device group exclusions.

Best Practices

To maximize security and user experience:

Enable Confirmation for User Devices

Require approval on employee workstations whenever possible.

Use Clear Prompt Messages

Ensure users understand who is requesting access and why.

Configure Appropriate Timeouts

Avoid excessively long approval windows.

Review Excluded Groups Regularly

Periodically verify that exclusions remain necessary.

Limit Administrative Access

Use role-based access controls to ensure only authorized technicians can initiate remote sessions.

Maintain Audit Records

Review remote access logs and approval activity regularly.

As recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), organizations should implement access controls, user consent mechanisms, and activity monitoring to help secure remote access environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the user does not respond?

The request expires when the configured timeout period is reached.

Can users deny access?

Yes. Users can decline the request, preventing the session from starting.

Can administrators bypass confirmation?

Yes. Devices or device groups can be excluded from Session Confirmation requirements.

Does Session Confirmation affect unattended access?

Only devices that are not excluded will require approval. Excluded devices continue to support unattended remote access.

Are approval requests logged?

Yes. Approval activity can be audited through remote access logs and reporting features.

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