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How cyber criminals are using virtual private networks to spread malware undetected

by: Ryan Peterson

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) Virtual Private Networks (VPN), theyre nothing new, but in this pandemic era with more and more people telecommuting, they have certainly become more familiar to many of us. VPNs allow internet users to browse the web while keeping their identities and locations hidden, which is why theyre so popular with companies to set up corporate, home-working networks. But, as Curtis Dukes, Executive Vice President and General Manager at the Center for Internet Security tells us, its also an attractive tool for criminals looking to cover their cyber tracks.

It hides where their physical location is. It will also encrypt the data that theyre exfiltrating, once theyve gotten access to your corporate assets, Dukes said.

Police in Germany and nine other countries recently took down a VPN service that was helping cybercriminals spread malware undetected.

Dukes says, In this country, and I would say, globally, ransomware is a huge problem and has been for two-plus years. VPNs enable criminal networks to pursue ransomware attacks on organizations as well as individuals.

As long as a VPN is being used for legitimate purposes, you have nothing to worry about. The technology itself doesnt pose any direct danger to you. Like many things, it can serve a dual purpose depending on the users intent.

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