Remote Access VPN What is a Remote Access VPN? A remote access VPN makes it possible for the clients to log in to a computer network from a remote place through the use of a VPN. This is commonly done by employees who have to work in areas where it is impossible for them to access their company’s network or by people accessing a private network over an insecure network. There are several types of client VPNs available on the market, which typically employ their own proprietary encryption and tunneling mechanisms to protect and transfer data between client and server network locations. This provision greatly guards private networks from connecting with non-intended users. With a connectivity established, it allows users to achieve full access to your network resources as though they are physically within the organization. How do remote access VPNs work? When an external user wants to connect with the internal network of an organization, remote access VPNs function by encoding the data that passes between them. Thanks to the protocol and the internet, remote access VPNs have always remained a preferred tool of security for employees accessing their corporate network regardless of their location. Employees are able to work at the comfort of their homes but without access to company applications. No unauthorized accesses. Security Risks Associated with Remote Access VPNs VPNs usually offer some level of protection by requiring the user to verify their identity to initiate the connection and encrypting the traffic. However, the provision of security may not be enough because some VPNs offer insufficient security features or have vulnerabilities. These include: Users that have more rights than necessary: ‘Segmentation and segregation’ and separating the user from the ability to access any resources other than the one allowed is not possible with regard to VPNs. A number of users connect to the network and they all seem to be using the same set of IP numbers handed out by the VPN. They will also be able to see items that they are not supposed to, which puts them a password away from being able to access the information and hit the machines in the network. Exposed endpoints: A VPN tunnel even when properly set to secure endpoints and secure the two defined communication endpoints of the VPN tunnel, may not be unacceptable due to lack of other security features normally expected of a secured solution. Home users are given work computers, powerful enough to execute there job roles but are not provided with all additional security features a business in a similar work environment would have in place in the physical structures of their main and branch offices. As such these features don’t extend to the homes of employees. VPN appliance as a single point of failure: In case there needs to be a failure of the VPN or some functionality is under threat – for example due to a DoS attack – the business is quite likely to experience a considerable business interruption. This feature is very sensitive for companies that have a large portion of their workforce telecommuting through a VPN. Invasion of certain VPNs by various cybercriminals: Companies are expected to always check for security gaps on the network perimeter and improve infrastructure continuously as well as keep current devices updated and patched. Otherwise, there will always be unpatched vulnerabilities that can potentially compromise the entire organization. Internal connection is not observable: The encrypted VPN of an SSL-based VPN is an advantage and a disadvantage. A detrimental or beneficial action may be carried out by a staff member working somewhere further, and at some point, the data being transferred during the occurrence will not be readable by a system administrator. How Is Data Security Ensured with Remote Access VPNs? Remote access VPNs are more typically set by those who work as an Internet Protocol security (IPSec) team. Establishing a secure and encrypted connection, a VPN will work over public Wi-Fi and some other networks that are less secure. The VPN application is responsible for both the encryption and the decryption of the data which is to be sent and received. It also aims at eliminating the network IP addresses that have been used to send and receive data. These target the unauthorized users to accessing the data that is being transported from one point to another through the connection. If the attackers attempt to hijack the data, even if the data crossing the connection is secured and intercepted, it will not be readable.