Virtual private networks provide security for your business. They take advantage of encryption to secure your connections. When using unsecured internet infrastructure, it is essential to use VPN.
It provides you with anonymity and security to keep hackers away. However, VPNs aren’t bullet-proof. Like passwords, they can always be hacked.
Here are a few ways to improve your site-to-site VPN security.
1) Implement 2FA/MFA
VPN authentication cookies, and client certificates can be used to bypass authentication. In such cases, your best option is to enforce 2FA/MFA. It could be your last line of defense. Using a robust password policy is always a good idea. It could save you a lot of trouble.
2) Prevent IPv6 Leaks
IPv6 is a type of Internet Protocol. It gives you access to more addresses than IPv4. The problem with IPv6 is that it works outside VPN territory. This means that hackers have the chance to see who you are.
Luckily, you can always run a test to confirm that you are safe. Alternatively, you can manually disable IPv6.
3) Use IPSec Rather Than SSL for Your VPN
IPsec VPN could be a better option than SSL. Establish a way to balance the security risks of both network connection encryptions. The main difference is in the network layers at which authentication and encryption happen. IPsec works at the network layer. You can use it to encrypt data transmitted through any identifiable system by IP addresses.
SSL works at the transport layer. It encrypts data that is sent between any two processes identified by port numbers on network-connected hosts.
In addition, IPsec doesn’t specify the encryption of connections explicitly. On the other hand, SSL VPNs will default to network traffic encryption. Even though they are both safe, IPSec VPN is relevant to most threat models.
4) Use the OpenVPN Protocol
VPNs can support a variety of protocols to provide different security levels. Here are the most common protocols:
PPTP
This protocol is weaker than the others. It uses 128-bit encryption. Hackers can intercept the connection and authentication process. They can decrypt your data and compromise your security.
Even though it has low encryption, PPTP has one main advantage-it is one of the fastest protocols.
L2TP
This protocol offers more security than PPTP. However, it is slower and has higher operating costs.
OpenVPN
This protocol presents you with the highest security and privacy levels. It is fast, and you can quickly recover your lost connections. Consider using VPN solutions that support OpenVPN when you want to offer the highest levels of security.
5) Prevent DNS Leaks
DNS leaks are security flaws that reveal DNS requests to ISP DNS servers. They make it impossible for your VPN to conceal the requests. In such instances, you need to contact your vendor and determine if they have DNS leak protection. If they don’t, it may be time to get another solution.
6) Use Network Lock
A network lock will automatically restrict your computer from accessing the internet once your Wi-Fi network is interrupted. This way, your information stays secure as your VPN reconfigures.
7) Use a Kill Switch
If your VPN connection drops, you may face the risk of using an unprotected connection by your ISP. A kill switch keeps this from happening. It prevents apps from switching down and limits access to sites when a connection is lost.
8) Secure Remote Wireless Networks
VPNs are great for securing unsecured wireless routers. However, the vulnerabilities of your wireless routers could pose problems. They can undermine the effectiveness of your VPN. Get your IT staff to help you secure the networks.
Implementing the above tips will improve your VPN security. However, it doesn’t make it impenetrable. You would be smart to combine a variety of safety measures to improve their effectiveness. The above tips will improve your data security significantly. They lower the risk and severity of breaches.
If you are unsatisfied with your VPN, the marketplace is filled with options that could match your security needs. Explore them and settle for the most appropriate one for your needs. Don’t assume that what works for one person will automatically work for you.
