VPN Security: Trick or Treat?

If you’ve been on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen pretty aggressive advertising for VPN services. On paper, they seem like something that can give you anything you would want in your online browsing in terms of security and access. Continuing our Cyber Security Month series of articles, we’ll be covering this apparent modern miracle of internet browsing. As businesses increasingly move to a digital work environment, web security is more important than ever. With that in mind, is VPN security a true treat…or just a trick?

VPNs: As Sweet as Free Candy

Before we get into the benefits of VPNs, we should probably explain what they are. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. They essentially create a tunnel for your web browsing by giving you a (usually) local server to log into. This then provides access and  directs your web traffic. Not only is the information to and from the server encrypted, it appears as though the server is browsing the sites, not you.

This can be beneficial for you as a browser. Even if someone were spying on your personal connection, they would only see you connecting to a single server, not the specific pages you visit. You can also make it appear like you’re browsing from another location by changing the IP address. Because of this, you can view sites like Netflix and see content not available in your own country. Additionally, you can avoid internet censorship in countries that tend to have more restrictive regulations, like China.

These services are generally low in cost, especially if you purchase longer subscriptions. Actually, there are several options that offer basic services for free and only charge for premium options. Wow! This all sounds great! So, is there any catch?

VPN Security: A Razor in Your Apple

Everyone wants digital security, but just like with anti-virus software, a single program will never keep you fully safe.  Many users  don’t understand the natural limitations of VPNs, putting too much faith in them, particularly free versions.

For starters, no matter what the ads tell you, VPNs do not give you 100% security on the web. While someone spying on your network may not be able to see what you’re doing, the websites you visit sure do! If the site uses cookies, they attach themselves to your computer, not your IP address, so they can still affect you. Also, you don’t know what sort of security protocols the sites you visit have. In fact, VPNs can give you a dangerous sense of security when you should always be vigilant. For example, if you visit a nefarious site and give them your credit card information, your VPN can’t help. Even if you send your information to a legitimate site, your VPN is  powerless if that site gets hacked.

Another issue is VPNs increase the size of a hacker’s target. In the past few years, hackers have put more energy into breaking into larger targets to increase the payoff. Why steal the fish when you can steal the fish market, so to speak? VPN services provide a juicy target since access to those servers means having the browsing information of many users. This exact scenario took place in 2019 when NordVPN servers were hacked, leaving any and all traffic accessible for a period of a few months! If that happened to one of the biggest names in the game, think about how safe you could be!

Beyond Basic Encryption: How a VPN Secures Your Connection

Many know a Virtual Private Network (VPN) as the digital shield that encrypts your internet traffic, but its security mechanisms go far deeper than simple data scrambling. For businesses, understanding these underlying layers is crucial to appreciating the full protective power a VPN offers. It’s about creating a private, secure pathway through the public internet.

Here’s a breakdown of how a VPN truly secures your connection:

• Secure Tunneling: Your Private Conduit: When you connect to a VPN, it first establishes an encrypted “tunnel” between your device and the VPN server. Think of this as building a private, invisible road through the bustling public highway of the internet. All your data travels inside this secure tunnel, making it inaccessible to external observers. This is often achieved using robust protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, or WireGuard.

• Military-Grade Encryption Protocols: Inside that tunnel, your data is meticulously encrypted. This process transforms your readable information into an unreadable code, making it indecipherable to anyone who intercepts it without the correct decryption key. Modern business-grade VPNs typically use strong encryption standards such as AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard with a 256-bit key), which is virtually uncrackable with current technology.

• IP Masking: Concealing Your Digital Fingerprint: As your traffic exits the VPN server, it takes on the IP address of that server, not your actual device’s IP. This “IP masking” effectively hides your real geographical location and identity from websites, online services, and potential snoopers. For businesses, this means enhanced anonymity, protection against targeted attacks, and the ability to securely access geo-restricted resources.

• Data Integrity & Authentication: Beyond encryption, VPNs also employ mechanisms to ensure data integrity (that the data hasn’t been tampered with in transit) and authentication (verifying that both your device and the VPN server are who they claim to be). This prevents “man-in-the-middle” attacks where an attacker might try to intercept or alter your communication.

