MFA for VPN: The Biggest Security Oversight for Remote Access?

Today’s distributed workforces rely on virtual private networks (VPN) to securely access corporate networks and shared data – a beneficial tool to support productivity and collaboration. But savvy threat actors continue to exploit VPN connections, often finding an entryway into corporate environments when these secure access technologies don’t require secondary authentication.

This year, Omega Systems’ Security Operations Center (SOC) has seen a significant increase in cyber-related incidents in which hackers have gained access to networks without MFA enabled on SSL VPN. Failure to implement MFA on VPN environments is proving to be a significant risk factor and has the potential to not only disrupt IT networks but also result in significant harm to operations, financial standing, and reputation.

Growing VPN Security Concerns

Although VPNs encrypt traffic and thus provide a certain level of security, they are not an all-encompassing cybersecurity solution.

• No Protection Against Malware & Phishing: VPN connections do not protect users against social engineering attacks that can be used to compromise credentials. When logins and passwords are stolen (and when MFA is not enabled), hackers have an easy gateway to sensitive information.
• Wide Attack Surface: An increase in hybrid and remote workforces has dramatically expanded corporate attack surfaces, giving hackers more targets and more opportunities to penetrate corporate networks.

Why Multi-Factor Authentication is Critical to VPN Security

MFA adds a critical layer of security to VPN access, helping organizations thwart potential data breaches and mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risk.

• Limits Credential-Based Attacks: In cases where user credentials may be guessed or acquired through phishing, an additional authentication layer such as MFA can prevent hackers from gaining access to corporate file servers.
• Meets Compliance & Cyber Insurance Standards: Compliance for regulated industries often requires the use of MFA for remote access; cyber insurance standards are also increasing in this area, and companies may need to enable MFA on VPN to ensure future eligibility.
• Builds Trust & Bolsters Overall Security Posture: Comprehensive cyber risk management requires a layered approach. Requiring MFA on VPN access tools demonstrates a proactive commitment to safeguarding company data and builds trust with clients and other stakeholders.

Best Practices for Securing VPN Access

Remote access is necessary for operational success for many organizations today, but the rise in VPN security risks is serious and cannot be overlooked. A 2025 VPN Risk Report found that 56 percent of companies experienced a VPN-exploited breach in the past year.

To mitigate these growing security risks, companies using VPN technology should prioritize implementing the following best practices for remote access security:

1. Enable and require MFA on SSL VPN technologies to prevent unauthorized entry.
2. Verify firewall configurations and firmware, and keep VPN clients updated with proper patching.
3. Regularly audit user accounts, paying close attention to third parties and terminated employees to ensure stale accounts are deactivated.
4. Monitor and log VPN activity with SIEM or MDR solutions that can alert security teams to suspicious behavior and provide an opportunity to stop attacks before they reach corporate networks.