6 essential VPN security risks—fixed

You’ve got a VPN. Great.

Your team’s working remotely, data’s encrypted, and things feel secure.

However, if one user logs in from a malware-ridden laptop or a weak password slips through the cracks, your entire network can be exposed in seconds. 

Attackers know this.

In fact, VPN security issues are among their favorite exploits, from credential stuffing to lateral movement post-breach. And most traditional VPNs? They aren’t designed to fight back.

This blog breaks it down. The top VPN security risks you need to watch out for, how to fix them fast, and why solutions like Veltar give you that extra edge when it matters most.

Let’s get into it.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network like the public internet. This allows users to send and receive data privately as if their devices were directly connected to the private network. VPNs are commonly used to protect sensitive information, bypass geographical restrictions, and enhance online privacy.

6 key VPN security risks (and how to fix them)

Risk 1. Weak authentication – A free pass for attackers

The problem: What’s the damage?

Depending on just a username and password can be basically saying “please hack me”

Credential dumps, brute-force tools, and password reuse make it insanely easy for attackers to get in.

Over 80% of hacking-related breaches are due to stolen or weak credentials. That’s not a stat, that’s a red flag waving at full speed.

The solution: Lock it down

• Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across the board.
• Add biometric options for good measure.
• Rotate credentials regularly and ditch password sharing for good.

Risk 2. Malware-infected devices – Welcome to the threat party

The problem: Here’s the kicker

Your VPN doesn’t care what’s running on the device. It just opens the door. So if one laptop is riddled with malware, guess what? That mess now has access to your entire network.

That’s how ransomware spreads like wildfire — from one device, straight into the core.

The solution: Keep the cracks out

• Use endpoint protection tools alongside your VPN.
• Run device posture checks before letting anyone in.
• Block access if a device doesn’t meet your security rules. No exceptions.

Risk 3. Over-permissive access – One foot in, all systems go

The problem: It’s dangerous

Most traditional VPNs drop users into the entire network the moment they authenticate. No guardrails. No limits.

One hacked account = total access = major breach.

That’s the real VPN security risk. If an attacker hijacks just one set of credentials, they’re not just in; they’ve got a master key.

This means they can:

• Move laterally between servers and departments.
• Probe internal apps and databases without resistance.
• Elevate privileges, deploy malware, or exfiltrate sensitive data — undetected.

Worse? In large, distributed networks, these attacks spread fast and wide, giving threat actors days (or weeks) of access before anyone even notices.

The solution: Fix it like a pro:

• Stick to zero trust — never trust, always verify.
• Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to limit what each user can touch.
• Only allow access to the apps and systems they actually need.

Risk 4. Outdated VPN software – An open door for exploits

The problem: This one’s brutal

Old software is loaded with VPN vulnerabilities, and attackers don’t have to waste time looking for them — they already know where to strike. In 2023, CISA issued multiple alerts about critical VPN attacks, many of which were actively being used by attackers in the wild.

If your VPN hasn’t been updated recently, you’re leaving yourself wide open to these attacks.

The solution: Patch it up

• Set up automated updates for your VPN clients and servers.
• Choose cloud-managed VPNs that update themselves.
• Check your vendor’s patch notes like it’s your morning news.

Risk 5. Zero visibility – You can’t stop what you can’t see

The problem: Reality check

Traditional VPNs often lack visibility into user activity. They don’t provide detailed insights into who’s accessing what, when, or from where. Without this crucial information, detecting suspicious activity becomes nearly impossible until it’s too late.

The solution: Shine a spotlight

• Choose VPNs with session tracking and smart alerts.
• Log everything. Access patterns. IPs. Resources touched.
• Use User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) to catch suspicious activity before it turns critical.

Risk 6. Insider threats – Not everyone on your team plays nice

The problem: The reality 

Not all threats come from outside your network. Sometimes, the threat comes from within — whether it’s an employee inadvertently clicking on a malicious link or someone intentionally misusing their access to steal or leak sensitive data. And because they’re already authenticated via the VPN, these actions can go unnoticed for a long time.

The solution: Control the chaos

• Enforce session timeouts and geo-restrictions.
• Don’t give blanket access — segment access by roles.
• Monitor everything. Flag weird behavior in real-time.

