What is Virtual Private Network (VPN) | Insurance glossary by upcover

A VPN extends a private network across a public connection, enabling users to send and receive data as if their devices were directly connected to the corporate network. VPNs are widely used to secure remote access to systems, protect data in transit, and support distributed workforces. From a cyber insurance perspective, VPN usage is a recognised security control that insurers consider during underwriting. However, unpatched VPN vulnerabilities have been a significant attack vector in recent years, with several ransomware incidents attributed to exploitation of known VPN flaws. Insurers may scrutinise VPN patch management practices when assessing claims arising from network intrusions, and failure to apply security updates within reasonable timeframes could affect coverage.

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