VPN Best Practices for UK SMEs: NCSC Guidelines to Secure Remote Access in 2024

[Image: Professional photo of a UK SME team collaborating remotely via laptops in a modern office setting, with subtle security icons overlaid]

Remote working is now standard for UK SMEs, but it brings serious security challenges. With NCSC issuing updated guidance on secure remote access, many businesses are reassessing their VPN setups. This post explores practical, NCSC-aligned VPN best practices that IT managers and business owners can implement immediately.

Why VPNs Remain Critical for UK SMEs

Traditional perimeter security no longer suffices when staff connect from home networks, coffee shops, and co-working spaces. NCSC's "Secure Remote Access" guidance emphasises that VPNs create an encrypted tunnel between devices and corporate resources, protecting data in transit.

According to recent NCSC alerts, poorly configured remote access is a leading vector for unauthorised entry. NIST SP 800-46 Rev. 2 reinforces this by recommending VPNs as a foundational control for telework.

For Dundee-based SMEs and across the UK, the cost of a breach far outweighs the investment in proper VPN management. Managed IT providers like Inmotion IT help clients move beyond basic VPNs to solutions that integrate with existing Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace environments.

NCSC Recommendations for VPN Deployment

NCSC advises organisations to follow a risk-based approach. Key points include:

• Use VPNs that support modern encryption (IKEv2 or WireGuard where appropriate)
• Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all VPN connections
• Implement split-tunnelling controls to limit exposure
• Regularly audit and rotate pre-shared keys or certificates

[Image: Diagram showing NCSC-recommended VPN architecture with MFA, endpoint protection, and central logging]

The NCSC also stresses logging and monitoring. All remote access should feed into a central SIEM or log management system so anomalies are spotted quickly.

Choosing the Right VPN Solution for Your SME

Not every VPN is suitable for business use. Consumer-grade tools often lack central management and compliance features. NCSC recommends evaluating solutions against the following criteria:

1. Centralised policy management
2. Integration with identity providers (Azure AD, on-prem Active Directory)
3. Support for device health checks before granting access
4. Scalability without per-user hardware tokens

Many SMEs are adopting solutions such as Azure VPN Gateway or FortiClient EMS because they align with both NCSC and Cyber Essentials requirements.

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Step 1: Assess Current Remote Access Risks

Audit who connects remotely and from which devices. NCSC suggests creating an asset register of all endpoints.

Step 2: Select and Configure Your VPN

Deploy the VPN concentrator in a DMZ or equivalent segmented network. Enable perfect forward secrecy and disable legacy protocols such as PPTP.

Step 3: Enforce MFA and Conditional Access

Pair the VPN with your existing MFA solution. NIST recommends phishing-resistant MFA methods where possible.

Step 4: Test and Document

Conduct penetration testing after rollout. Update your incident response plan to include VPN-related scenarios.

[Image: Screenshot-style graphic of a VPN dashboard showing connected users, MFA status, and traffic logs]

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Many SMEs fall into these traps:

• Leaving default configurations unchanged
• Allowing split-tunnelling without restrictions
• Failing to update VPN firmware regularly
• Ignoring endpoint security on remote devices

NCSC guidance explicitly warns against these oversights. A managed service provider can handle patching and monitoring, freeing your internal team for strategic work.

Integrating VPNs with Broader Digital Transformation

VPNs should not exist in isolation. As SMEs pursue digital transformation, remote access must work seamlessly with cloud services, collaboration tools, and zero-trust principles.

Consider combining your VPN with:

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
• Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)
• Secure Web Gateways

This layered approach mirrors the NCSC's "defence in depth" recommendation.

Measuring Success and Maintaining Compliance

Track metrics such as failed login attempts, average connection times, and user satisfaction. Schedule quarterly reviews against NCSC checklists and NIST controls.

Cyber Essentials certification remains a strong baseline. Many insurers now require evidence of NCSC-aligned controls before offering cyber cover.

How Inmotion IT Supports UK SMEs

Based in Dundee, Inmotion IT delivers fully managed VPN and remote access services tailored to UK SMEs. Our team monitors connections 24/7, applies NCSC-recommended configurations, and provides clear reporting for compliance audits.

Whether you're refreshing an ageing VPN or building remote access into a wider digital transformation programme, we help you stay secure without complexity.

[Image: Photo of Inmotion IT engineers reviewing network diagrams in their Dundee office]

Conclusion

Secure remote access is no longer optional. By following current NCSC guidance and NIST frameworks, UK SMEs can protect their data while enabling flexible working. Start with a proper assessment, choose a manageable solution, and consider partnering with experienced managed service providers.

Need help reviewing your current VPN setup? Contact Inmotion IT today for a no-obligation remote access health check aligned with the latest NCSC advice.