Why VPNs May Be Putting Your Cybersecurity at Risk
In today’s threat landscape, relying on a traditional VPN is like patching a hole in your hull with duct tape. It might hold for now—but it’s not built for the storm of a cybersecurity event.
The recent Zero Day Exploit affecting SonicWall SSL VPNs https://www.sonicwall.com/support/notices/gen-7-sonicwall-firewalls-sslvpn-recent-threat-activity/250804095336430 is a stark reminder: the tools we once trusted to protect remote access may now be exposing us to greater risk. VPNs, once considered essential, are now being questioned by cybersecurity experts across the industry.
At IT Liferaft, we help businesses stay afloat with security strategies that are fit for modern waters. And we would argue that VPNs are no longer the safest way to enable remote access. In fact, they may be one of the biggest cybersecurity risks your business is still relying on.
⚠️ The Problem with VPNs
VPNs were designed for a different era—when remote work was rare and cloud apps didn’t exist. Today, they often create more cybersecurity risks than protection.
Here’s why:
🔓 They Extend Your Security Perimeter
Once a user connects via VPN, they often gain broad access to internal systems—far beyond what they actually need. This increases the attack surface and makes it harder to contain threats. From a cybersecurity standpoint, this is a major vulnerability.
🎯 They Create a Single Point of Attack
Your VPN gateway becomes a high-value target. If compromised, attackers can move laterally across your network, accessing sensitive data and systems. This is a serious cybersecurity concern, especially for businesses without proper segmentation or monitoring.
🐛 They Increase Support Workload
VPNs are prone to connection issues, software conflicts, and user frustration. Every glitch becomes a ticket, draining your IT support resources and slowing down productivity. Poor performance also impacts your overall cybersecurity readiness.
🧱 They Don’t Play Well with Cloud
VPNs weren’t built for Microsoft 365, SharePoint, or SaaS platforms. They slow things down and complicate access, making cloud adoption more painful than it needs to be. This friction can lead to risky workarounds that weaken your cybersecurity posture.
🌐 What’s the Alternative?
Modern cyber security demands a modern approach. Instead of relying on VPNs, businesses should consider:
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): This model verifies every user and device before granting access, and only to the resources they need. It’s a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity architecture.
- Cloud-native security tools: These integrate directly with platforms like Microsoft 365, offering seamless protection without the bottlenecks.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A simple but powerful layer that blocks unauthorized access—even if credentials are compromised.
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): These tools monitor devices in real time, catching threats before they spread and strengthening your cybersecurity defenses.
By shifting to these solutions, businesses can reduce reliance on outdated VPNs and build a more resilient cybersecurity strategy.
🛟 How IT Liferaft Can Help
We specialize in helping businesses transition from legacy systems to modern, cloud-ready cybersecurity frameworks. Whether you’re still using VPNs or just starting to explore alternatives, we’ll guide you through every step.
Our team can:
- Audit your current remote access setup
- Recommend safer, more scalable solutions
- Implement tools that align with your business goals
- Train your staff on best practices
Because good cybersecurity isn’t just about tools—it’s about strategy, support, and education.
⚓ Final Thought
VPNs had their moment. But in 2025, they may be doing more harm than good. With threats evolving faster than ever, businesses need to rethink how they protect remote access.
If you’re ready to upgrade your cybersecurity strategy, IT Liferaft is here to help. Let’s make sure your business is prepared—not just patched.
Thanks for your time. This is Mark from IT Life-Raft. As always, stay safe online.
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