{"id":67939,"date":"2025-06-11T12:09:39","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T17:09:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/?p=67939"},"modified":"2025-06-11T12:10:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T17:10:13","slug":"vpns-under-attack-why-strong-encryption-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/vpns-under-attack-why-strong-encryption-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"VPNs Under Attack: Why Strong Encryption Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a world where everything from your texts to your bank details travels through the internet, staying private online is more important than ever. That\u2019s why so many people rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)<\/strong>. VPNs act like secret tunnels that protect your information as it travels from your device to the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But recently, even these secret tunnels have come under attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Going On With VPNs?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Cybersecurity experts have reported new vulnerabilities in some popular VPN services<\/strong>, including Ivanti Connect Secure VPN<\/strong>. Hackers found ways to exploit flaws in the system, allowing them to break into private networks, steal information, and even spread malware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cIvanti has addressed a critical vulnerability (CVE\u20112025\u201122457) in its Connect Secure (ICS) VPN appliances, which had been exploited in the wild\u2026 The flaw \u2026 carried a critical severity score of 9.0\/10 and enabled remote code execution.\u201d
\u2014 TechRadar<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cApproximately 16,500 Ivanti Connect Secure and Policy Secure gateways \u2026 are likely vulnerable to a remote code execution (RCE) flaw.\u201d
\u2014 ShadowServer Report via TechRadar<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Another problem has been found in older tunneling protocols<\/strong>\u2014these are the methods VPNs use to create a secure connection. Some of these older methods (like PPTP) have weak encryption, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cWeak encryption methods like PPTP should be avoided \u2026 modern VPNs should use protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard for better protection.\u201d
\u2014 TechRadar Security Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

These reports show that not all VPNs are created equal<\/strong>, and without strong protection, even VPNs can be a weak link in your cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Strong Encryption Matters<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Encryption is what scrambles your data so that no one else can read it. When you use a VPN, it should protect your data using modern encryption protocols like PC Matic VPN<\/a><\/strong>. But if a VPN uses weak or outdated methods, hackers can break through the encryption and see everything you\u2019re doing online\u2014whether it\u2019s checking emails, paying bills, or chatting with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why strong encryption<\/strong> isn\u2019t just a nice feature\u2014it\u2019s a must-have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to Stay Safe When Using a VPN<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few ways to protect yourself when using a VPN:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 –<\/strong> Update your VPN software regularly.<\/strong> Hackers often target old, outdated software. New updates fix security flaws that could be used against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an emergency directive requiring federal agencies to patch Ivanti VPN vulnerabilities immediately.
\u2014 Axios<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

2 – Use a VPN with strong encryption protocols.<\/strong> Look for services that use modern tunneling methods like PC Matic VPN<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 – Avoid free or unknown VPNs.<\/strong> These might not have proper security and can even sell your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 – Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)<\/strong> if your VPN offers it. This adds an extra layer of protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How PC Matic VPN Can Help<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Not all VPNs are vulnerable\u2014and PC Matic VPN<\/strong> is designed with security-first in mind<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n