By combining these elements – secure tunneling, robust encryption, IP masking, and strong authentication – a VPN creates a formidable barrier, significantly reducing the risk of data interception, cyber-espionage, and identity theft, especially when your team is working from diverse and potentially unsecured locations.

The ‘Trick’: Common VPN Security Vulnerabilities and Risks for Businesses

While a VPN is a powerful tool, it’s not a silver bullet. Businesses often fall victim to the “trick” when they assume a VPN provides impenetrable security without understanding its limitations or potential vulnerabilities. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward building a truly resilient remote access strategy.

Common VPN security vulnerabilities and risks include:

• Weak or Outdated Protocols: Not all VPN protocols are created equal. Older protocols like PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) are known to have significant security flaws and should be avoided entirely. Using such outdated protocols leaves a critical backdoor open for attackers.

• Configuration Errors & Mismanagement: A VPN is only as secure as its configuration. Misconfigured VPN servers, weak password policies for VPN access, or improper network segmentation once users are connected can create gaping holes. Simple errors in setup can render even the strongest encryption useless.

• Credential Theft: The human element remains a primary target. If an attacker obtains a user’s VPN login credentials through phishing, brute-force attacks, or other social engineering tactics, they can bypass the VPN’s technical security. The Verizon DBIR 2024 highlights this, stating that 68% of data breaches involve a human element, underscoring the critical need for strong authentication and user awareness.

• Software Vulnerabilities (CVEs): VPN software, like any software, can have bugs or vulnerabilities (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, or CVEs) that attackers exploit. If your VPN server or client software isn’t regularly patched and updated, it can become a significant entry point for cybercriminals.

• DNS Leaks: Even with an encrypted tunnel, some poorly configured VPNs can “leak” your DNS requests outside the tunnel. This means your internet service provider (ISP) can still see which websites you’re trying to access, compromising your privacy.

• Lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Relying solely on a username and password for VPN access is a huge risk. If those credentials are compromised, an attacker has direct access. Without MFA, which requires a second form of verification (like a code from a mobile app), your VPN remains highly susceptible to credential stuffing and phishing attacks.

Ignoring these potential “tricks” can turn your perceived security into a critical vulnerability. A secure VPN strategy extends beyond simply deploying the technology; it demands continuous vigilance, proper configuration, and a focus on the weakest link: human behavior.

The ‘Treat’: Key Business Benefits of a Secure VPN Implementation

Beyond the technical jargon, a properly implemented and managed VPN delivers significant “treats” in the form of tangible business benefits. These advantages extend beyond mere security, enabling greater flexibility, operational efficiency, and a stronger posture against an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Here are the key business benefits of a secure VPN implementation:

• Enhanced Secure Remote Access: In today’s hybrid work environment, VPNs are indispensable. They allow employees to securely connect to the company’s internal network and resources from any location, transforming home offices, coffee shops, or client sites into secure extensions of the corporate environment. This ensures business continuity and productivity regardless of physical location.

• Robust Data Privacy & Confidentiality: For businesses handling sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or financial records, a VPN provides a critical layer of data privacy. By encrypting all transmitted data, it protects confidential information from being intercepted or monitored by cybercriminals, competitors, or even malicious insiders on public networks.

• Secure Public Wi-Fi Usage: Public Wi-Fi networks (at airports, cafes, hotels) are notorious breeding grounds for cyber threats due to their open nature. A VPN ensures that all employee activity on these networks is encrypted and tunneled, safeguarding business communications and sensitive data from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

• Cost-Effectiveness for Remote Connectivity: Compared to building out complex private network infrastructures for every remote site, a VPN offers a highly cost-effective solution for secure connectivity. It leverages the existing internet, adding a secure layer without the need for expensive dedicated lines.

• Support for Regulatory Compliance: Many industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS) mandate strict data protection measures. A well-configured VPN contributes significantly to meeting these compliance requirements by ensuring data confidentiality and integrity during transit, thereby reducing the risk of hefty fines and reputational damage.

