Corporate VPN Putting You At Risk
Like any type of cybersecurity solution, not all Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are made equal. Each and every part of your cybersecurity defense needs to be vetted to make sure it isn’t putting your data at risk.
Have you assessed your VPN?
How Does A VPN Work?
A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data to transit the Internet, using a network of private servers. When you use a VPN, your data is encrypted, or hidden, as it moves from your device to the VPN and then continues onto the Internet through what’s called an exit node. A VPN creates the appearance that your data is coming from the VPN server, not from your device.
Therefore, it’s harder for an attacker to identify you as the source of the data. Even if attackers can intercept your data, the encryption means the attackers can’t understand your data or use it to their advantage. When you put your data out to the VPN server, it exits back out to the public internet. If the site you’re visiting has HTTPS to keep the connection safe, you are still secure.
But even if it was intercepted by a third party, it’s challenging for the outside party to trace the data back to you, since it appears to be coming from a VPN server.
Two Ways Your Corporate VPN Could Put You At Risk…
1. No 2FA Capability
Two factor authentication (2FA) helps you protect your identity and accounts. More and more organizations are using it for its security and ease-of-use. 2FA requires the user to utilize two methods to confirm that they are the rightful account owner. Biometrics like fingerprints, voice, or even iris scans are also options, as are physical objects like keycards.
By requiring a second piece of information like a randomly-generated numerical code sent by text message, you’re better able to ensure that the person using your employee’s login credentials is actually who they say they are.
Without 2FA enabled, if an employee’s VPN credentials are stolen, a bad actor could have unrestricted access to corporate data. That’s why VPNs need to integrate with 2FA solutions.
2. Assumption Of Security
You can’t afford to make any assumptions when it comes to your cybersecurity. However, some corporate VPN solutions treat remote workers as if they are sitting inside the corporate campus on a device with corporate security controls. This usually isn’t the case.
The reality is that VPN users should be treated in a zero-trust model since they may not be on a company-owned device and are most likely operating from a network without corporate security controls. This means all VPN connections should have extra security controls applied to make sure the remote worker’s network traffic is clean and authorized.
Need Assistance Deploying A Secure VPN?
If you’re worried about your remote security, especially when it comes to the VPN you have in place at your business, then don’t try to handle it all on your own. Kraft Technology Group team will help you evaluate your security measures as a whole to make sure you’re not taking on any unnecessary risks.
Like this article? Check out the following blogs to learn more:
The Need for Cybersecurity Expertise at the Board Level for Banking
The new Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP)
NIST’s Small Business Cybersecurity Corner
