Page 66 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Annual RSA Edition for 2024

In the Shadows: The Dark Side of VPNs and the

Unseen Threats Lurking Within

By Jonathan Tomek, Vice President of Research and Development at Digital Element

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have experienced a remarkable transformation in the past two decades.
Initially confined to corporate networks and the domain of tech enthusiasts, VPNs have now evolved into
a global phenomenon, reshaping the way we retrieve information and navigate the virtual realm. The
transition of VPNs from specialized tools to essential utilities speaks volumes about their ability to adapt
to the ever-changing technological terrain.

From Corporate to Consumer: A Maturation Saga

Twenty years ago, VPN users were predominantly found within the corporate realm. Private or
commercial VPNs were reserved for the technologically sophisticated individuals who possessed the
know-how to set up and utilize these networks for obfuscation purposes. Fast forward to the present day,
and the VPN market has matured significantly. The user experience has improved dramatically, and
onboarding the unsophisticated user is now a seamless process with minimal friction.

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