• Geographical Flexibility for Global Operations: For businesses with international teams or those needing to access geo-restricted content for research or market analysis, a VPN allows them to appear as if they are connecting from a different location, facilitating global operations securely.

The Cybersecurity Ventures projection that cybercrime will cost the world $9.5 trillion in 2024 underscores the financial imperative of robust cybersecurity. A secure VPN is a foundational “treat” that significantly reduces your organization’s exposure to these escalating threats, protecting your assets and reputation.

VPN Protocols Explained: Understanding the Security Strengths and Weaknesses

The effectiveness of your VPN largely hinges on the protocol it uses. VPN protocols are the set of rules that govern how data is encapsulated, encrypted, and transmitted securely over the internet. Choosing the right protocol for your business needs means understanding their individual strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different scenarios.

Here’s a brief overview of common VPN protocols, emphasizing modern, secure options:

• OpenVPN:

  • Strength: Widely considered the gold standard for security due to its open-source nature (allowing for peer review and rapid vulnerability identification), strong encryption (supports AES-256), and high configurability. It’s robust and can often bypass firewalls.

  • Weakness: Can be slightly slower than newer protocols due to its overhead; setup can be more complex for manual configurations.

  • Business Suitability: Highly recommended for maximum security and flexibility.

• IKEv2/IPSec (Internet Key Exchange version 2 / Internet Protocol Security):

  • Strength: Excellent for speed and stability, particularly for mobile devices as it handles network changes (e.g., switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data) seamlessly without dropping the connection. Strong encryption.

  • Weakness: Can be more complex to set up; typically uses UDP, which some firewalls might block if not configured correctly.

  • Business Suitability: Ideal for mobile workforces and environments requiring reliable, persistent connections.

• WireGuard:

  • Strength: The newest and increasingly popular protocol, known for its incredible speed, lightweight codebase (making it easier to audit and less prone to vulnerabilities), and modern cryptographic primitives. It offers significantly faster connection times and higher throughput than OpenVPN.

  • Weakness: Still relatively new, so its widespread enterprise adoption and long-term auditing are ongoing; less feature-rich than OpenVPN in terms of advanced configuration options (though its simplicity is also a strength).

  • Business Suitability: Excellent choice for businesses prioritizing speed and efficiency, particularly for cloud environments and rapid deployments.

• L2TP/IPSec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol / Internet Protocol Security):

  • Strength: Built into many operating systems, making it easy to set up. Provides decent security when paired with IPSec.

  • Weakness: Requires IPSec for encryption, which can sometimes be blocked by firewalls. Not as fast or secure as OpenVPN or WireGuard.

  • Business Suitability: Less recommended for primary business use, mostly for legacy systems or basic, non-critical remote access.

• PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol):

  • Strength: Very easy to set up.

  • Weakness: Critically insecure and deprecated. Known to have serious security vulnerabilities and should never be used for any sensitive business traffic.

  • Business Suitability: Avoid entirely for business use.

For robust business security, prioritize VPN solutions that offer and default to OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, or WireGuard. Avoid PPTP and use L2TP/IPSec only if absolutely necessary for compatibility with careful security considerations.

VPN vs. Zero Trust: A Modern Approach to Network Security

The traditional network security model, often epitomized by VPNs, is akin to a “castle-and-moat” defense: once inside the network (the castle), users are largely trusted. However, the modern threat landscape, with its emphasis on cloud applications, remote work, and sophisticated insider threats, demands a more granular and dynamic approach. This is where the Zero Trust security model emerges as a powerful evolution.

Why Zero Trust is Gaining Traction:

While VPNs remain valuable for basic secure remote access and encrypting traffic over untrusted networks, they don’t fully address the complexities of modern IT environments. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 highlights the rising costs of breaches, driving the need for more robust strategies. Zero Trust, by continuously verifying and limiting access, drastically reduces the “blast radius” of a breach, making it harder for attackers to move laterally once inside.

