Securing Remote-Access VPN in 2026
Remote-access VPN gateways sit on the internet edge and hold the keys to the internal network, which makes them one of the most attacked systems in any organisation. Many serious breaches have started with a stolen VPN password or an unpatched gateway.
Essential controls
- Multi-factor authentication for every user. Prefer phishing-resistant methods such as authenticator push with number matching or security keys over SMS codes.
- Patch quickly. Subscribe to the vendor’s security advisories and treat critical gateway vulnerabilities as emergencies.
- Integrate with your identity provider so leavers lose access the moment their account is disabled.
- Check device posture: allow only managed devices with up-to-date OS, disk encryption and endpoint protection.
- Least privilege: give each group access only to the subnets and applications it needs.
- Limit exposure: disable unused portals and features, and restrict management interfaces to internal networks.
- Log and alert on impossible travel, repeated failures and logins at unusual times.
Plan the next step
For many organisations, the long-term answer is Zero Trust Network Access, which removes the exposed gateway altogether. Until then, these controls make VPN a much harder target.
We harden and operate remote-access VPNs and help organisations move to zero trust. Learn about our VPN service or book a VPN security review.
