Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection that encrypts data sent over a less secure network, such as the internet. This encrypted tunnel ensures that data transmitted between a user's device and the network is protected from eavesdropping and interception. VPNs are widely used by individuals and organizations to enhance privacy, secure data transmission, and access geographically restricted content. By encrypting data and masking the user's IP address, VPNs provide a layer of security that is essential in today's digital landscape. However, this security isn't as comprehensive as many organizations need.

VPNs don’t provide granular identity and access management for third-party users. With VPNs, organizations have no clear way to keep a complete and up-to-date inventory of all vendors who can access their networks. It can be difficult to determine whether a vendor's access is still necessary or if it should be revoked. Additionally, organizations providing remote access to vendors through a VPN may struggle to prevent credential sharing, making it challenging to impossible to keep track of everyone with access.

Also, because VPNs are trust-based, organizations aren’t able to precisely isolate what vendors can access. This opens the door to lateral movement and snooping — and if a hacker is able to gain access to one point in the network, they may soon be able to gain access to the entire network. The pros and cons of VPNs should be seriously considered by organizations in all industries, so they can evaluate whether the tool will work well for their needs.

On the surface, VPNs seem ideal for the manufacturing industry, as they offer a simple way for manufacturers to encrypt and secure the essential data that needs to be transmitted between their internal systems and external partners. However, without granular control or visibility into vendor activity on the network, there’s no way to keep track of and protect the many points of vulnerability that can be created. Not only could a hacker exploit one of those access points to gain access to the entire network, but the risk of a data breach also extends beyond the primary organization to endanger vendor organizations as well.

Rather than a VPN, a more secure option for third-party privileged access management is a Vendor Privileged Access Management solution designed to secure enterprise-grade remote access.