How To Secure Yourself using a VPN Router Setup
The pandemic has forced millions of people to work from home, activating cyber-security challenges for companies worldwide. It is now crucial for organizations to support and protect their work-from-home employees online. There are various strategies an organization can use to protect their employee; the most effective one is the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Companies can protect their network by slowing down the VPN gateway, and avoid utilizing default VPN settings, confirm cryptographic algorithms act in accordance with the Committee on National Security Systems Policy. It is also a great idea to delete unused cryptography suites and update VPN gateways.
Why use VPN Routers?
Protect Multiple Devices Simultaneously
A VPN router connects several devices at the same time and thus protects them all with a secure and encrypted connection. You can connect a device to your router via a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, depending on the device and how you want to utilize it. The router can handle multiple devices, providing a VPN connection to any device that connects to it. A VPN router for home provides an environment of safe internet browsing for every member of your house.
Extreme Convenience
Right after installing the VPN router and getting connected to it, there is no need to remember the logins credentials for your VPN service. You only have to enter the login credentials at the time of installation on the router, after which you can connect automatically with several devices, with a safe browsing experience without the hassle of reconnecting every time you get online.
Superior Compatibility
With the help of a VPN router, you can connect a variety of devices, regardless of their operating systems. Every device has a unique support system, like MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and more. With this capability, there are fewer chances of confusion about whether the next device is going to work with your VPN service or not.
Completely Automated
With a VPN router, you can connect to your VPN service, like OpenVPN routing, in an automatic way. No password is required by the new device because once you connect to the router, you can access your VPN connection automatically.
Secure Non-native Devices
Many devices do not typically support the usage of VPN. For such non-native devices, a VPN router is an ideal solution. Some of these devices include Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Roku, and Apple TV. A VPN router facilitates more security and anonymous internet connections to such devices by connecting to the VPN at a router level rather than a device level.
Unblock Applications and Content
For applications and content that ask for a specific location to access, a VPN router can allow you to connect with them freely. You can choose a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address that appears to be connected from an approved location. For example, route your VPN via the UK and get access to Netflix content that's only available there.
Types of VPN Routers
VPN-compatible Routers
If you are seeking a great VPN router but are not sure which one to choose, you can pick a VPN-compatible router. It is a simple router. Before choosing the one, always make sure that it works with your favorite VPN service. A VPN-compatible router is said to be a convenient solution.
Pre-Configured Routers
A pre-configured router is a great choice that works best with the appropriate software. Therefore, they have a big price tag. You can communicate with the dealer or seller regarding which VPN service you want the router to be used for, and they will install the necessary files for you.
Manually Flashed Routers
You can upgrade the router you have by flashing it by yourself. This manually flashed router can be an easy and inexpensive way to obtain a VPN router. Most openWRT Routers will allow you to flash a firmware that supports a VPN connection, but make sure your VPN service of choice works with this firmware before flashing it.
How to secure your VPN connections
Use the latest version of your VPN software
Always ensure that your VPN is up to date. Cybercriminals utilize vulnerable pulse VPN software to place ransomware on networks and access all active users and their plain-text credentials on an exposed VPN. They can even operate arbitrary commands on every VPN client once connected with the VPN server if they get access. VPN services therefore constantly publish updates to counter these threats. As long as you're up to date, you should be safe.
Analyze your VPN connections
It is important for organizations to review their VPN connections. Beginning from reviewing your VPN setting to optimizing the management of the system, this step is essential. Prior to this context, the best practice was to route all traffic through the VPN tunnel, which is not available anymore. Now, click-to-run is used to diversify the traffic, and office 365 is now configured to go through the users’ internet connections, whereas the remaining traffic is under the control of the VPN.
It is essential for businesses to set up a device tunnel for their employees working from home as it facilitates users to use cached credentials without any risk. It also helps administrators to manage distantly connected VPN clients without encountering a user logged on.
Filter VPN traffic
There are many steps that you can process to safeguard and defend your VPN connections after setting them up. Always remember that cybercriminals are more likely to scan and attempt to plunge into your network through a VPN connection.
To seal your VPN, you must set strict traffic filtering regulations to restrict the ports, protocols, and IP addresses of network traffic to VPN devices. The usage of firewalls for inspection and monitoring of IPsec traffic can enable it if you don’t contain a specific IP address filter.
Monitor and update VPN settings
Monitor the default settings and wizards used to set up your VPN connection to spot loopholes and prevent possible attacks. It may consist of mature, vulnerable settings that can make it uncomplicated for cybercriminals to make their way into your VPN server. It is also a great deal to review your VPN while setting it up on a firewall. On top of that, remember to review your VPN configurations and update them in accordance with the latest security protocols.
Apply VPN patches
Employing patches on your virtual private networks can add additional security layers to your network. Make sure to upgrade the VPN servers and patch them in time. Reviewing the patching processes for firewalls and other VPN platforms can prevent you from many cybersecurity risks.