Look, remote work isn’t going anywhere. And neither are VPNs—those security gatekeepers that let your employees jump onto your company network like it’s their own backyard. But here’s the kicker: while VPNs look like fortress gates, a simple misstep in configuration can turn them into open doors for bad actors.
You Know What's Funny? The VPN’s Biggest Threat Isn’t Always an External Hacker
Sometimes, zero trust network access it’s just a stolen laptop. Someone swipes a remote employee’s device—and that laptop often comes equipped with VPN access baked right in. Here's where things start to unravel.
What Happens Next? The Domino Effect
When a laptop that’s linked to the company's network via a VPN is stolen, you’ve got a potential disaster waiting to happen. Why? Because the thief doesn't need to be a genius hacker to cause serious damage. If the VPN client on that laptop has saved credentials or overly permissive access rules, the attacker might have a free pass to your entire environment.
Over-Permissive Rules: The Silent Killer
Ever notice how many VPN configurations are set up with lax access permissions? IT teams sometimes do this to "keep things simple," or because they haven’t had time to properly segment network access. Over-permissive rules basically mean the stolen laptop isn’t restricted to just a few folders or applications. Instead, that device might see everything—from HR files to finance servers—like it owns the place.
The Real World Consequences of VPN Misconfigurations
If you think a stolen laptop with VPN access is just an inconvenience, you’re missing the big picture. I’ve been cleaning up ransomware messes on networks because of this exact scenario.
- Ransomware Delivery: Once inside, attackers can deploy ransomware, encrypting everything in sight, shutting down operations, and demanding a fat payout. Data Exfiltration: Sensitive data—customer info, trade secrets, employee records—can be silently copied out before anyone notices. Lateral Movement: Without proper controls, attackers jump from one server to another, expanding their reach exponentially.
Your VPN settings aren’t just lines of configuration—they're the difference between a secure perimeter and a breached data landfill.
Stolen Device Security: What Good Looks Like
So what are you supposed to do when a remote employee’s laptop is stolen? The answer is multi-layered:
Remote Wipe VPN Access: Use enterprise-grade Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools that let you wipe VPN credentials—and the device itself—remotely. SonicWall and Ivanti both provide solutions integrated with device management that enable quick lockdowns. Device Health Checks VPN: Don’t just trust the device blindly. Implement health checks that verify device integrity before granting VPN access. Check Point Software, for instance, has robust features in their VPN clients that check patch levels, antivirus status, and other health metrics. Conditional Access and Multi-Factor Authentication: Make stolen credentials alone useless. Require that users verify their identity through multiple factors before the VPN unlocks access. Least Privilege Access: Configure your VPN policies to only allow access to absolutely necessary resources—no more, no less. This nips any lateral movement attempts in the bud.The Conflict Between Security and Usability in IT
Ever notice how the more secure you try to make a system, the harder it is for users to get their job done? IT guitars between locking everything down and keeping people productive. This tension often leads to compromises like over-permissive VPN rules or saving VPN passwords on local devices 'for convenience.'
Unfortunately, those compromises come with consequences. It’s a balancing act—one that requires clear policies and solid tools. If your users complain about cumbersome security, it might be time to involve them in the conversation rather than cutting corners that invite risk.
Default Settings on Network Appliances: The Achilles Heel
So what's the takeaway here? Many breaches through VPNs aren’t sophisticated—often, they’re because someone left default credentials or settings in place on the VPN gateway or firewall appliance.
Devices from big names—like SonicWall firewalls or Check Point gateways—ship with factory default usernames and passwords. If IT doesn’t change those during setup, you might as well have handed the keys over to an intruder on day one.
Make it a non-negotiable part of your security checklist: change all default passwords, disable unnecessary services, and audit configurations regularly.
Bonus: Don’t Forget to Use Tools Like Incogni for Data Exposure
Stolen device security isn’t only about device access—it’s also about what happens after your data might already be leaking. Tools like Incogni specialize in scanning and removing stolen personal data from breach sites and data broker marketplaces. Integrating data protection tools with your VPN and device security layers creates a more robust defense-in-depth approach.
Summary Table: Risks vs. Mitigation Steps
Risk Description Mitigation Example Tools Stolen laptop with VPN credentials Unauthorized network access from stolen device Remote wipe VPN access; revoke credentials immediately SonicWall Endpoint Security, Ivanti MDM Over-permissive VPN access rules Unrestricted lateral movement for attackers Implement least privilege access policies Check Point VPN Access Control, SonicWall Security Services Default appliance credentials Easy gateway compromise Change default passwords; regular config audits SonicWall Firewall Manager, Check Point SmartConsole Unhealthy devices connecting Infected or outdated devices opening attack surface Device health checks before VPN access granted Check Point Endpoint Security, Ivanti Patch Management Data exposure post-breach Personal/company data leaking online Monitor and request data removal IncogniFinal Thoughts: Don’t Let Your VPN Be the Weak Link
VPNs are essential, especially in this remote-friendly world. But if you don’t manage them properly, they’re like a secret backdoor wide open for attackers. The risk of stolen devices isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening every day. Overly lax configurations, default settings, lack of device health checks, and ignoring security-vs-usability tensions only make it worse.
So take the tough steps: enforce strict VPN policies, leverage modern endpoint security, perform remote wipes quickly, and never rely on defaults. Your network’s security—and your sanity—depend on it.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get another cup of strong black coffee and check the latest alerts. The hackers don’t rest, and neither do I.