Trust is great. But verifiable trust is smarter.

How Veltar puts your VPN on lockdown

Now here’s how Veltar turns your VPN from a soft target into a secure fortress, without adding complexity. 

1. Secure and flexible authentication – Veltar supports SSO with OneIdP and Custom OIDC authentication. This ensures users are properly verified before and during access. It removes reliance on weak passwords and supports strong identity management.

2. Device-level protection – Veltar adds an extra layer of control by enforcing access only from approved device profiles and IP addresses. Before any connection is made, it checks if the device matches pre-set criteria, like OS version, compliance status, or known IP ranges. This reduces the VPN security risk of compromised devices sneaking into your network.

3. Limited access, not full access – With user access policies and role-based controls, users only access the resources they need. This minimizes exposure in case of credential compromise and aligns with Zero Trust principles.

4. Always up-to-date – As a cloud-managed solution, Veltar updates automatically. You don’t need to worry about outdated VPN clients or missed patches. The latest protections are always in place.

5. Visibility and logs – Veltar offers audit logging to track all changes and access events. You get a clear view of who accessed what, when, and from where, making it easier to spot any unusual behavior.

6. Stronger control over insider access –  Veltar prevents all VPN tunnel security risk, aligning the traffic routes through a secure tunnel—no shortcuts, no split access. But access to corporate resources is still tightly controlled. Only specific users, IPs, device profiles, or user groups—based on day, time, or role—can actually access sensitive data. This reduces  VPN security risks tied to over-permissioned accounts and limits the damage insiders or compromised users can do.

7. Optimized and secure routing – With full tunnel, VPN internet gateway, and peer-to-hub connections, Veltar ensures that only traffic is encrypted and routed securely. This also keeps performance smooth without compromising security.

8. High availability and IP flexibility – Thanks to built-in IP roaming, your peers stay connected even if their IP changes. There’s no need for manual adjustments, keeping access uninterrupted and secure.

9. Secure traffic management – Veltar uses cryptographic routing to manage and direct traffic securely using key-based controls. This adds another layer of security to how data flows across the network.

VPNs aren’t bulletproof — But they can be with Veltar

A VPN on its own won’t save you. Not when attackers are this fast, smart, and relentless.

But with the right strategy? With the right tools?

You can dodge the major VPN security risks. Just follow this quick checklist:

• Enforce strong authentication
• Keep configurations in check
• Apply least-privilege access
• Automate key security tasks
• Allow only compliant devices

And if you want all of that in one package?
Veltar’s got you covered.
It’s the security from VPN breach, your IT team deserves — minus the complexity.

Reference:

1. LastPass

FAQs

1. What are the most common VPN security risks?

Common VPN security risks include vulnerabilities in VPN servers that attackers can exploit, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches. Additionally, some VPN providers may log user activity, compromising privacy.

2. Why is using a VPN not always secure for businesses?

While VPNs encrypt traffic, they don’t verify device health or user intent. That leaves room for internal misuse, compromised devices, and weak credential attacks, turning a standard VPN into serious VPN security issues if left unmanaged. Using solutions like Veltar, which add device posture checks and continuous verification, helps close these gaps effectively.

3. What’s the difference between VPN security and Zero Trust?

VPN security focuses on securing the connection between a device and the network. Zero Trust goes a step further by continuously verifying identity, context, and device posture before allowing access, offering tighter control than traditional VPNs.

4. How do attackers exploit VPN vulnerabilities?

Hackers often target VPN vulnerabilities like outdated software, default configurations, or exposed credentials. Once in, they use the VPN tunnel to move laterally inside the network, making early detection and segmentation critical. However, with solutions like Veltar that support automatic patching, device checks, and role-based access, these VPN tunnel security risk can be significantly reduced.

5. Can a VPN replace other security tools?

No. A VPN is just one piece of the puzzle. It must be paired with tools like endpoint security, access control, and monitoring to fully address the VPN and security risks that come with remote access and hybrid environments. Integrating these tools ensures a layered defense that protects devices, controls access, and detects threats before they cause damage.