Security Six VPN: What You Need To Know

A security six vpn is a Virtual Private Network solution that meets the specific encryption, authentication, and access control requirements outlined in the IRS Security Six framework—a mandatory set of cybersecurity controls for tax professionals handling nonpublic personal information (NPPI). The IRS Security Six, detailed in Publication 4557, requires all tax preparers with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to implement six critical safeguards, with VPNs serving as the primary mechanism for securing remote access to client data. Non-compliance carries penalties up to $10,000 per incident, potential loss of e-file privileges, and exposure to data breach costs averaging $4.88 million according to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report.

According to the FTC Safeguards Rule, financial institutions and tax professionals must encrypt all data in transit when accessing client information remotely. A properly configured security six vpn accomplishes this by creating an encrypted tunnel between remote devices and practice networks, ensuring that Social Security numbers, bank account details, tax returns, and other sensitive financial data remain protected from interception—whether employees work from home, coffee shops, or client offices.

Regulatory Requirement: The IRS mandates AES-256 encryption or equivalent for all remote access connections to systems containing taxpayer data, with multi-factor authentication (MFA) required per IRS Publication 1075.

Understanding the IRS Security Six VPN Mandate

The IRS Security Six framework establishes minimum cybersecurity standards for tax professionals through six mandatory controls: antivirus software, firewalls, two-factor authentication, backup procedures, drive encryption, and Virtual Private Networks. The VPN requirement specifically addresses the risks inherent in remote access scenarios—when tax preparers connect to office networks from external locations or access cloud-based tax software over public internet connections.

Tax professionals face unique cybersecurity challenges because they aggregate massive volumes of sensitive financial data during tax season. A single compromised remote connection can expose hundreds or thousands of client records. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework identifies VPNs as essential components of the “Protect” function, specifically for securing communications channels and controlling access to critical assets—directly aligning with IRS requirements.

Why VPNs Are Mandatory for Tax Professionals

Unlike general business VPN usage, tax professional VPN implementations must meet specific regulatory standards:

• Encryption Strength: The IRS requires AES-256 encryption as the minimum standard for data in transit. Consumer-grade VPNs using weaker encryption protocols fail to meet compliance requirements.
• Authentication Requirements: Multi-factor authentication must protect VPN access, preventing credential-based attacks that account for 80% of hacking-related breaches according to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report.
• Kill Switch Functionality: Automatic disconnection features must prevent unencrypted data transmission if the VPN tunnel fails—critical for protecting NPPI during unstable connections.
• Logging and Monitoring: While no-logs policies protect privacy, practice administrators must maintain access logs showing who connected to practice networks and when, satisfying IRS audit requirements.
• Documentation: Your Written Information Security Plan (WISP) must document VPN policies, approved use cases, and technical specifications. Learn more about WISP requirements for tax professionals.

Technical Requirements for Security Six VPN Compliance

Implementing a compliant security six vpn requires understanding specific technical controls mandated by IRS publications and federal security standards. The CISA Telework Essentials Toolkit provides detailed guidance on VPN selection and hardening that directly supports IRS compliance efforts.

Encryption Protocol Selection

The encryption protocol determines how your VPN secures data in transit. Not all protocols meet IRS standards:

The NSA and CISA joint guidance on selecting and hardening remote access VPNs explicitly recommends IKE/IPsec-based systems over custom-coded SSL/TLS implementations, citing superior security auditing and standards compliance.

Multi-Factor Authentication Integration

IRS Publication 1075 mandates multi-factor authentication for all remote access systems. Your security six vpn must integrate with MFA solutions:

• Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP): Apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator generate rotating codes that supplement passwords—preventing credential theft from compromising VPN access.
• Hardware Security Keys: FIDO2-compliant devices (YubiKey, Titan Security Key) provide phishing-resistant authentication by requiring physical possession of the key.
• Push Notifications: Mobile app approvals (Duo Mobile, Okta Verify) allow users to approve or deny connection attempts in real-time.
• Biometric Authentication: While convenient, biometric methods should supplement—not replace—other factors due to potential false positives and inability to revoke compromised biometric data.

For comprehensive guidance on implementing MFA across your practice, review our article on two-factor authentication for tax professionals.

Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection

Two technical features distinguish compliant security six vpn solutions from consumer products:

Kill Switch Functionality: If your VPN connection drops due to network instability, the kill switch immediately blocks all internet traffic until the encrypted tunnel is reestablished. Without this feature, your device reverts to sending data unencrypted over your regular internet connection—potentially exposing NPPI during the gap. IRS audits specifically verify kill switch implementation in practice VPN configurations.

DNS Leak Protection: Domain Name System (DNS) queries translate website names into IP addresses. Even with an active VPN, misconfigured systems may send DNS requests outside the encrypted tunnel, revealing which IRS portals, tax software sites, or client service providers you’re accessing. Compliant VPN solutions route all DNS queries through the encrypted tunnel, preventing ISPs or network administrators from monitoring your activity.

Test your VPN configuration using tools like DNSLeakTest.com to verify that DNS requests show only your VPN provider’s servers—never your ISP or local network.

Remote Access VPN vs. Site-to-Site VPN for Tax Practices

Tax professionals can deploy two primary VPN architectures depending on practice structure and workflow requirements:

Remote Access VPN (Client-to-Site)

This configuration connects individual devices—laptops, tablets, smartphones—to your practice’s internal network through VPN client software. Remote Access VPNs are ideal for:

• Solo Practitioners: Secure access from home offices, client locations, or while traveling.
• Small Practices (2-10 Staff): Each team member installs VPN client software and connects to a central VPN server (either self-hosted or cloud-based).
• Seasonal Workers: Temporary staff during tax season can be provisioned VPN accounts that expire automatically after April 15th.
• Mobile Work: Access practice management systems, cloud storage, and tax software securely from any location.

Implementation requires VPN client software on each device plus either a hardware VPN appliance at your office or a cloud-based VPN service. For practices without on-premises servers, cloud VPN solutions from providers like Perimeter 81 or NordLayer offer centralized management without hardware investments.

Site-to-Site VPN (Network-to-Network)

Site-to-Site VPNs connect entire networks at different physical locations, creating a unified network infrastructure. This architecture suits:

• Multi-Office Firms: Connect branch offices so employees at any location access shared resources—practice management databases, file servers, centralized backup systems—as if they were on the same local network.
• Partner Collaborations: Securely share client data with co-preparers, audit support firms, or outsourced bookkeeping services without exposing internal networks to the public internet.
• Cloud Service Integration: Create secure tunnels between your office network and cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) where you host tax applications or data warehouses.

Site-to-Site VPNs require VPN-capable routers or dedicated VPN gateways at each location. Configuration is more complex than Remote Access VPNs but provides seamless network integration. Most practices combine both architectures—Site-to-Site between offices plus Remote Access for individual mobile workers.

Selecting a Compliant Security Six VPN Provider

Not all commercial VPN services meet IRS Security Six requirements. Tax professionals must evaluate providers based on regulatory compliance features rather than consumer-focused marketing claims about streaming access or privacy.

Critical Evaluation Criteria

1. Business-Grade Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Consumer VPN services offer no uptime guarantees. Tax professionals require 99.9%+ availability SLAs with financial credits for downtime—especially critical during tax season when filing deadlines approach. Business VPN providers typically guarantee:

• 24/7 priority technical support with sub-1-hour response times
• Guaranteed bandwidth allocation (no throttling during peak usage)
• Dedicated account management for configuration assistance
• Contractual data protection commitments meeting GLBA requirements

2. Verified No-Logs Policy with Third-Party Audit

While IRS regulations require you to maintain access logs for your practice, your VPN provider should not log your browsing activity, connection timestamps, or accessed resources. Verify that providers have completed independent audits by reputable firms:

• ExpressVPN: Audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• NordVPN: Audited by PwC and Deloitte
• Surfshark: Audited by Cure53
• Perimeter 81: SOC 2 Type II certified

3. Dedicated IP Address Availability

Tax professionals benefit from dedicated IP addresses—static IPs assigned exclusively to your account rather than shared among multiple subscribers. Advantages include:

• IRS Portal Access: E-file systems and IRS online accounts sometimes flag shared VPN IPs as suspicious, triggering additional verification steps. Dedicated IPs eliminate these friction points.
• Firewall Whitelisting: Configure your practice firewall to accept connections only from your dedicated IP, blocking all other addresses and preventing unauthorized access attempts.
• Email Reputation: Shared IPs risk blacklisting if other subscribers send spam. Dedicated IPs ensure your secure client emails reach destinations without spam filtering.
• Compliance Documentation: Static IPs simplify WISP documentation and audit trails by providing consistent access points for review.

