[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nationalcybersecuritysociety.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NCSS-3397-Bulletin-Header-Footer-Header-Graphic-1600×350-Compressed.png” title_text=”NCSS-3397-Bulletin-Header-Footer-Header Graphic 1600×350-Compressed” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Published: October 25, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our new bulletin Cyber Threat Watch<\/em><\/strong> has been created to help small businesses stay up to date on the latest threats, news, and events affecting their business. The content has been curated to make cybersecurity easy and accessible for both technical and nontechnical readers.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Featured Cyber Threat \u2014 Virtual Private Network (VPN) Security” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_text_color=”#00688E” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nationalcybersecuritysociety.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_874670000-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Programmer using laptop showing vpn connection on screen” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_text_color=”#00688E” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding=”||0px|||”]<\/p>\n As businesses increasingly rely on technology for their day-to-day operations, secure communication and data protection have become top priorities. A VPN has emerged as one of the essential tools for safeguarding online activities, especially with the rise of remote work<\/span>. However, the surge in VPN usage has also led to an increase in vulnerabilities and security incidents. Therefore, understanding these challenges and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies are crucial for protecting your business.<\/p>\n A VPN is a technology that provides a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a server. This connection masks your IP address and makes it appear as if your online activity originates from a different server. Thus, it protects your privacy while allowing access to restricted content\u2014it is vital for maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive data, especially when employees access the company\u2019s networks remotely.<\/p>\n The assumption that VPNs are always secure could lead to a false sense of security and increased risk for your business. Recent security incidents have highlighted several vulnerabilities in VPNs as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nationalcybersecuritysociety.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_256640219-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”VPN diagram vector illustration. Outline virtual private network LAN scheme” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”-37px|||||” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_text_color=”#00688E” custom_css_free_form=”ol {|| list-style: none !important; || counter-reset: item; ||}||||ol li {|| counter-increment: item; || position: relative; || padding-left: 2em; \/* Adjust as needed for spacing *\/||}||||ol li::before {|| content: counter(item) %22.%22; || font-weight: bold; || position: absolute;|| left: 0; || width: 1.5em; || text-align: right;||}” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”-21px|||||”]<\/p>\n To protect your business from VPN-related vulnerabilities, consider implementing the following strategies:<\/p>\n VPNs are indispensable for secure remote work and protecting sensitive data. However, they are not immune to vulnerabilities and require regular maintenance and robust security practices. By understanding the vulnerabilities and implementing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies, small businesses can significantly enhance their security posture. Regular security review, strong encryption and endpoint security, MFA implementation, and continuous employee training are essential steps toward safeguarding your business in this constantly evolving digital world.<\/p>\n The NCSS encourages businesses to adopt comprehensive security practices and stay informed about evolving threats. We recommend you consider becoming an NCSS member to access a wide range of our services. For more information, visit our Small Business page<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”|auto|-15px|auto||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#00688E” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.procheckup.com\/blogs\/posts\/2024\/june\/vpn-security-audit\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/cyberinsider.com\/vpn\/https:\/\/www.intertrust.com\/blog\/unveiling-inherent-vulnerabilities-in-vpn-protocols-risks-and-ramifications\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/nordvpn.com\/blog\/what-is-pptp-protocol\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.networkworld.com\/article\/2096892\/4-reasons-firewalls-and-vpns-are-exposing-organizations-to-breaches.html<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/socradar.io\/top-10-vpn-vulnerabilities-2022-h1-2024\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/sequretek.com\/attackers-exploit-vpn-vulnerabilities-in-a-frenzy\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/thehackernews.com\/2024\/04\/cisco-warns-of-global-surge-in-brute.html<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/arstechnica.com\/security\/2024\/05\/novel-attack-against-virtually-all-vpn-apps-neuters-their-entire-purpose\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/news\/security\/norway-recommends-replacing-ssl-vpn-to-prevent-breaches\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/thecyberexpress.com\/sec-fines-vpn-breach-reporting-delay\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.cybersecuritydive.com\/news\/check-point-software-hackers-old-vpn\/717216\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.darkreading.com\/cyberattacks-data-breaches\/attacks-surge-on-check-points-recent-vpn-zero-day-flaw<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/tuxcare.com\/blog\/cisco-vpn-hijacking-flaw\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/nationalpost.com\/news\/canada\/global-affairs-vpn-data-breach<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.cyber.gc.ca\/en\/news-events\/cyber-activity-impacting-cisco-asa-vpns<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.hipaajournal.com\/check-point-issues-warning-about-attacks-targeting-its-vpns-for-initial-access\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.adminbyrequest.com\/en\/blogs\/vpn-vulnerabilities-exposed-rethinking-remote-access<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/news\/security\/cdk-global-cyberattack-impacts-thousands-of-us-car-dealerships\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.fortinet.com\/resources\/cyberglossary\/brute-force-attack<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.fortinet.com\/resources\/cyberglossary\/man-in-the-middle-attack<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/topics\/mobile-device-management<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.gartner.com\/reviews\/market\/endpoint-detection-and-response-solutions<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.pdq.com\/blog\/what-is-automated-patch-management\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/vpnpro.com\/guides-and-tutorials\/aes-encryption\/<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is a VPN?<\/h3>\n
Understanding VPN Security Risks<\/h3>\n
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Risk Mitigation Strategies<\/h3>\n
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Conclusion<\/span><\/h3>\n
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References<\/h2>\n