Another Way to Authenticate IPsec Using a Firewall

Our data ends at October 2023. As remote work becomes increasingly dominant, securing both VPN traffic and sensitive business data is essential.

Firewalls play an essential role in network security, but a misconfigured firewall can leave VPN users vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers often break into weak security settings, hence setting up strong firewall rules is significant in protecting your connections.

This guide will show you how to enforce VPN traffic security based on a well-configured firewall. These tips will help you set up a VPN that’s as secure as possible, whether it’s for an enterprise network or to secure remote workers.

VPN Security Risks

Another word of caution — without a well-configured firewall protecting your VPN traffic, it is open to multiple risks. The main risks include the following:

• Unauthorized Access – Weak firewall rules allow unauthorized devices to connect.
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks – Attackers may intercept VPN traffic if there is no encryption or proper security.
• Malware & Intrusions – Open ports on a firewall may provide an opportunity for malware and intrusion attempts against your VPN users.
• Data Leaks – A misconfigured firewall can result in data leaks which can expose sensitive business information.

The first line of defense, a firewall controls what network traffic is allowed and what is blocked.

How to Configure Firewalls to Access VPN Securely?

Proper strategic firewall configuration is key to universally protect all VPN users. Here is a step-by-step approach for configuring your firewall:

1. Allow Only Necessary Ports

• OpenVPN — UDP port 1194
• IPSec VPN usually uses UDP 500 and UDP 4500 ports.
• L2TP VPN requires UDP 1701.
• Restrict all non-essential ports to minimize the attack surfaces.

2. Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)

• Allows only valid traffic to access the network.
• Prevents unauthorized attempts to connect.

3. Whitelist VPN Users

• Limiting access to only necessary devices or users.
• Establish MAC or IP based whitelisting to restrict device connections.

4. Implement Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

• Scans VPN traffic for suspicious activities and blocks them.
• Mitigates DoS and brute-force attacks on VPN users.

5. Block Split Tunneling (If Needed)

• Blocks access to both corporate and public internet for users using a VPN.
• Protects against network compromise and malware infections.

6. Country Restrictions & Geo Blocks

• Deny access to countries with high levels of cyberspace threats.
• Restrict connections to trusted areas.

Properly configured firewalls will only allow authorized traffic and block malicious threats.

Enforcing Strong Encryption

Even with firewalls, hackers still try to capture VPN traffic. The way encryption works is that it makes data unreadable to anyone who is not authorized to access it, thus adding a layer of security.

What To Look For In A VPN: Best Encryption Practices

• Use AES-256 Encryption — the industry standard for safe VPN connections.
• Only TLS 1.2 | TLS 1.3 – Blocks legacy encryption approaches.
• Switch off weak ciphers — Disable legacy algorithms such as MD5 or RC4.
• Setting up MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) – Adds an extra security layer on top of VPN access.

Together with firewall configurations, all VPN traffic is 100% secured from cyber threats through strong encryption.

VPN Security Solutions by PJ Networks

Our VPN Firewall rental at PJ Networks ensures top-quality security and protection for your business. From next-gen firewall to router, or end-user/server, our solutions provide you end-to-end protection for remote workers & enterprises.

Reasons to Rent a Firewall from Us?

• Enterprise-Grade Security – Safeguard VPN users with advanced firewall and threat prevention.
• PAYG Firewalls | ASP – Pay as per your business requirements and save on CapEx.
• Quick Installation — Get web application firewalls configured quickly, sparing effort and time for anyone.
• Support & Monitoring – Our team of experts offers 24/7 monitoring and support to maintain ongoing protection.

From short-term remote projects to long-term VPN security, our firewalls are the most secure way to protect your business.

Conclusion

The responsibility and advanced technologies in VPN Security along with Firewall Configuration and Remote Work Protection are a must for enterprises dealing with imperative data and are taking a route of working from home. If implemented incorrectly, VPN connections are vulnerable to cyberattacks, data leaks, and unauthorized access due to a lack of firewall configurations.

This also allows companies to use strong encryption firewalls, and trusted firewall rentals to ensure the safety of their employees while using a VPN.

PJ Networks offers cost-effective and rapid commitment to secure firewall rental technology to strengthen VPN security. From securing remote workers to managing an enterprise network, our firewall rentals provide you with industry-leading VPN protection.