The transition to remote work has underscored the importance of secure remote access solutions. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have long been the standard for enterprises seeking secure channels for remote access. However, recent vulnerabilities and incidents, such as the Ivanti VPN exploitation, highlight the limitations and security risks associated with traditional VPNs. This blog explores the weaknesses of VPNs and introduces NVIS AI’s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution as a superior alternative.

Understanding Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

How VPNs work

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create an encrypted tunnel between the user's device and the corporate network. This tunnel ensures that data transmitted between the two points remains confidential and integral. VPNs mask the user’s IP address, making their online actions virtually untraceable. This anonymity is particularly useful for maintaining privacy and bypassing geographical restrictions.

Common uses of VPNs

VPNs are widely used in various scenarios, including:

• Remote Work: Employees access corporate resources securely from anywhere in the world.

• Public Wi-Fi Security: VPNs encrypt data transmitted over unsecured public networks.

• Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Users access content that is restricted in their geographical location.

Security risks in traditional VPNs

Despite their widespread use, VPNs are not without flaws. Recent incidents have shed light on several vulnerabilities inherent in traditional VPN solutions.

The Ivanti VPN Exploitation: A Case Study

The Ivanti incident exposed significant vulnerabilities in traditional VPN setups. Hackers exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Ivanti’s Connect Secure and Policy Secure products. These vulnerabilities allowed attackers to bypass authentication and execute commands, gaining control over the VPN system. This breach affected thousands of Ivanti VPN appliances globally, compromising sensitive data and IT systems.

Key vulnerabilities in VPNs

Inbound requests and exploitation

VPNs often rely on inbound requests for access, which can be exploited by attackers. Inbound requests create potential entry points for unauthorized access, as seen in the Ivanti incident.

Limited granular control

Traditional VPNs offer limited control over user permissions. This limitation can lead to challenges in ensuring appropriate access levels, increasing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive resources.

Split tunneling risks

Split tunneling allows only traffic destined for the corporate network to pass through the VPN, while other traffic accesses the internet directly. If not configured securely, split tunneling exposes users to threats from the public internet.

Vulnerable authentication methods

VPNs often rely on usernames and passwords for authentication, making them susceptible to credential-based attacks. Compromised credentials can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Incompatibility with Zero Trust models

VPNs do not align well with Zero Trust security models, which require continuous verification and least privilege access. Implementing a Zero Trust architecture with traditional VPNs often requires additional security measures.

NVIS AI’s ZTNA: A superior alternative

Given the vulnerabilities in traditional VPNs, organizations need a more robust and secure solution for remote access. NVIS AI’s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) offers a comprehensive alternative that addresses these weaknesses effectively.

How NVIS AI’s ZTNA works

NVIS AI’s ZTNA provides secure, granular access to applications and data, eliminating the need for public IP exposure. This approach significantly reduces the attack surface and enhances security.

Key features of NVIS AI’s ZTNA

• No public attack surface

  • NVIS AI’s ZTNA does not expose public IP addresses, preventing attackers from blocking, sniffing, or tracing traffic. End-to-end encryption at Layer 2 ensures all communication remains secure and hidden from potential threats.

• Fast performance and speed

  • Direct, peer-to-peer connections between network resources reduce latency, providing speeds comparable to or better than on-premises access.

• Easy management

  • AI provisioning allows for complex network configurations to be set up within minutes, without requiring high technical skills or changes to existing network infrastructure.

• Universal connectivity

  • NVIS AI’s ZTNA supports secure access to any network resource, including Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This ensures uninterrupted access even in environments where traditional VPNs might be blocked.

Enhanced security with Zero Trust principles

NVIS AI’s ZTNA solution aligns with Zero Trust principles, enforcing continuous verification and least privilege access. Every access request is verified, and users are granted only the permissions necessary for their tasks, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

Comprehensive visibility and monitoring

Traditional VPNs often lack visibility into user activity during remote sessions. NVIS AI’s ZTNA provides full auditing and video recording of access sessions, enabling organizations to monitor and track user activities effectively.

Flexible authentication methods

NVIS AI’s ZTNA offers diverse authentication options, including Just-In-Time (JIT) accounts that terminate after use and support for native credentials. This flexibility reduces the risk of credential-based attacks and enhances security.

Benefits of NVIS AI’s ZTNA for organizations

Improved security posture

By eliminating public IP exposure and enforcing Zero Trust principles, NVIS AI’s ZTNA significantly enhances an organization’s security posture. This approach minimizes the attack surface and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Enhanced performance and user experience

Direct, peer-to-peer connections ensure that users experience fast and reliable access to network resources. This improved performance boosts productivity and enhances the overall user experience.

Simplified management and deployment

AI provisioning simplifies the setup and management of secure remote access, reducing the burden on IT teams. This ease of deployment allows organizations to maintain a secure network without extensive technical expertise.

Comprehensive compliance

NVIS AI’s ZTNA helps organizations meet regulatory requirements by providing comprehensive visibility, monitoring, and auditing capabilities. This ensures compliance with data protection regulations and enhances accountability.

Enhanced security with Zero Trust principles

NVIS AI’s ZTNA solution aligns seamlessly with Zero Trust principles, enforcing continuous verification and least privilege access. By applying these principles, NVIS AI ensures that every access request is verified, and users are granted only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and lateral movement within the network.

Conclusion: Rethinking remote access security

The Ivanti VPN exploitation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in traditional VPN solutions. As organizations continue to navigate the challenges of remote work, it's essential to adopt more secure and resilient remote access solutions. NVIS AI’s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution offers a comprehensive and robust alternative to traditional VPNs, eliminating the public attack surface, providing fast and efficient performance, and aligning with Zero Trust principles.

By leveraging NVIS AI’s ZTNA solution, organizations can enhance their security posture, ensuring that their network remains protected against evolving cyber threats. As the landscape of remote work continues to evolve, adopting a secure and resilient remote access solution is no longer optional – it's a necessity.

To learn more, schedule a demo or contact our team of experts today.