In 2025, VPNs are no longer the security blanket they once were.
According to the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report, over half of organizations experienced attacks due to VPN vulnerabilities in the past year, and 92% fear ransomware risks tied to unpatched VPNs. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently issued emergency directives after zero-day exploits in Cisco VPN firewalls allowed attackers to bypass authentication and execute malicious code remotely.
Even VPNs protected by multi-factor authentication (MFA) are being breached, as seen in the Akira ransomware campaign targeting SonicWall devices.
These headlines aren’t just enterprise problems, they’re a wake-up call for small businesses that rely on legacy VPNs for remote access.
The Case for WireGuard + Ubiquiti Dream Machine (UDM)
If your business still uses VPNs that depend on usernames, passwords, and MFA, it’s time to rethink your approach. WireGuard, deployed through the Ubiquiti Dream Machine (UDM-PRO), offers a modern, streamlined alternative that’s faster, safer, and easier to manage.
Benefits of Switching to WireGuard via UDM:
- Faster Connections: WireGuard’s lightweight protocol delivers high-speed performance with minimal latency.
- Stronger Security: Uses modern cryptography and public/private key authentication, eliminating risks of credential theft and MFA fatigue.
- Simplified Setup: UDM’s intuitive dashboard makes configuration straightforward—even for small IT teams.
- Seamless Integration: Works natively with existing Ubiquiti infrastructure, reducing complexity and cost.
Considerations Before You Switch:
- Initial Setup: Key distribution requires planning, especially for remote teams.
- Hardware Requirements: Businesses not already using Ubiquiti may need to upgrade.
- Legacy Compatibility: Older systems and VPN clients may not support WireGuard.
Why Now?
The VPN threat landscape is evolving rapidly. Attackers are using AI to automate reconnaissance, crack passwords, and exploit vulnerabilities faster than ever.
With 56% of companies reporting VPN-related breaches and 65% planning to phase out VPNs by 2026, the shift to zero trust and modern VPN alternatives is no longer optional, it’s strategic.
Ready to Upgrade?
Open Tier Systems is already helping clients transition to WireGuard on UDMs. Our recent deployment for one of our top clients included:
- Replacing legacy WatchGuard firewalls
- Configuring site-to-site and remote access VPNs using IKEv2 and WireGuard
- Delivering full documentation and post-installation support
Let’s talk about how we can modernize your remote access strategy. Schedule a 15-minute consultation or reach out to your Open Tier Systems rep today.