Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Virtual Private Network
A technology that creates an encrypted tunnel between a device and a network, securing data transmission and enabling secure remote access to company resources over the internet.
In-Depth Explanation
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection (tunnel) between a user's device and a network, securing all data that travels between them. VPNs are widely used for remote access to company resources and for securing internet connections.
Types of VPN:
- Remote access VPN: Individual users connecting to company network from anywhere
- Site-to-site VPN: Connecting two networks (e.g., office to data centre)
- Client-to-site: Software on the user's device connects to a VPN server
- SSL/TLS VPN: Browser-based VPN access (no client software needed)
- IPsec VPN: Network-layer encryption for site-to-site connections
VPN use cases:
- Remote work: Secure access to company resources from home or travel
- Cloud connectivity: Encrypted connection between office and cloud
- Branch offices: Connecting multiple office locations securely
- Public WiFi protection: Encrypting traffic on untrusted networks
- Compliance: Meeting data protection requirements for remote access
VPN solutions:
- Enterprise VPN: Cisco AnyConnect, Palo Alto GlobalProtect, Fortinet FortiClient
- Cloud VPN: AWS Client VPN, Azure VPN Gateway, Google Cloud VPN
- Modern alternatives: Cloudflare Access, Zscaler Private Access (ZTNA)
- Open source: WireGuard, OpenVPN
VPN vs. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA):
- VPN gives broad network access once connected (trust the network)
- ZTNA provides application-specific access with continuous verification (trust nothing)
- ZTNA is increasingly replacing traditional VPN for remote access
- VPN remains relevant for site-to-site connections and network-level access
VPN best practices:
- Use split tunnelling carefully (only route company traffic through VPN)
- Require MFA for VPN authentication
- Monitor VPN connections for anomalies
- Keep VPN software and firmware updated
- Implement always-on VPN for high-security environments
- Ensure adequate VPN capacity for remote workforce
- Consider ZTNA as a VPN complement or replacement
Business Context
With 30-40% of the Australian workforce working remotely at least part-time, VPN or equivalent secure access technology is essential for protecting company data accessed from home networks and public WiFi.
How Clever Ops Uses This
Clever Ops implements secure remote access solutions for Australian businesses, from traditional VPN to modern Zero Trust Network Access. We configure encrypted access to cloud and on-premises resources, implement MFA for all remote connections, and monitor access patterns for security anomalies.
Example Use Case
"An Australian company deploys Fortinet FortiClient VPN with MFA for their 80 remote workers, providing encrypted access to their cloud applications and on-premises file server while blocking access from unauthorised devices."