Page 106 - Cyber Defense eMagazine July 2024

The Security Minefield of VPNs:

While VPNs offer a basic level of security, their inherent design creates vulnerabilities.

• Wide-Open Gates: VPNs establish a broad access tunnel into the corporate network. This
unrestricted access makes it easier for unauthorized users to exploit compromised credentials or
gain access by piggybacking on legitimate connections. Once they gain a valid login, hackers can
infiltrate the network, potentially wreaking havoc.
• Target-Rich Environment: VPNs themselves can become targets for cyberattacks. Phishing
campaigns aimed at stealing VPN credentials are on the rise. Additionally, vulnerabilities in VPN
software can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the network.

The Management Maze of VPNs:

As companies embrace cloud-based applications and services, managing secure access through a single
VPN becomes cumbersome and complex.

• Point-to-Point Purgatory: Traditional VPNs require point-to-point connections between user
devices and the corporate network. This becomes a logistical nightmare when managing access
to a growing number of cloud applications and resources.
• Security Stack Sprawl: Adding additional security solutions like multi-factor authentication
(MFA) to VPNs creates a complex security stack. This patchwork approach increases the risk of
misconfigurations and vulnerabilities, weakening the overall security posture.
• Administrative Overload: Managing and maintaining multiple VPN configurations for a
distributed workforce can significantly burden IT, teams. This complexity slows down onboarding
times and hinders overall network agility.

The User Friction of VPNs:

The user experience with VPNs can be frustrating and hinder productivity.

• Slow Connections and Lag: VPN connections can introduce latency and slow down application
performance, impacting user experience and productivity.
• Compatibility Chaos: VPNs can be incompatible with specific devices and applications, requiring
troubleshooting and workarounds.
• Constant Login Hurdles: Users often repeatedly log in to the VPN client and corporate
resources, creating unnecessary friction and disrupting workflows.

The Rise of Zero Trust: A More Secure and Streamlined Approach

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) offers a compelling alternative to VPNs by adopting a "never trust,
always verify" approach. Here's how ZTNA addresses the shortcomings of VPNs:

Cyber Defense eMagazine – July 2024 Edition 106
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