An access session is an ongoing remote connection that stays available for unattended or recurring administration. Unlike a one-time support call, it can be used repeatedly to manage a device, move files, run commands, or apply changes without a user present. Remote-access products often separate access sessions from interactive support sessions so administrators can assign different permissions and audit rules.
In cyber security, access sessions matter because they create a persistent control channel. If an attacker steals credentials, abuses a misconfigured role, or exploits a flaw in session permissions, they may gain long-term access to endpoints and the ability to stage malware or exfiltrate data. Defenders reduce this risk by enforcing least privilege, limiting who can create or use access sessions, requiring strong authentication, logging session activity, and disabling features such as file transfer unless they are truly needed.