Due to remote work, cloud services, and globally connected teams, accessing corporate networks remotely has become a standard part of daily work life. At the same time, businesses of all sizes are facing an increase in targeted cyberattacks. Rather than just searching for security flaws in applications, criminals now focus on poorly secured access points to internal systems. This is why a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the key components of a modern IT security strategy; running your own VPN makes your business more secure.

 Those who self-host their VPN infrastructure gain greater control over their data, servers, and security policies. However, the demands on planning, setup, and maintenance increase accordingly. Even minor errors can leave the entire infrastructure vulnerable. 

Meticulous planning is the secret to security 

Companies that use a self-hosted VPN enjoy much greater freedom than those relying on many off-the-shelf cloud solutions. The choice of infrastructure for the server, the security policies in place, and how users can access internal resources are all decisions made by the administrators. Meanwhile, it’s much easier to implement individual requirements—like different access rights for departments, separate server locations, or specific compliance needs. 

That’s why selecting the right software is so important. Beyond strong encryption, regular security updates, ongoing development, and clear documentation are crucial. Modern VPN protocols, straightforward user management, and the ability to flexibly adapt security features to specific requirements are just as essential. 

When looking into contemporary open source alternatives, you’ll find Amnezia VPN as one of the solutions. Those software simplify the process of creating your own VPN server, support various modern protocols, and provide options for data traffic obfuscation. This is especially ideal for businesses that wish to handle their own VPN infrastructure and prioritize flexibility, transparency, and ease of administration. 

It’s crucial that the solution can be easily executed on your own hardware or a virtual server. This allows companies to keep full control over their data at all times and avoid unnecessary reliance on external infrastructure. With an active developer community and regular security updates, the software addresses known vulnerabilities quickly and can be relied upon for long-term use. While a careful selection is crucial for building a secure VPN infrastructure, it still requires professional configuration to ensure its effectiveness. 

The biggest mistakes often happen after installation 

While companies invest a lot of time in choosing the right VPN solution, they often overlook the setup process. However, this is exactly where most security weaknesses occur. A VPN can only safeguard data reliably if all its components are properly set up and maintained regularly. 

Weak login credentials pose an underestimated risk 

A lot of companies still depend solely on usernames and passwords. When login credentials are compromised through phishing, malware, or earlier data breaches, it often allows cybercriminals to directly access the corporate network. As a result, implementing multi-factor authentication is one of the key security measures for any professional VPN infrastructure today. Often, having an extra security measure in place can thwart an attack, even if a password is compromised. 

Outdated software allows for attacks 

Failing to install updates is just as risky. VPN software must be continuously improved to address the ever-evolving landscape of security vulnerabilities. If patches are not installed promptly, known vulnerabilities can remain open to exploitation for weeks or even months. This becomes especially problematic when administrators fail to establish fixed maintenance processes or overlook security advisories from developers. 

Misconfigurations enlarge the attack surface 

The configuration of the server also plays a role in the security of a VPN. Attackers can easily gain access due to open management ports, poorly set up firewalls, or the absence of network segmentation. Shared user accounts or permissions that go beyond what is necessary are also serious issues. The risk of a successful attack increases significantly when employees have access to far more systems than necessary for their work. 

How tiny errors can result in millions in damages? 

Numerous high-profile cyberattacks in the U.S. show that significant financial losses can result from even small security oversights. 

In 2021, the operator of the Colonial Pipeline experienced a ransomware attack. The attackers used a compromised VPN account to access the company’s network; no multi-factor authentication had been set up for this access. Because of an incident involving a single user account, the company had to temporarily shut down the most important fuel pipeline on the U.S. East Coast. The consequences included supply shortages, panic buying, and considerable economic damage. 

MGM Resorts International also offered a striking example of how much damage compromised identities can cause. After a successful social engineering attack, numerous hotel systems were only partially accessible for days. Digital key systems, reservation platforms, and internal administrative processes experienced partial outages. The company later assessed the financial impact to be around $100 million. 

Caesars Entertainment went through a similar situation. Attackers were able to breach internal systems through compromised user accounts and make off with sensitive corporate data. In order to reduce the effects of the attack, the company is said to have paid a ransom amounting to tens of millions. 

These three instances clearly demonstrate that the failure was not due to VPN technology. It was not advanced tactics but rather poorly secured access points, the absence of authentication mechanisms, or organizational shortcomings that allowed cybercriminals to breach defenses. 

Maintaining the security of your self hosted VPN over time 

A VPN server’s security isn’t assured simply by installing it. To guarantee that all security measures comply with current standards, companies must continuously monitor and regularly audit their infrastructure. Key measures include automated updates, regular backups, log analysis, and recurring security audits of the entire server environment. 

It’s wise to give user permissions based on the principle of least privilege. Employees should only access the systems essential for their daily tasks. Moreover, by implementing network segmentation, you can prevent a potential attack from spreading unchecked across the entire infrastructure. 

In addition, the importance of continuous monitoring and automated alerts is on the rise. This allows administrators to identify and respond to suspicious login attempts, unusual access patterns, or repeated login errors early, preventing significant damage before it occurs.