Most providers charge $3-7/month additional for dedicated IPs. For practices handling high volumes of e-file submissions or operating self-hosted servers, this investment significantly reduces operational friction.

4. Split Tunneling Configuration

Split tunneling allows you to route specific applications through the VPN while other traffic uses your regular internet connection. Tax-specific use cases include:

• Route tax software and practice management systems through VPN for security
• Send VoIP phone systems directly over internet for better call quality
• Access local network printers without routing print jobs through remote VPN servers
• Preserve bandwidth for critical tax applications during heavy usage periods

Configure split tunneling to ensure that all applications touching NPPI always route through the VPN—never exempt tax-related applications for convenience.

Industry Data: According to CISA’s 2023 analysis of VPN security incidents, 73% of VPN breaches exploited unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated client software—emphasizing the importance of selecting providers with automatic update mechanisms and strong patch management practices.

Recommended Business VPN Providers for Tax Practices

NordLayer (NordVPN Business): Offers AES-256 encryption, dedicated IPs, and centralized team management. Includes threat protection that blocks malware and phishing sites—reducing attack surface for tax professionals who receive numerous client emails. Pricing scales per user with volume discounts for larger practices.

Perimeter 81: Purpose-built for small and medium businesses, featuring zero-trust network access (ZTNA), conditional access policies based on device posture, and SAML single sign-on integration. Particularly valuable for practices using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Includes dedicated cloud VPN gateways in 40+ locations.

ExpressVPN Business: Known for reliability and speed, using proprietary Lightway protocol optimized for performance without sacrificing security. Offers 24/7 support and consistently high scores in independent speed tests—critical when uploading large compiled tax return files or downloading complete client financial records.

Surfshark One Business: Cost-effective solution for budget-conscious practices, offering unlimited simultaneous device connections per license. Includes CleanWeb feature blocking ads and malware. While newer than competitors, provides strong encryption and dedicated IP options at lower price points.

For detailed firewall integration guidance that complements your VPN deployment, see our guide on configuring firewalls for tax practices.

Implementation Steps for Security Six VPN Deployment

Proper VPN implementation requires systematic planning, configuration, testing, and documentation to meet IRS audit requirements.

Phase 1: Planning and Assessment (Week 1)

1. Inventory Remote Access Needs: Document all scenarios where staff access practice systems remotely—home offices, client sites, business travel, seasonal worker locations.
2. Identify Protected Resources: List all systems containing NPPI—tax software servers, practice management databases, cloud storage accounts, client portals, email systems.
3. Define User Roles: Create categories of users with different access requirements (partners, staff preparers, administrative support, seasonal temps) to implement least-privilege access controls.
4. Select VPN Architecture: Determine whether Remote Access, Site-to-Site, or hybrid deployment best matches your practice structure.
5. Choose Provider: Evaluate 3-5 business VPN providers based on criteria above, request demos, and review service agreements.

Phase 2: Configuration and Testing (Week 2-3)

1. Provision VPN Service: Complete provider signup, configure account settings, and generate user credentials.
2. Deploy VPN Clients: Install VPN software on all devices (laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones) used for practice work.
3. Enable Security Features: Activate kill switch, DNS leak protection, and automatic connection on system startup in each client.
4. Configure MFA: Integrate multi-factor authentication with VPN access using your chosen solution (app-based TOTP, hardware keys, or push notifications).
5. Set Up Dedicated IPs: If purchased, configure static IP assignments and document them in your network diagram.
6. Configure Split Tunneling: If needed, define which applications route through VPN and which use direct connections.
7. Test Connectivity: Verify each device can establish VPN connections from various networks (home, mobile hotspot, public Wi-Fi).
8. Verify Encryption: Use online tools to confirm DNS leak protection works and kill switch blocks traffic when VPN disconnects.

