Remote access virtual private networks or VPNs are widely used to allow individual users to connect their devices securely to corporate networks over the Internet in many cases. Once the VPN is established all the remote devices traffic to other locations on the Internet must be filtered by security measures within the corporate network. Those measures include firewalls, intrusion, detection devices, malware detection URL, filtering, and sandboxing. Traffic returning from those other Internet sites also passes through the corporate security measures before being passed along back to the remote users.
When remote access VPNs are heavily used this traffic to and from the Internet can tax the corporate Internet connection as well as the security measures. One way to deal with this is a method called split tunneling.
The principle of VPN split tunnel
Rather than have all traffic desist for resources at the corporate sites go through the Internet and directly to other sites on the Internet. That method relieves congestion and delay by reducing the amount of traffic crossing the corporate Internet connection and through corporate security measures.
The remote devices must rely on whatever security those devices carry onboard and that security is less stringent than measures at the corporate site. If the remote users browse to malicious websites their devices could be defenseless to whatever threats those sites present. That could harm the remote device. We’re worse the device could become compromised and be used by attackers to infiltrate the corporate network or steal data or harm the network itself.
The bottom line is that split tunneling can solve congestion problems but can also open up a security weakness. So whenever split tunneling is used. It should be implemented carefully only after factoring in the business damage that could be done if attackers exploit the weakness.
Why do we use VPN split tunneling?
It improves Internet speed by alleviating bottlenecks and saving bandwidth because all your Internet traffic will not be forced to pass through the VPN server.
It allows you to access multiple networks at the same time, so you can connect to a company network or external network, while still maintaining a connection to the local network. This means you don’t have to connect and disconnect VPN all the time. Therefore, you can do the following:
· Download content without slowing down browsing
· Stream content from other regions while still getting local search results on browsers
· Access your network printer while maintaining your online privacy
Any cons?
VPN split tunneling is not as secure as routing all traffic through a VPN. But the benefits of using a VPN outweigh no protection.
The possible hidden dangers are as follows:
If it is set incorrectly or insecurely, it will leave room for hackers to access information, and this information will not be hidden from your ISP.
If company employees use this method, there may be a risk of leaking company privacy. Employees can access blocked sites or suspicious downloads.
But sometimes, in order to maintain a higher network speed, sacrifice part of the security if it can be accepted, you can choose VPN split tunneling.
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