VPN Security: An Important Factor for Organizations
Today, data security is one of the main concerns for companies of all sizes. The rapid increase in remote work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has required urgent implementation of solutions to protect corporate assets. One such solution is VPN, which provides secure data transfer in remote work environment.
Main security tools and their weaknesses
There are various tools that companies can use to protect their data. VPN is just one of them. There are also:
- Private web browsers. They do not save browsing history and user data, which is especially important for protecting confidential information on shared computers.
- HTTPS protocol. A more secure version of HTTP that encrypts transmitted data is especially useful when working with financial systems or email servers.
These tools and VPNs are not completely secure solutions, however. Even when using them, there are several vulnerabilities that companies should be aware of to minimize risks:
- Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability. This is one of the serious vulnerabilities of VPNs. This type of attack allows an attacker to remotely access devices running through a VPN and run arbitrary code on them. This is especially dangerous, as attackers can gain complete control over the device, inject malware, or even block access to data.
- Social Engineering Attacks. VPNs can protect against many threats, but the human factor remains one of the weakest points in ensuring security. Social engineering attacks, such as phishing, often target company employees. Attackers can send employees fake emails or links disguised as official websites that request logins and passwords to access the VPN. As a result, attackers can steal this data and gain unauthorized access to the corporate network.
- Vulnerabilities in mobile devices. With the increasing use of mobile devices for work, employees of different companies are increasingly connecting to VPNs through smartphones and tablets. However, mobile devices often move between different networks (for example, between Wi-Fi and a cellular network), which creates additional points of vulnerability. At such moments, the VPN connection may be temporarily interrupted, which increases the risk of data leaks. VPN protocols such as IKEv2 can automatically reconnect, but not all devices support such solutions.
Important Security Considerations When Using VPN
To reduce risks and maximize the benefits of VPN, organizations should consider several key points when implementing and using it:
- Choosing between "Site-to-site VPN" and remote access VPN. The former creates a persistent encrypted connection between two or more company offices, which may be located in different geographic regions. The second provides a temporary connection between employees' end devices (for example, their laptops) and the company's local network. This type of VPN is ideal for accessing corporate applications and data located on cloud servers.
- Split tunneling. When using a VPN, all user traffic is usually transmitted through an encrypted tunnel, which can slow down the data transfer speed. However, in some cases, organizations can set up split tunneling. This allows some traffic to be sent through the VPN (for example, when working with corporate resources), and some - over the open Internet. The advantage of this method is improved connection speed, but the disadvantage is decreased security, since some data remains unprotected. When setting up split tunneling, organizations must carefully monitor which data is transmitted through the VPN and which - through unprotected channels to reduce the risk of compromising confidential information.
- Using the Kill Switch feature. System Kill Switch: Blocks all internet connections on the device until the VPN is restored. This is the most secure option. Application Kill Switch: Allows the administrator to select specific applications that will be disconnected from the internet when the VPN is disconnected. This is a more flexible but less secure option.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA). For additional protection of VPN access, it is recommended to use multi-factor authentication (MFA). Instead of a single password, MFA requires entering multiple factors to confirm the user's identity, such as a code sent to a mobile device or biometric information (such as a fingerprint). This significantly reduces the risk of account compromise due to phishing attacks or password leaks.
VPN remains one of the most reliable tools for ensuring security when working remotely, but its use requires careful configuration and consideration of vulnerabilities. To protect corporate data, it is important for companies to continue investing in the development of their cybersecurity solutions.
Private VPN Server: A Professional in the Field of Data Protection
Using a private VPN server provides users with complete protection on the network, which is especially important in the context of growing cybersecurity threats and remote work. A private VPN server minimizes the risk of data leakage and provides an additional level of privacy.
For complete control over your digital security, the best solution is to buy a private VPN server from Private VPN server. Unlike standard solutions, this server is customized specifically for your needs, which allows you to minimize data leaks. It is an ideal choice for organizations working with sensitive information.