Optimizing Remote Access: How to Securely Manage VPNs for WFH Employees

Article summary: Remote work makes secure access to business systems more important than ever. Keeping VPNs patched, requiring multi-factor authentication, and limiting what users can access can reduce the risk of stolen credentials and vulnerable remote access tools. For some businesses, it may also be worth considering whether a traditional VPN is still the best approach.

An employee opens their laptop at home, at a coffee shop, or in an airport lounge and connects to the company VPN. A few clicks later, they are working as if they were sitting in the office.

Convenient? Absolutely. But that access can also create a security problem.

If an attacker steals an employee’s VPN credentials, they may get the same trusted access to your network. And with employees connecting from home routers and Wi-Fi networks your business does not control, there are even more variables to worry about.

The answer is not to give up remote work. It is to make sure your VPN security has kept up with it.

A few changes to how you manage access, authentication, and employee connections can make remote work considerably safer.

Why VPNs Have Become a Favorite Target

VPNs have become an attractive target for a simple reason: they are designed to provide remote access to your network.

For many businesses, the VPN was configured years ago, confirmed to be working, and largely forgotten. But outdated software, missed security patches, and overly broad access can turn that remote connection into an entry point for attackers.

The numbers show how widespread the concern has become. According to the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report, 56% of surveyed organizations experienced VPN-related breaches in the previous year, while 92% were concerned that VPN vulnerabilities could expose them to ransomware.

The problem is not limited to VPNs. Any internet-connected device left unpatched becomes a potential target. But VPN infrastructure can be particularly valuable because a successful compromise may give an attacker a foothold inside the broader business network.

What Attackers Actually Do Once They’re In

Getting through the VPN is only the beginning.

According to the Verizon 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report, vulnerability exploitation is now the most common initial access vector, accounting for 31% of breaches.

Once an attacker has access, the goal is usually to see how far that access can take them. They may search for sensitive files, probe other systems, steal credentials, or look for accounts with higher privileges.

Stolen VPN credentials can make that job even easier. Instead of obviously breaking into the network, an attacker may be able to connect using a legitimate employee account. Similarly, a hijacked authenticated session may initially appear to be normal user activity.

What Secure VPN Remote Access Actually Requires

Secure remote access comes down to a few basic practices.

Keep VPNs Patched

Internet-facing VPN infrastructure is an attractive target when known vulnerabilities go unpatched. CISA and NSA guidance recommends promptly applying vendor updates and patches.

Make VPN maintenance someone’s responsibility rather than something that happens when there is time.

Require MFA

A stolen password should not be enough to access your network. NIST guidance on remote access security recommends stronger authentication, including multiple authentication factors, for higher-risk remote access.

Apply MFA consistently and avoid shared VPN accounts so every connection can be tied to an individual user.

Limit Access

Connecting to the VPN should not unlock the entire network. Give remote users access only to the systems they need to do their jobs.

• Limit access based on each user’s role.
• Avoid granting full network access by default.
• Monitor remote sessions for unusual activity.
• Remove access promptly when an employee or contractor leaves.

When to Consider Moving Beyond a Traditional VPN

For some businesses, tightening VPN security may only be the first step.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) takes a more targeted approach by granting users access to specific applications and resources rather than automatically placing them on the broader network. Access decisions can also consider factors such as identity and device security instead of trusting a connection simply because the user logged in successfully.

Moving to ZTNA takes planning and may not make sense for every small business. In the meantime, keeping VPNs patched, requiring MFA, and limiting access can significantly strengthen remote access security.

A simple test can help identify the problem: If a stolen employee laptop connected to the VPN at 2 a.m., what could it reach? If the answer is “everything,” it may be time to rethink how remote access is configured.

Is Your VPN Actually Secure for Remote Employees?

Remote work depends on secure, reliable access to your business systems. But if your VPN has been running on the same settings for years, it may be time for a closer look.

Unbound Digital can help you evaluate your remote access setup, identify security gaps, and make sure employees can connect without creating unnecessary risk for your network.

Contact Unbound Digital or call 423-467-7777 to get started.

Article FAQs

Why are VPNs such a common target for attackers?

VPNs provide remote access to business networks, making them valuable targets. Attackers may exploit known vulnerabilities, steal credentials, or hijack sessions to gain access to systems and data.

Is multi-factor authentication really necessary for VPN access?

Yes. MFA adds another layer of protection if an employee’s password is stolen, making it harder for an attacker to turn compromised credentials into a successful remote login.

How often should a business patch its VPN?

VPN updates should be reviewed and installed promptly, with critical or actively exploited vulnerabilities receiving immediate attention. Assigning responsibility for VPN maintenance helps prevent important security updates from being overlooked.