SonicWall’s SSL VPN Bug: Another Wake-Up Call to Embrace Zero Trust Network Access

The exploitation of this SonicWall vulnerability by ransomware actors, notably the Akira group, mirrors the Ivanti VPN vulnerabilities that sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity landscape earlier this year. These incidents highlight a recurring pattern: threat actors are increasingly targeting VPNs via exposed infrastructure, shifting their focus from endpoints to the very devices meant to protect us. 

When Network Security Solutions Become the Attack Vector 

It's a chilling reality: the tools we rely on for security can become the source of an attack. The SonicWall incident underscores the dangers of internet-facing VPNs and the limitations of traditional perimeter-based security models. Once a threat actor gains access through a vulnerable VPN, they can move laterally within the network, potentially causing significant damage.  

This echoes the concerns raised during the Ivanti crisis, where organizations were forced to grapple with the urgent need to patch or disconnect vulnerable systems. The staggered patch release schedules only added to the complexity and urgency of the situation. 

Cloaking Infrastructure with Universal Zero Trust Network Access 

The answer lies not in waiting for the next exploit to be discovered, but in proactively adopting a security model that renders the infrastructure invisible to attackers. Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) provides an approach to network security that is more flexible, and far more secure. 

At Appgate, we believe that true ZTNA goes beyond remote access control and replacing antiquated VPNs. Our industry-leading ZTNA solution, Appgate SDP, leverages proprietary Single Packet Authorization (SPA) technology to cloak your infrastructure, making it virtually undetectable to unauthorized users. 

Even if an authorized user's credentials are compromised, threat actors cannot scan for additional systems to exploit because those systems are effectively hidden. This level of protection is critical in today's threat landscape, where advanced persistent threats are increasingly targeting exposed infrastructure. 

The Time to Act is Now 

The repeated targeting of VPNs, as evidenced by the SonicWall and Ivanti breaches, serves as a stark warning: legacy VPN technologies are no longer sufficient, and a Zero Trust approach is essential for modern security. We can no longer rely on outdated security models that leave our infrastructure vulnerable to attack. 

Organizations and their IT teams must take decisive action to protect their valuable assets. Appgate SDP, with its unique SPA technology, offers a proven solution for cloaking your infrastructure and mitigating the risks associated with exposed VPNs. 

The threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and we must evolve with it. Universal ZTNA is not just the future of network security; it's an imperative for today. 

Additional ZTNA Resources 

Understanding Single Packet Authorization 

A CISO's Playbook: How to Conquer the Top 4 Network Security Challenges with Universal ZTNA 

Appgate SDP: Universal ZTNA for Unmatched Security, Control, Flexibility and Performance 

A Return on Investment Analysis of Universal Zero Trust Network Access