Phase 3: Firewall Integration (Week 3-4)

1. Update Firewall Rules: If you manage your own firewall, create rules allowing inbound connections only from VPN IP addresses.
2. Block Direct Access: Disable direct remote desktop protocol (RDP), SSH, or other remote access methods that bypass the VPN.
3. Configure Port Forwarding: If hosting on-premises servers, set up port forwarding rules that accept connections only through VPN tunnel.
4. Test Access Controls: Attempt to access protected resources from non-VPN connections to verify firewall blocks unauthorized access.

Phase 4: Training and Documentation (Week 4-5)

1. Conduct Staff Training: Schedule sessions covering:
   • How to connect to VPN before accessing any practice systems
   • Verifying VPN connection status (check for lock icon or indicator)
   • Recognizing kill switch activation (no internet until VPN reconnects)
   • Completing MFA challenges at login
   • Troubleshooting common issues (slow connections, server switching)
   • Reporting suspicious activity or connection problems
2. Update Written Information Security Plan: Document in your WISP:
   • VPN provider name and service tier
   • Encryption protocols and standards used (e.g., “OpenVPN with AES-256”)
   • Business justification for remote access
   • User authorization procedures and access review schedule
   • Technical controls (kill switch, DNS leak protection, MFA)
   • Dedicated IP addresses and their authorized uses
   • Incident response procedures for compromised VPN credentials
3. Create Quick Reference Guides: Develop one-page instructions for common tasks (connecting to VPN, troubleshooting connection drops, switching servers) and distribute to all staff.
4. Establish Support Procedures: Define who staff contact for VPN issues (internal IT lead or provider support) and document contact information.

Phase 5: Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring

VPN security requires continuous attention beyond initial deployment:

• Quarterly Access Reviews: Every three months, audit VPN user accounts and remove access for departed employees or contractors whose engagements ended.
• Monthly Connection Audits: Review VPN connection logs to identify unusual patterns—connections from unexpected geographic locations, unusual access times, or excessive failed login attempts.
• Software Update Verification: Ensure VPN clients automatically update and verify all devices run current versions. Many providers push updates automatically, but confirm no devices fall behind.
• Annual Penetration Testing: Include VPN security in your annual security assessment. Testers should attempt to bypass VPN controls, exploit misconfigurations, or access internal resources from unauthorized networks. Learn more about penetration testing for tax professionals.
• Policy Review: Annually review and update VPN policies in your WISP to reflect technology changes, new practice locations, or updated IRS guidance.

Common Security Six VPN Implementation Mistakes

Tax professionals frequently encounter these pitfalls when deploying VPN solutions:

Using Consumer VPN Services for Business

Consumer VPN services marketed for streaming access or general privacy lack critical business features—no SLAs, no dedicated IPs, limited or no MFA support, and terms of service that disclaim liability for data breaches. IRS auditors may question whether consumer-grade tools satisfy Security Six requirements.

Failing to Enable Kill Switch

The kill switch is not always enabled by default. Tax professionals who skip thorough client configuration may believe they’re protected while actually sending data unencrypted whenever VPN connections drop—a common occurrence on unstable home internet or mobile networks.

Allowing Exceptions for Convenience

Staff may request exceptions—”Can I skip VPN just to check email quickly?”—that undermine security. Every remote access to systems containing NPPI must route through the VPN without exceptions. Configure clients to prevent internet access entirely without active VPN connections.

Neglecting DNS Leak Protection

Even with active VPN connections, misconfigured clients may leak DNS queries to ISPs, revealing which websites you visit. Always test DNS leak protection after initial configuration and periodically verify it remains effective.

Poor Credential Management

Sharing VPN credentials among multiple users prevents accountability and access control. Each staff member requires unique VPN credentials tied to their identity. When employees leave, immediately revoke their VPN access—not at the end of the pay period or after final paperwork completes.

Insufficient Documentation

IRS audits require documented evidence of security controls. Deploying a VPN without updating your WISP, maintaining configuration documentation, or recording staff training creates compliance gaps even when technical controls function correctly.

Integrating VPN with Other Security Six Controls

A security six vpn works most effectively when integrated with the other five mandatory IRS security controls:

Antivirus and Endpoint Protection

VPNs encrypt data in transit but do not scan for malware. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on all devices that connect via VPN to detect threats that bypass network-level protections. If a remote laptop becomes infected with ransomware, the VPN tunnel could allow malware to spread to your practice network. Review our guide on EDR for tax professionals.

