Although Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections offer privacy and security, they're frequently exploited. The good news is: multi-factor authentication (MFA) can prevent 96% of all cyber attacks, including a VPN breach. That’s why VPN MFA is a key part of VPN security, requiring users to provide at least two factors to prove they are who they’re supposed to be before they're granted VPN access to sensitive systems and data.

VPNs are common targets of password-based attacks, such as phishing. This is why adding a second factor of authentication (2FA) to secure VPN connections dramatically reduces unauthorized access risks. This is because the second factor requires users to prove they are who they say they are by presenting a second factor in addition to their password.

When implementing VPN MFA in an on-premise Active Directory environment, look for a solution that offers flexibility across authentication choices, improves user accountability, and provides clear visibility into access attempts.

Popular MFA methods for securing access to VPNs include SMS codes, authenticator apps, hardware tokens, and push notifications.

While there are many reasons why SMS authentication is not secure, other more secure MFA methods add an extra layer of protection beyond traditional passwords to boost VPN security.

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a client-server protocol and software that acts as a gatekeeper, verifying user credentials before granting remote access to the network.

RADIUS supports various authentication protocols like PAP, CHAP, and EAP.

The native Windows RADIUS server is compatible with Active Directory (AD) through the LDAP protocol. RADIUS integrates with directory service software, and Windows RADIUS servers are usually implemented through Microsoft's Network Policy Server (NPS). NPS integrates with on-premise Active Directory, supporting centralized AAA (authentication, authorization, and accounting).

Using the RADIUS protocol for VPN offers a more secure way to authenticate users for network and resource access. RADIUS server configuration for VPN is common across various VPNs, such as Palo Alto VPN, Fortinet VPN, and Pulse Secure Connect Secure SSL.

Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) is a comprehensive network service on Windows servers that provides VPN and dial-up services to support remote access. RRAS can function as a VPN server, enabling users to have secure remote access to Active Directory.

It supports various VPN protocols, including PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, and IKEv2, making it versatile for different network environments.

VPN RRAS can also serve as a LAN or WAN router, efficiently managing network traffic internally and between locations.

RRAS offers significant advantages for network security. Its flexibility supports multiple VPN protocols, ensuring compatibility across various devices and network environments. Since RRAS leverages existing Windows Server infrastructure, there is no need for additional hardware or software investments.

UserLock MFA secures VPN access to your Active Directory network and resources. It enhances network security by providing flexible authentication methods and seamless integration with various VPN platforms.

UserLock supports two primary methods for implementing MFA VPN: RADIUS Challenge and the RRAS method. The RADIUS Challenge approach, recommended for VPN clients supporting this feature, prompts users to enter an OTP code after providing their credentials.

User experience stays seamless with this VPN MFA solution, which works with popular solutions like OpenVPN, Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Pulse Secure Connect Secure SSL.

Here's how to integrate UserLock with different VPN solutions:

1. Install the latest UserLock NPS agent on your Network Policy Server.

2. Configure VPN server to use NPS for RADIUS authentication and accounting.

3. Set "MfaVpnChallenge" to True in UserLock's advanced settings.

Read more: How to apply UserLock VPN MFA using RADIUS Challenge

1. Install UserLock on the RRAS server.

2. Configure RRAS for local authentication.

3. Set up UserLock to intercept logins and prompt for MFA.

Read more: How to apply UserLock VPN MFA using RRAS

1. Enroll VPN users for MFA through UserLock.

2. Test the configuration.

3. Monitor authentication logs.

UserLock supports various authentication protocols, ensuring compatibility with existing VPN infrastructures. Some common use cases are remote access security, sensitive data protection, and regulatory compliance. Users benefit from centralized management, multi-layered authentication, and push notifications that improve the MFA VPN experience.

If your organization uses a Windows VPN connection, you can install UserLock's VPN Connect tool on end-user computers. This offers a better user experience for users authenticating to VPN sessions with MFA, and also allows for easy MFA enrollment via a VPN connection.

Read more: How to configure UserLock VPN connect.

Ensuring seamless VPN and MFA integration requires careful planning. Make user training a priority and explain the new authentication process clearly. Roll out in phases, starting with a pilot group before going live. Provide users with multiple authentication options.

Thoroughly testing VPN MFA solutions on multiple devices and platforms can prevent common pitfalls. Optimizing network infrastructure can increase authentication traffic. Provide backup authentication methods in case users lose access to their primary devices.

Maintain and monitor the system regularly. Identify vulnerabilities through regular security audits. Monitor authentication logs for unusual patterns. Keep MFA software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches.

Provide clear user support, addressing issues like device loss promptly. Review and update MFA policies regularly to align with advancing security needs. Gather user feedback to improve authentication. Periodically test effectiveness against emerging threats, including simulated attacks.