Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become a staple technology for businesses in recent years. VPNs encrypt internet traffic, and routing it through a private network allows secure remote access to company resources and data. However, VPNs also come with some significant risks if not properly managed.
At Intelinet Systems, we use our managed IT support to help the businesses we help avoid some of the biggest issues that involve VPNs and technological success. Let’s take a look at some of the main dangers of VPN tunnels and how partnering with a managed service provider can help mitigate these risks.
Security Vulnerabilities in VPN Software
Like any software, VPN clients and servers can contain vulnerabilities that expose the network and a company’s sensitive data. Flaws in widely used VPN software like OpenSSL and OpenVPN have been discovered over the years, allowing remote code execution, denial of service attacks, and even full decryption of VPN traffic under certain conditions.
Keeping VPN software up-to-date with the latest security patches is crucial. This can be challenging for small IT teams to manage across multiple locations and devices.
Managed service providers like Intelinet Systems stay on top of VPN software vulnerabilities and can rapidly deploy updates across your network when needed.
Misconfigured VPN Servers
Mistakes made when installing and configuring VPN servers can undermine their security. Examples include using default or weak encryption algorithms, not enabling proper logging, or failing to update CA certificates.
As minute as some of these installation errors may be, it’s important to remember that small configuration errors can leave the network open to attack.
A managed service provider can ensure your VPN servers are properly hardened and configured according to industry best practices from the start. MSPs also periodically audit the VPN configuration for compliance.
Lack of Monitoring
Once a VPN is set up, it’s easy for companies to “set it and forget it” without adequate ongoing monitoring. But security threats evolve constantly. Without active monitoring in place, new vulnerabilities or malicious activity could go unnoticed for extended periods.
By the time issues are discovered, you’re unfortunately beyond needing to outsource managed services for protection. The enemy is already in, and you and your managed services team will have to find your way out of the brambles.
Partnering with an MSP provides 24/7 monitoring of your VPN infrastructure. MSPs have security operation centers (SOCs) that analyze VPN traffic usage patterns to spot any abnormal behavior that could indicate an attack or breach.
Weak Access Controls
VPNs require strong access controls to prevent unauthorized usage. When access controls are too lax, VPNs can be exploited by bad actors to infiltrate the network or exfiltrate data. Unfortunately, properly managing and securing VPN credentials across a large user base can be an overwhelming task.
MSPs can provide greater oversight of VPN access across the organization. Features like two-factor authentication, IP-based restrictions, and session timeouts can be implemented to tighten access controls and minimize the VPN attack surface.
Lack of Network Segmentation
Many organizations fail to segment their network architecture properly when implementing VPNs. They grant VPN users access to parts of the network they don’t need access to or don’t isolate internal services from the VPN subnet. This can allow attackers who gain a foothold through the VPN to traverse laterally across the network.
MSPs can architect and deploy VPNs in a more secure, segmented manner that limits access only to the specific resources a user needs. Through practices like micro-segmentation, managed firewall services, and software-defined perimeters, Intelinet Systems can help contain common VPN threats.
How Partnering with Intelinet Systems Can Strengthen VPN Security
Given the dangers outlined above, it’s clear that VPNs require extensive expertise to manage securely. By partnering with a managed security services provider like Intelinet Systems, organizations nationwide can strengthen the security of their VPN infrastructure.
Our MSPs monitor VPN software vigilantly to protect against newfound vulnerabilities and rapidly deploy updates. Trust us to keep you up-to-date on the latest patches for your VPN software.
MSP security from us means 24/7 monitoring of your systems. We provide continuous monitoring to detect any anomalous VPN behavior that could signal an attack.
We can even offload complex VPN burdens from your current IT staff. By handing off the complexities of VPN management to an MSP, internal IT resources are freed up for other priorities.
Take Control of Your VPN Software With Managed Services from Intelinet Systems
For any smaller or national business, leveraging a managed service provider is the most effective way to reap the benefits of a VPN while avoiding the common pitfalls and dangers.
Taking a hands-off approach to VPN security is risky, leaving networks vulnerable. Put your MSP in the hands of the technological experts of Intelinet Systems. With our MSP’s expertise and oversight, your organization can securely unlock the advantages of VPN connectivity without fear.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
