How VPN works
A VPN client on the device establishes an encrypted tunnel to a VPN gateway using protocols such as IPsec, OpenVPN or WireGuard. Traffic inside the tunnel is unreadable to anyone on the path between the two.
Once connected, the user receives an internal address and can reach permitted resources. Consumer VPNs instead route traffic through a provider's servers, which hides the user's IP address from websites but shifts trust to the provider. Split tunnelling, where only some traffic uses the tunnel, improves performance but can reduce visibility, so teams should decide deliberately which traffic must be inspected and which can go directly.
Why it matters for Canadian organizations
Remote access VPNs are a frequent target. Unpatched VPN appliances and stolen VPN credentials have been used by attackers to enter corporate networks, and a connected user often gains broad access to internal systems.
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has issued advisories on VPN vulnerabilities. Securing VPN access supports safeguards expected under PIPEDA, Law 25 and OSFI B-13, particularly when personal or financial data is reachable. Reliance on a single VPN gateway also creates an availability risk, so capacity, redundancy and a tested fallback are worth planning before an outage forces remote staff offline.
How to defend against it
Patch VPN gateways promptly, require multi-factor authentication, and use modern protocols and strong cipher settings. Limit what each user group can reach rather than granting flat network access.
Log and monitor VPN sessions for unusual locations and times, remove unused accounts and check device health before allowing connection. Many organizations are moving to zero trust network access, which grants per-application access instead. Prefer vendors with a good record of timely security fixes, and subscribe to their advisories so emergency patches are not missed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a VPN make me anonymous?
No. A VPN hides your IP address from sites and encrypts traffic on the local network, but the VPN provider can see your activity, and sites can still identify you through accounts, cookies and browser fingerprinting. Neither one is perfect.
What is the difference between a VPN and zero trust access?
A VPN usually gives a connected device broad access to a network. Zero trust network access verifies user and device for each application and grants only that access, which limits damage if credentials are stolen. Many organizations are moving this way.
Is a VPN enough to secure remote work?
No. A VPN protects the connection but not the device, the user or the applications. Remote work also needs endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, patching, email security and monitoring to be reasonably secure. Layered controls remain essential.
Related service: SASE solutions