Complementary, Not Mutually Exclusive:

It’s important to note that VPNs and Zero Trust aren’t always mutually exclusive. Some organizations use VPNs to provide an initial secure tunnel to their network, and then implement Zero Trust principles within that tunnel to control access to specific applications. However, the trend is towards full Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions that often replace traditional VPNs for application-level access, offering superior security and agility.

Best Practices for Implementing and Managing a Business VPN

Implementing a VPN without adhering to best practices can turn a powerful security tool into a significant liability. For businesses, a robust VPN strategy involves more than just selecting software; it requires careful planning, meticulous configuration, and ongoing management to truly safeguard your data and network.

Here are essential best practices for implementing and managing a secure business VPN:

• Choose a Reputable and Secure VPN Provider/Solution: Not all VPNs are created equal. Select a provider with a strong reputation for security, transparent logging policies (ideally no-logs), and support for modern, secure protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard). For internal networks, deploy a robust, enterprise-grade VPN server solution.

• Enforce Strong Authentication with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This is non-negotiable. Your VPN access must be protected by more than just a password. Implement MFA, requiring users to verify their identity via a second factor (e.g., an authenticator app, a hardware token, or biometrics) in addition to their password. This dramatically reduces the risk of credential theft, a common attack vector highlighted in the Verizon DBIR 2024.

• Regularly Patch and Update All VPN Software: Keep your VPN server software, client applications, and underlying operating systems up-to-date with the latest security patches. Vulnerabilities are frequently discovered and exploited, and unpatched systems are easy targets. Automate patching where possible.

• Implement Robust VPN Configurations:

  • Use Strong Encryption: Always configure your VPN to use AES-256 encryption.

  • Disable Weak Protocols: Deactivate any outdated and insecure protocols like PPTP.

  • Strict Access Policies: Configure the VPN to grant users only the minimum access privileges they need to perform their job functions (least privilege principle).

  • Split Tunneling (with caution): Decide whether to use full tunneling (all traffic goes through the VPN) or split tunneling (only corporate traffic goes through the VPN). While split tunneling can improve performance, it carries higher security risks if not carefully managed.

• Educate and Train Your Employees: The human element is often the weakest link. Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training that specifically covers:

  • The importance of VPNs.

  • How to connect and disconnect securely.

  • Recognizing phishing attempts aimed at stealing VPN credentials.

  • The dangers of public Wi-Fi even with a VPN.

  • The Verizon DBIR 2024 emphasizes that 68% of breaches involve a human element, making user training paramount.

• Monitor VPN Logs and Activity: Regularly review VPN connection logs for suspicious activity, unusual login times, or failed authentication attempts. Implement alerts for abnormal behavior.

• Conduct Regular Security Audits and Penetration Tests: Periodically engage third-party cybersecurity experts to audit your VPN setup and conduct penetration tests. This helps identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations before attackers do.

By adhering to these best practices, businesses can maximize the security benefits of their VPN and significantly reduce their overall cyber risk.

When a VPN Isn’t Enough: Layering Security for Comprehensive Protection

While a VPN is a critical component of a secure remote access strategy, relying on it as your sole defense is akin to having a strong front door but leaving all the windows open. The modern threat landscape demands a multi-layered, “defense-in-depth” approach. A single point of failure, even a robust VPN, is a significant risk given the $9.5 trillion annual cost of cybercrime projected by Cybersecurity Ventures for 2024.

Here’s why a VPN isn’t always enough and what additional security measures businesses should layer for comprehensive protection:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): As highlighted previously, MFA is fundamental. Even if an attacker compromises a user’s password, they cannot gain access without the second authentication factor. This should be mandatory for all corporate accounts, especially VPN access.

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Extended Detection and Response (XDR): These solutions go beyond traditional antivirus by continuously monitoring endpoints (laptops, desktops, servers) for malicious activity, even after a VPN connection is established. They can detect and respond to sophisticated threats like ransomware, fileless attacks, and insider threats that a VPN alone cannot stop.

