As organizations look for ways to continue operating in today’s environment, many are allowing a variety of workplace options for their employees. Working remotely —or telework— requires an enterprise virtual private network (VPN) solution to connect employees to an organization’s information technology (IT) network.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Homeland Security’s cyber agency, underlined concerns by issuing an alert on Friday, March 13, pointing to specific cyber vulnerabilities around working from home versus the office.
CISA zeroed in on potential cyberattacks on virtual private networks (VPNs), which enable employees to access an organization’s files remotely. These networks may make it easier to telecommute, but, according to CISA, they also open up a tempting way for hackers to get in.
CISA encourages organizations to strengthen their cyber security efforts to ensure their network systems are protected, as well as their employees.
What to Consider
- As organizations use VPNs for telework, more vulnerabilities are being found and targeted by malicious cyber actors.
- As VPNs are 24/7, organizations are less likely to keep them updated with the latest security updates and patches.
- Malicious cyber actors may increase phishing emails targeting teleworkers to steal their usernames and passwords.
- Organizations that do not use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote access are more susceptible to phishing attacks.
- Organizations may have a limited number of VPN connections, after which point no other employee can telework. With decreased availability, critical business operations may suffer, including IT security personnel’s ability to perform cybersecurity tasks.
How to Mitigate Risks
Below are recommendations when considering alternate workplace options.
- Update VPNs, network infrastructure devices, and devices being used to remote into work environments with the latest software patches and security configurations. See CISA Tips Understanding Patches and Securing Network Infrastructure Devices.
- Alert employees to an expected increase in phishing attempts. See CISA Tip Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks.
- Ensure IT security personnel are prepared to ramp up the following remote access cybersecurity tasks: log review, attack detection, and incident response and recovery. Per the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-46 v.2, Guide to Enterprise Telework, Remote Access, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Security, these tasks should be documented in the configuration management policy.
- Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) on all VPN connections to increase security. If MFA is not implemented, require teleworkers to use strong passwords. (See CISA Tips Choosing and Protecting Passwords and Supplementing Passwords for more information.)
- Ensure IT security personnel test VPN limitations to prepare for mass usage and, if possible, implement modifications—such as rate limiting—to prioritize users that will require higher bandwidths.
Reach out to RPS
To learn how Raytheon Professional Services’ cyber training experts can help you address your organization’s needs, please contact us, our visit our website at RPS.com.
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References
CISA Alert (AA20-073A) Enterprise VPN Security
NIST Special Publication 800-46 v.2, Guide to Enterprise Telework, Remote Acces…
CERT/CC: VPN – A Gateway for Vulnerabilities
National Security Agency Cybersecurity Advisory: Mitigating Recent VPN Vulnerab…
CISA Insights: Risk Management for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)