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VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Definition
A VPN is a technology that creates an encrypted connection (tunnel) over a public network such as the internet. VPNs protect the privacy and security of data transmitted over the network.
VPNs are used for: secure access to corporate networks from home or on the go, privacy protection when using public Wi-Fi, and bypassing geographic restrictions.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is seen as a successor to traditional VPNs. The risks of VPN access are often underestimated. Known VPN vulnerabilities such as those in Pulse Secure (CVE-2021-22893) and Fortinet FortiOS (CVE-2023-27997) have led to large-scale compromises of corporate networks. Attackers who gain VPN access often obtain broad network access, significantly increasing the risk of lateral movement and data theft.
Impact on organisations
The impact on organisations is substantial. Under NIS2, organisations in critical sectors are required to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures. DORA sets comparable requirements for financial institutions. The average cost of a security incident amounts to millions of euros in recovery, legal fees and reputational damage. National cybersecurity centres warn that advanced threat actors increasingly target European organisations.
Protection
Effective protection requires a layered approach combining technical measures with organisational processes and awareness. Regular testing of security measures through pentests and security assessments is essential. An incident response plan with clear roles and communication lines prepares the organisation for worst-case scenarios. Continuous monitoring through an MDR service or internal SOC detects threats before they can cause damage. Security awareness training ensures employees recognise and report suspicious activities.
The threat landscape evolves rapidly. Organisations that operate only reactively face increasing risk. A proactive security strategy combines technical measures with regular security testing, continuous monitoring and a practised incident response team. NIS2 requires organisations in critical sectors to implement demonstrable security measures, including supply chain risk management and regular assessments. The cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of a security incident: the IBM Cost of Data Breach Report 2024 documents average costs of $4.88 million per incident. Organisations with an MDR service or practised incident response team save an average of $2.66 million per incident compared to organisations without preparation.
How DEFION helps
DEFION offers a comprehensive portfolio of security services that help organisations address this threat. The 24/7 SOC team continuously monitors for suspicious activities. Pentests and red teaming exercises test the effectiveness of existing security measures. In the event of an incident, the DFIR team is immediately available for forensic investigation and recovery. This requires a proactive security strategy that is regularly tested and updated based on the current threat landscape. Organisations that invest in prevention and preparation save significantly on incident response costs. ISO 27001 provides a proven framework for structurally organising information security.