Why Use a VPN for the IoT?
A connected device that sends data back or requires remote maintenance raises an immediate security concern: how can you access it without exposing it? The worst practice—which is still far too common—is to open a port (RDP, VNC, web interface) directly to the Internet. This is exactly what ransomware campaigns targeting the industry are looking for.
The IoT VPN addresses this issue by creating an encrypted tunnel between the device and the platform. Two use cases overlap:
- Secure data transmission from sensors to the cloud;
- Remote access for technicians to PLCs, HMIs, and equipment.
The Outbound Tunnel: The Key to Security
The key difference with a good industrial VPN is the direction of the tunnel. The connection goes from the gateway to the cloud, never the other way around.
Result: The site is invisible from the Internet. There is nothing to scan, nothing to force. Access is only possible after authenticating on the platform with specific permissions.
IoT VPN vs. Consumer VPN
| Criterion | Consumer VPN | IoT/Industrial VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Hide browsing activity | Connect devices |
| Tunnel direction | Outbound (user) | Outbound (device) |
| Exposed Ports | None | None |
| Management | Individual | Fleet + roles |
| IT/OT Segmentation | No | Yes |
| Logging / Auditing | Basic | Comprehensive |
The term “VPN” is the same, but the application is completely different. For industrial IoT, you should look into the industrial VPN solution.
From VPN to Zero Trust
A well-designed VPN does not grant access to the entire network. The principle of least privilege dictates that a technician should only have access to the equipment they need, for the duration of their work, with a complete audit trail. This marks the transition from the “tunnel” VPN to industrial Zero Trust.
- Identity verified at each login (MFA);
- Access rights restricted by site, device, and user;
- Time-limited and revocable sessions;
- Time-stamped logging for auditing and compliance NIS2.
To decide between the two approaches, read the comparison VPN vs. Industrial Zero Trust and the guide Securing Remote Access to PLCs.
The Eziwan Approach
At Eziwan, the VPN isn’t something you have to configure: it’s built into the gateway and enabled by default, following an outbound, zero-trust approach. You manage access, roles, and logs from the Eziwan Cloud, and you can enable or disable a service provider’s access in just a few seconds. Continue to the IoT Remote Access section.