Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) were once the standard for remote access, but today they are one of the most exploited entry points for cyberattacks. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, organizations relying on VPNs face escalating threats, including credential theft, ransomware, and persistent unauthorized access, with attackers relentlessly exploiting VPN vulnerabilities.
Apart from security risks, VPNs present considerable operational difficulties and user inconveniences, such as slow connection speeds, frequent disconnections, and complex authentication processes that hinder productivity and collaboration. It has become evident that there is a need for an improved approach to secure remote access.
This 2025 VPN Exposure Report is based on a comprehensive survey of 648 IT, network, and cybersecurity professionals to examine the current state of VPN security and the shift toward modern alternatives like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Security Service Edge (SSE).
By analyzing security risks, operational challenges, and survey insights from IT and security professionals, this research provides a clear picture of how enterprises are addressing VPN vulnerabilities and planning their transition to more secure access models.
Key findings from this report include:
• VPN breaches on the rise – 48% of organizations have experienced a VPN-related cyberattack, with 30% suffering multiple incidents. Attackers frequently exploit stolen credentials, zero-day vulnerabilities, and VPN misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access and establish persistence.
• VPN complexity is an operational liability – 72% of organizations maintain between two and five different VPN services, leading to fragmentation, high IT overhead, and an increased attack surface. 67% operate at least three VPN gateways globally, complicating security policy enforcement across remote and third-party users.
• Users are frustrated with VPNs – 83% are reporting user dissatisfaction due to slow connections, cumbersome authentication, and frequent disconnections. These issues hinder productivity and drive users toward insecure workarounds, undermining organizational security.
• Confidence in VPN security is plummeting – IT leaders rate their ability to detect and mitigate VPN vulnerabilities at just 6.1 out of 10. Confidence in VPN segmentation as a security control is even lower at 4.1, demonstrating widespread doubt that VPNs can effectively prevent lateral movement and over-privileged access.
• Organizations are actively exploring VPN alternatives – 61% of organizations are seeking alternatives to traditional remote access VPNs in pursuit of enhanced security, user
experience, and streamlined management. Additionally, 79% of organizations intend to implement a ZTNA solution as a replacement for VPNs within the next two years.
This report provides network and security leaders with critical insights into VPNs’ growing risks and how enterprises are moving toward more secure remote access solutions. Backed by fresh survey data and real-world examples, it offers a clear assessment of VPN vulnerabilities, IT complexity, and the Zero Trust strategies organizations are adopting to replace outdated access models.
