Full Report
Using a VPN 24/7 isn't always the best idea. Here's why.
Analysis Summary
The provided context is highly truncated and primarily consists of external links and navigational elements from a ZDNet article titled "When you should use a VPN - and when you shouldn't."
Based *only* on the explicit security advice found in the truncated content regarding VPN usage, the recommendations center on troubleshooting and situational awareness when using a VPN.
# Best Practices: VPN Usage Contingency Planning
## Overview
These practices address specific situations where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) might interfere with network access or application functionality, requiring temporary deactivation or configuration adjustments.
## Key Recommendations
### Immediate Actions
1. **Disable VPN for Access Issues:** If you are denied access to devices or resources while using a VPN, immediately disable the VPN connection to restore connectivity.
2. **Disable VPN for Application Malfunction:** If a specific application (e.g., Spotify) is not functioning correctly while the VPN is active, temporarily disable the VPN to confirm if the VPN is the root cause.
### Short-term Improvements (1-3 months)
1. **Configure Application Exceptions:** Utilize the VPN's configuration settings to create application-specific exceptions (tunnels or split tunneling) for software that consistently fails to operate correctly when the VPN is enabled.
### Long-term Strategy (3+ months)
1. **Establish Troubleshooting Protocols:** Document and communicate clear procedures for users on when and how to temporarily disable a VPN when encountering access denials or service disruptions.
## Implementation Guidance
### For Small Organizations
- Focus on ensuring all users know the process to quickly toggle VPN connectivity off/on for troubleshooting access problems.
### For Medium Organizations
- Deploy VPN clients that support application whitelisting or split-tunneling features to minimize disruption for specific business-critical applications.
### For Large Enterprises
- Implement a standardized organizational VPN client that allows centralized management of bypass lists for known problematic applications, ensuring user documentation reflects these exceptions.
## Configuration Examples
- **Application Exception:** Identify the specific VPN client setting (often labeled "Split Tunneling," "Trusted Networks," or "App Exceptions") and add the necessary application executables or services to an "allowed" list to bypass the VPN tunnel.
## Compliance Alignment
* **NIST SP 800-46:** Considerations for managing remote access technologies, including ensuring interoperability and proper authentication/authorization flows that may be impacted by VPN configuration.
* **CIS Controls v8 (Control 11):** Focus on maintenance/patching requires VPNs not to interfere with necessary system updates or remote management software.
## Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- **Indefinite Disabling:** Avoid disabling the VPN entirely if an application fails; instead, seek to configure an exception first.
- **Ignoring Disruptions:** Do not spend excessive time troubleshooting third-party software failures without first testing the environment with the VPN disabled.
## Resources
- VPN Client Documentation (Specific vendor guides for configuring exclusion lists or split tunneling).