Introducing itself in recent years, Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have grown in popularity as a means of securing and taking care of online anonymity. A VPN protects a user’s online behaviour from being tracked or spied upon by enabling a private, encrypted connection to the internet. Businesses utilise this to securely access corporate resources and sensitive data from a distance, which is extremely helpful.
VPNs are, however, also utilised maliciously, like concealing the origin of cyberattacks. In this post, we look at the likelihood that VPNs are used maliciously and the precautions that businesses should take to be safe.
What are the advantages of using a VPN?
Remote working is more secure
The use of VPNs in business has many advantages. The key benefit is that remote workers will be more secure. Employees are using resources from the company from their homes or other locations outside of the office as remote work becomes more popular. By encrypting the connection between the employee’s device and the company’s network, VPNs add an extra degree of protection, preventing the interception of important data.
Security of sensitive data
The security of sensitive data is another advantage of VPNs. All internet activity, including the transmission of critical data like login credentials and financial information, is encrypted by VPNs. This can guard against cyberattacks and help stop data breaches.
Deblock content
VPNs allow workers to access content and websites that are blocked due to location, in addition to enhancing security. Because it enables workers to access the same resources as their colleagues in other locations. This is extremely helpful for businesses with personnel in many nations.
The possibility of VPNs being used maliciously
VPNs have a lot of advantages for organisations, but there is also a chance that they may be misused. VPNs are used for bad things, one of which is to conceal the origin of cyberattacks.
Attackers make it challenging to determine where an attack came from by utilising a VPN to hide their IP address. Because of this, it is be more difficult for enterprises to recognise the threat. So, take steps to lessen it, and hold the attackers accountable.
Impersonate locations
VPNs are used to impersonate locations in order to access blocked content in addition to masking the origin of cyberattacks. To get around content limitations, an attacker can utilise a VPN to pretend to be accessing the internet from a foreign nation.
Facilitating human and drug trafficking
Facilitating criminal activities like human and drug trafficking is another way that VPNs may be used for evil. VPNs can be used to conceal a person’s identity and location. That makes it more difficult for law authorities to find and prosecute people who engage in these criminal actions.
How companies can safeguard themselves against malicious VPN use
There are steps enterprises do to secure themselves, notwithstanding the possibility that VPNs will be used maliciously. Providing staff with information on VPN security best practices is one of the most crucial things that firms can do. This involves receiving instruction on how to spot phishing scams and other online hazards as well as how to use VPNs securely.
Training staff
Businesses use secure VPN protocols and authentication tools in addition to training staff. This entails setting up two-factor authentication for VPN access as well as picking a trustworthy VPN service with robust security features.
Regular updates
Regularly updating and patching VPN software is a crucial action that companies can do. This assists in addressing any flaws and guarantees that the VPN is offering the best level of security available.
Conclusion
Businesses are concerned about the possibility of VPNs being exploited in a malicious manner. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that VPNs also offer a number of advantages, such as improved security for distant workers. The security of sensitive information, and unlimited access to material and websites. Businesses may protect themselves from potential dangers and keep making use of the advantages of using VPNs. They do so by taking the necessary steps and putting in place security measures. Employee education on VPN security best practices, selecting a reliable VPN provider with robust security measures. And also setting up two-factor authentication for VPN access, and routine software updates and patches are a few examples of these precautions. In general, staying aware and adopting a proactive security strategy are the keys to safeguarding your company from the possibility of VPNs being utilised for harmful purposes.
Extra resources
- Suggestions for picking a reputable VPN service: It’s critical to pick a VPN provider with robust security measures while making your selection. Choose a provider that offers two-factor authentication for increased security. Also, look for ones that use secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2.
- Recommendations for workplace VPN security: Implement the following best practices to make sure your company is using VPNs securely and safely: Two-factor authentication should be set up. And staff should be informed about VPN security, and VPN software should be updated and patched frequently.
- The Center for Internet Security (CIS) has compiled a list of cybersecurity best practices for companies. This includes advice on picking a safe VPN provider and putting secure VPN protocols into practice.
A set of suggestions for safely utilising VPNs in the workplace are also available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They include instructions on how to pick a VPN provider and put authentication procedures in place.
- The SANS Institute provides numerous publications, webinars, and training courses on VPN security.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) offers tips on what to look for in terms of security and privacy in its guide to picking a VPN provider.
A list of cybersecurity best practices for small companies is available from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which also offers advice on how to use VPNs safely.