Glossary A–ZLetter V
VPN (virtual private network)
A VPN (virtual private network) is an encrypted connection over the internet through which remote devices or sites are linked as if they were on the same local network.
A widely used standardised method for this is IPsec.
A VPN might, for example, connect branch networks to head office, so that players can reach a server operated there without it being openly exposed on the internet. For remote maintenance it is the recommended route: a service provider connects to the VPN instead of players’ web interfaces being reachable from the internet through port forwarding.
A VPN is only as secure as its logins; each service provider needs its own credentials that can be revoked, preferably with a second factor. Even within the VPN, screens should only reach what they need, not the whole company network. If the VPN fails, players can no longer reach the server, so it belongs in monitoring. For players that fetch their content from a cloud service, a VPN is generally unnecessary; an encrypted connection is enough there. VPN services for consumers that disguise one’s location are something different.