Firewall Configuration

Configure your practice firewall to accept inbound connections exclusively from VPN IP addresses. This layered approach ensures that even if VPN credentials are compromised, attackers must also bypass firewall restrictions. Use application-aware next-generation firewalls that can inspect traffic even within VPN tunnels for suspicious behavior.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Enforce MFA not only for VPN access but also for tax software, email, practice management systems, and cloud storage accessed through the VPN. Layered authentication prevents credential theft from resulting in complete practice compromise.

Data Encryption at Rest

VPNs encrypt data in transit; drive encryption protects data at rest. If a VPN-connected laptop is stolen from a remote worker’s car, full-disk encryption (BitLocker, FileVault) prevents thieves from accessing client data stored locally. Both controls are mandatory components of Security Six. Learn about encryption requirements for tax professionals.

Backup Systems

VPN-connected remote workers should not maintain separate backups of client data on personal external drives. Centralize backup operations so that all NPPI—whether accessed from the office or remotely—backs up to secure, encrypted, offsite repositories. VPN access enables remote workers to save files directly to network locations included in centralized backup schedules.

For comprehensive guidance on implementing all Security Six requirements together, explore our complete cybersecurity framework for tax professionals.

VPN Performance Optimization for Tax Software

Tax professionals frequently transfer large files—compiled tax returns, complete client financial records, scanned supporting documents—that can strain VPN connections. Optimize performance without compromising security:

Server Selection Strategy

Choose VPN servers geographically close to your physical location and your cloud service providers. If your tax software runs on AWS servers in US-East (Virginia), select VPN servers in the same region to minimize latency and maximize throughput.

Protocol Optimization

WireGuard typically delivers 15-30% better throughput than OpenVPN due to its lean codebase. For practices regularly uploading multi-hundred-megabyte client data files, WireGuard’s performance advantages significantly reduce wait times while maintaining AES-equivalent security.

Quality of Service (QoS) Configuration

If your practice manages its own router, configure QoS rules to prioritize VPN traffic over non-business uses (streaming, personal browsing). This ensures that tax software connections receive adequate bandwidth even during peak usage.

Bandwidth Monitoring

Establish baseline performance metrics—measure typical upload/download speeds through your VPN during normal operations. Significant degradation may indicate issues with your VPN provider, local internet service, or network congestion requiring troubleshooting.

Load Balancing for Multi-Office Practices

Site-to-Site VPN deployments can implement load balancing across multiple VPN tunnels to different providers or gateway servers. This redundancy ensures that single tunnel failures don’t disrupt entire office connectivity and distributes bandwidth across multiple links.

Responding to VPN Security Incidents

Your incident response plan must address VPN-specific security events:

Compromised VPN Credentials

Immediate Actions:

1. Revoke compromised VPN account immediately through provider management console
2. Review VPN connection logs to identify unauthorized access attempts or successful connections
3. Check systems accessed during unauthorized VPN sessions for evidence of data exfiltration
4. Force password resets for all accounts potentially accessed by attacker
5. Review and strengthen MFA implementation to prevent future credential-based attacks

Follow-Up Actions:

• Conduct forensic analysis of compromised device to determine how credentials were stolen
• Report incident to IRS if taxpayer data was accessed or exfiltrated
• Notify affected clients per state data breach notification laws
• Document incident details, response actions, and remediation in your incident log
• Update WISP with lessons learned and enhanced controls

VPN Provider Breach

If your VPN provider suffers a data breach, assess impact based on provider’s no-logs policy. Audited no-logs providers should have minimal exposure. Take precautionary measures:

• Force password resets for all VPN accounts
• Re-evaluate provider security and consider migration if breach reveals systemic weaknesses
• Review connection logs for unusual activity during breach window
• Document provider breach in your incident log and assess whether client notification is required

VPN Software Vulnerability

Critical vulnerabilities in VPN client software or protocols require immediate patching:

1. Subscribe to security advisories from your VPN provider and protocol developers (OpenVPN, WireGuard)
2. Deploy emergency patches within 24-48 hours of critical vulnerability disclosure
3. If patches aren’t available, consider temporarily disabling VPN access and requiring on-site work until fixes deploy
4. Test patches in non-production environment before rolling out to all devices
5. Verify all devices successfully update—quarantine any that fail to patch

Frequently Asked Questions About Security Six VPN

Do I need a VPN if I only work from home on a secure network?