• Network Segmentation: Divide your network into smaller, isolated segments. Even if an attacker breaches one segment (e.g., through a compromised VPN user), they are restricted from moving freely to other critical parts of your network. This limits the “blast radius” of an attack.

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): As discussed, ZTNA takes security far beyond a VPN. Instead of granting broad network access, it provides granular, context-aware access to specific applications and resources on a “need-to-know” basis. Every access request is verified, irrespective of location or existing network trust.

• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): SASE converges networking capabilities (like SD-WAN) with comprehensive security functions (like ZTNA, SWG – Secure Web Gateway, CASB – Cloud Access Security Broker) into a single, cloud-delivered service. This provides a unified and highly scalable security posture for distributed workforces, often making traditional VPNs obsolete for many use cases.

• Regular Security Awareness Training: Even the most advanced technology can be circumvented by human error or social engineering. Continuous training on phishing, secure Browse habits, and data handling best practices is crucial to empower your employees as a strong line of defense.

• Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): For businesses utilizing cloud services (which is almost everyone), CSPM tools help identify and remediate misconfigurations in cloud environments that could expose data or create vulnerabilities.

By implementing a layered security strategy that integrates a secure VPN with these additional measures, businesses can build a robust defense that protects against a wider array of modern cyber threats, securing their assets and ensuring business continuity.

GiaSpace’s Holistic Approach to Secure Remote Access and Network Protection

In an era where remote work is the norm and cyber threats are escalating, relying on fragmented security solutions is a recipe for disaster. At GiaSpace, we understand that true business protection requires more than just a single tool; it demands a holistic, integrated approach that addresses every facet of your network and remote access security.

While VPNs offer foundational security, GiaSpace goes far beyond the “trick or treat” of basic connectivity to deliver comprehensive, enterprise-grade protection for your entire organization.

Here’s how GiaSpace ensures your business enjoys secure remote access and robust network protection:

• Strategic VPN Implementation & Optimization: We don’t just deploy VPNs; we optimize them. GiaSpace ensures your VPN uses the most secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard), is meticulously configured to your specific business needs, and integrates seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure. We implement strong authentication measures, including mandatory MFA, to fortify every entry point.

• Building a Zero Trust Foundation: Beyond traditional VPNs, we help transition your business towards a robust Zero Trust architecture. This means continuously verifying every user and device, granting least-privilege access to applications, and segmenting your network to prevent lateral movement of threats, significantly reducing your attack surface.

• Layered Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR): Our solutions integrate advanced EDR and XDR capabilities to provide real-time threat detection and response across all your endpoints, regardless of where your employees are working. This catches what a VPN cannot – internal threats, malware, and sophisticated attacks.

• Proactive Threat Intelligence & Monitoring: We don’t wait for a breach. GiaSpace utilizes cutting-edge threat intelligence and continuous monitoring of your network and VPN logs to identify and neutralize potential threats before they can impact your business.

• Comprehensive Employee Training & Awareness: Recognizing the human element’s critical role (as highlighted by the Verizon DBIR 2024), we provide ongoing, tailored security awareness training to your team. This empowers your employees to be your first line of defense, recognizing phishing, maintaining strong cyber hygiene, and understanding their role in overall security.

• Cloud Security Expertise: As businesses move to the cloud, so do the threats. We secure your cloud environments, ensuring proper configurations and protecting data stored in cloud services, extending your secure posture beyond on-premises networks.

• 24/7 Managed Security Services: You don’t have to navigate the complex world of cybersecurity alone. GiaSpace offers managed security services, providing continuous monitoring, incident response, and expert guidance, allowing your team to focus on core business operations.

Don’t leave your business security to chance. With GiaSpace, you gain a strategic partner committed to building a resilient, multi-layered defense that addresses today’s threats and anticipates tomorrow’s challenges. Contact GiaSpace today to secure your remote access and entire network, ensuring your business thrives in a secure digital environment.

Published: Jun 20, 2025

Robert Giannini

Robert Giannini is an accomplished VCIO with deep expertise in digital transformation and strategic IT. His strengths include consolidating complex systems, implementing cutting-edge automation, and applying AI to drive significant growth.

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