Why VPNs Are Limited as a Digital-Work Solution
To help solve this security challenge, some companies have turned to virtual private networks, which help obfuscate and encrypt traffic to and from corporate networks. As noted by Freudenthal, however, “the problem with VPNs lies in the fact that they grant systemwide access to remote workers who should not have access to all company resources, let alone access to sensitive data or intellectual property that could have far-reaching consequences if exposed.”
He describes three broad remote user categories, each with specific access needs: general teleworkers, power users and super users.
- General teleworkers need access to email, internet, teleconferencing, limited file sharing and specific applications. They may be frontline service, finance or HR staff.
- Power users have higher-level access to corporate resources and the ability to operate in multiple IT environments. They typically consist of system administrators, IT support technicians and emergency personnel.
- Super users have access to confidential resources. They are generally executive management staff, administrators with privileged access and higher-level support technicians.