In a post-pandemic world, businesses of all sizes are embracing remote work policies. As a result, many employees use mobile devices to do work and stay productive. Companies now harness the power of virtual private networks (VPNs) to keep their business and employees safe.
But with the rise of VPNs, cybercriminals are starting to attack these networks. Knowing how to prevent cybersecurity attacks within your VPN is critical to your business’ health. Without proper cybersecurity, these criminals could deal a crippling blow to your operations.
In this post, we’ll go over some best practices for cyberattack prevention using the power of VPNs. These tips will help improve your cybersecurity, keep your business private, and protect your remote employees.
Why you need to defend against cyberattacks
Cyberattacks are an issue every modern business must face and come in many different forms. At best, they can be a minor nuisance. At worst, they could threaten your entire company.
If you’re left unprotected, a cyberattack can damage your brand and reputation. Customers and business partners may not trust that their data is safe with your company and take their business elsewhere.
In other cases, cyberattacks can directly target your revenue stream. This can either happen through slowing your business down enough to halt operations, or through other tactics like holding your data for ransom.
What is a VPN, and how does it protect against cyberattacks?
A VPN is a service that encrypts your data and hides your IP address from outsiders. It protects your identity and allows you to use the internet safely and anonymously.
A VPN adds an extra layer of security to your business’ network by running your internet connection through a virtual tunnel. It disguises your IP address, masking your location and making it difficult for hackers to access your data.
Top tips for cyberattack prevention
Using a VPN boosts your overall security, but you can do more. Here are some additional tips to leverage your VPN for enhanced cybersecurity.
Implement two-factor authentication
Many organizations smartly employ two-factor authentication (2FA) as an additional security measure. This goes beyond a simple password requirement. Two-factor authentication can come in many forms:
- Text or email with a one-time code
- Biometrics such as fingerprint or facial recognition
- Authenticator apps
If your password falls into the wrong hands, then having a second form of authentication can prevent them from accessing your network.
2FA is incredibly helpful, but it isn’t a bulletproof plan for VPN cybersecurity. A stolen cell phone could be all it takes to hack into a 2FA-protected VPN. Businesses need to take extra precautions to isolate and mitigate these attacks once they’re detected.
Utilize machine learning
Machine learning is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Today, businesses are using machine learning to protect their VPNs by detecting unusual employee behavior:
- Logins from new locations
- Logins on new devices
- Accessing different files than usual
- Accessing sensitive data
Machine learning can detect nuances in user behavior. If it senses any changes in those behaviors, it will flag them as a security concern and notify anyone involved. That way, potential breaches are detected sooner.
Manage user privileges
Not every employee in your organization needs access to the same apps and files. By only granting designated employees access to sensitive data, you have better control over your cybersecurity.
Limiting administrative abilities to a select few people will reduce the number of access points through which a cybercriminal can enter. Closely monitor the behavior of system administrators and any other staff who attempt to access restricted files.
Keep software updated and perform regular testing
Keeping everything up to date is crucial to maintaining cybersecurity within your VPN. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, they learn to exploit weaknesses in older and out-of-date software.
Make sure you regularly update your software and replace it if needed. Routine testing and assessments of your cybersecurity solution can help identify threats and vulnerabilities in your VPN.
Get a cybersecurity assessment
If you’re still not sure how to prevent cybersecurity attacks, consult with the experts. BlackPoint IT offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that protect your VPN against cyber threats:
- 24/7 monitoring and protection
- Malware detection
- Threat isolation and lockdown
- Dark web scanning
- Employee training
- Backup and disaster recovery
Contact us today for a cybersecurity assessment and to determine the best way to protect your business.