VPNs often play a crucial role in VDI security, particularly in the context of WFH.
Looking back to 2020, how many organizations needed to provide remote employees with access to their virtual workspace when the pandemic hit?
And how many IT leaders immediately reached for a VPN to secure that connection?
That was an understandable decision, maybe the only decision available in that moment.
But flash forward to 2024 and the security posture for so many remote and hybrid workers is still built around the VPN.
And that has got to change because it’s a highly vulnerable attack-vector. In fact 88% of security leaders have concerns about a data breach due to VPN vulnerabilities. The same report noted that over half of the respondents had their VPNs targeted by cybercriminals looking to exploit outdated protocols or compromised credentials.
It’s clear that understanding the limitations and risks associated with VPNs is crucial for organizations aiming to fortify their VDI security effectively.
Here are 5 threats, and what you can to mitigate against them.
1. Unauthorized access via VPN
One of the main risks is the possibility of unauthorized access by malicious actors who obtain VPN credentials. If an attacker gains access to valid VPN credentials, most likely through a phishing exercise, they can potentially use the VPN to connect to the VDI environment.
Required action: Organizations must implement robust authentication measures, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to mitigate this risk.
2. Insider threats
The danger of internal actors misusing VPN access cannot be overlooked. If an employee with legitimate access decides to act maliciously, they could use the VPN to connect to the VDI environment from an unauthorized device.
Required action: Organizations must implement stringent VDI access controls, regularly monitor VPN logs, and conduct thorough background checks to minimize the risk of insider threats.
3. VPN software vulnerabilities
Like any software, VPNs can have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. If a bad actor discovers and exploits a vulnerability in the VPN, they may gain unauthorized access to the VDI environment.
Required action: Regularly updating and patching VPN software is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and ensure the security of the connection.
4. Compromised endpoints
If the endpoint device used for VPN access is compromised, either through malware or other security breaches, the security of the VPN connection is jeopardized. Hackers could potentially use the compromised device as a gateway to access the VDI environment.
Required action: Employing endpoint security measures, such as device lockdown, antivirus software and regular security audits, helps mitigate this risk.
5. Man-in-the-middle attacks
VPNs are susceptible to man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, where an attacker intercepts and potentially alters the communication between the user and the VDI environment.
Required action: Utilize strong encryption protocols and secure key exchange mechanisms within the VPN implementation.
How ThinScale can help you secure your virtual environments
ThinScale provides a crucial additional layer of security on the endpoint itself, mitigating against the risk of unauthorized and unsecured access to your VDI. It ensures that only locked-down, authorized devices and trusted end-users can connect to your VDI.
