5 Reasons Why You Should Always Put MFA on Your VPN

Remote working, hybrid teams, and flexible access to systems are now standard for most organisations. While Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) remain a critical tool to secure remote connections, relying on a VPN alone is no longer enough. Attackers have developed advanced methods to bypass or exploit weak VPN setups, and a stolen password may be all it takes to open the door to your most sensitive data.

This is where Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) becomes essential. By requiring users to provide two or more forms of verification—something they know (a password), something they have (a phone, token, or app), or something they are (biometrics)—MFA drastically reduces the chances of a successful breach.

Here are five key reasons why every business should put MFA on their VPN—especially for businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk that increasingly rely on remote access and digital tools to serve customers.

1. Passwords Alone Are No Longer Secure

Even with complex password policies in place, credentials are regularly exposed in data breaches. Once stolen, they are quickly traded online and used in credential-stuffing campaigns against corporate systems.

The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found that 43% of businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past year, rising to 70% for medium-sized businesses and 74% for large ones. For Suffolk-based firms, particularly those in finance, manufacturing, logistics, and professional services, that means the risk is very real. A password on its own simply isn’t enough protection.

2. Phishing Attacks Are Still Rising

Phishing emails remain one of the most common causes of corporate breaches, and today’s attempts are often highly convincing. An employee who accidentally hands over their VPN credentials could put your entire business at risk.

With MFA in place, those stolen credentials are not enough. Even if the attacker has the password, they cannot connect to your VPN without passing the second authentication challenge.

3. Protecting a Distributed Workforce

Many businesses in Ipswich and Suffolk now have staff working flexibly—whether from home, client sites, or while travelling. Each connection outside the office introduces new risks, particularly over public Wi-Fi.

MFA ensures that it’s truly your employee connecting, giving your organisation confidence that access is legitimate regardless of location.

4. Meeting Compliance and Regulatory Demands

Standards such as Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and GDPR best practices expect organisations to implement strong access controls. MFA helps meet those expectations, reduces risk during audits, and demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding customer and company data.

For local businesses bidding for contracts or working with larger supply chains, having MFA in place can also be a requirement before you’re even considered.

5. Reducing the Impact of Credential Theft

Even the most security-conscious organisations can suffer credential theft. The question is whether those stolen details can be used to gain access. MFA ensures the answer is no, acting as a powerful safety net that stops attackers in their tracks.

How Corbel Works Proactively to Keep You Secure

At Corbel, we work with organisations across Ipswich and Suffolk to make sure their security is not just a box-ticking exercise, but a living, proactive process.

We don’t simply deploy MFA and walk away. Instead, we:

• Review configurations regularly to ensure VPN and MFA settings are properly applied.
• Monitor activity for suspicious logins or failed authentication attempts.
• Run validation checks to confirm MFA is active and effective.
• Support and educate users so staff know how to use MFA securely and spot suspicious activity.
• Stay ahead of new risks by adapting your setup as attacker tactics evolve.

Whether you’re a growing business in Ipswich’s busy commercial centre, or a Suffolk-based organisation serving national or international clients, our goal is to give you confidence that your VPN remains a strong and reliable entry point into your systems.

Final Thought

Adding MFA to your VPN is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to defend against modern cyber threats. With nearly half of UK businesses reporting cyber breaches each year, and with Corbel’s proactive local support, you can be confident your organisation in Ipswich and across Suffolk is well protected.

---

Corbel Solutions are an Ipswich based IT Support Provider who work proactively throughout Ipswich and the wider Suffolk region including Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Newmarket, Sudbury. Providing a range of IT Support Services including Cyber Security and Cyber Security Training, Office 365 Support and IT Consultancy Services. To take a look at what others have had to say about us, check out our Google Review page. To find out more information or to have a chat with one of our team, feel free to give us a call on 01473 241515 or email us on info@corbel.co.uk. Or alternatively you can book in a call with one of our team members here.