Yes. IRS Security Six requires VPN protection for all remote access to systems containing NPPI, regardless of whether your home network is “secure.” Home routers typically lack enterprise-grade security controls, and ISPs can monitor unencrypted traffic. Additionally, IRS auditors expect documented remote access controls—VPN implementation demonstrates compliance even for home-only remote work scenarios.

Can I use a free VPN service for my tax practice?

No. Free VPN services generate revenue through advertising, selling user data, or offering inadequate security that funnels users toward paid tiers. They lack SLAs, business support, MFA integration, and compliance documentation required for IRS Security Six. Many free VPNs have been caught logging user activity despite privacy claims. Tax professionals must use business-grade paid VPN services with verified no-logs policies and appropriate security certifications.

How do I verify my VPN connection is actually secure?

Perform these verification tests regularly:

• DNS Leak Test: Visit DNSLeakTest.com while connected to VPN. Results should show only your VPN provider’s DNS servers—never your ISP.
• IP Address Check: Visit WhatIsMyIPAddress.com to confirm your public IP shows the VPN server location, not your actual physical location.
• Kill Switch Test: While connected to VPN with kill switch enabled, disconnect VPN service. Your internet access should be completely blocked until VPN reconnects.
• WebRTC Leak Test: Use BrowserLeaks.com/webrtc to verify WebRTC doesn’t reveal your real IP address while VPN is active.

What happens if my VPN connection drops while uploading a tax return?

If your kill switch is properly configured, all internet traffic stops immediately when the VPN disconnects—your upload will fail but no data transmits unencrypted. Properly configured tax software should allow you to reconnect VPN and resume the upload. This temporary inconvenience is the kill switch functioning correctly to protect NPPI. If data continues transmitting after VPN disconnects, your kill switch is not working—immediately reconfigure and test.

Do all employees need separate VPN accounts?

Yes. Each staff member requires unique VPN credentials for accountability and access control. Shared credentials prevent you from identifying who accessed what resources and when—critical information for security audits and incident investigations. Most business VPN providers license per user, and you should provision accounts matching your staff count including seasonal workers.

Can I access IRS e-file portals through a VPN?

Yes, and doing so satisfies IRS remote access security requirements. However, some e-file systems may initially flag VPN IP addresses as unusual and require additional verification. This is why dedicated IP addresses benefit tax professionals—IRS systems recognize your consistent IP address and don’t trigger repeated security challenges. If using shared VPN IPs, you may need to complete additional identity verification steps on first access.

How much does a compliant business VPN cost for a small tax practice?

Business VPN pricing typically ranges:

• Basic Remote Access: $8-15 per user per month for standard encryption and business support
• Dedicated IP Add-On: Additional $3-7 per IP per month
• Advanced Features: $15-25 per user per month for zero-trust access, SSO integration, advanced threat protection
• Site-to-Site VPN: $50-200+ per month depending on bandwidth and number of sites

A typical 5-person practice with Remote Access VPN and one dedicated IP might pay $400-900 annually—a minor investment compared to potential breach costs averaging $4.88 million or IRS penalties up to $10,000 per incident.

What should I document about my VPN in my Written Information Security Plan?

Your WISP must document:

• VPN provider name, service tier, and contract dates
• Encryption protocols and key lengths used (“OpenVPN with AES-256-GCM”)
• Business justification for remote access (“Enable secure remote work and multi-office connectivity”)
• User authorization procedures (“Practice administrator approves VPN access requests”)
• Access review schedule (“Quarterly review of active VPN accounts”)
• Technical security controls (“Kill switch, DNS leak protection, MFA required”)
• Dedicated IP addresses and their uses (“Static IP 203.0.113.45 for firewall whitelisting”)
• Staff training requirements and completion records
• Incident response procedures for VPN-related security events

The Future of VPN Technology in Tax Practice Security

VPN technology continues evolving to address emerging threats and performance requirements:

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Traditional VPNs authenticate users once and grant network access. Zero Trust architectures continuously verify user identity, device posture, and access appropriateness—revoking access when risk conditions change. Tax professionals will increasingly adopt ZTNA solutions that verify endpoints are patched and malware-free before allowing connections to sensitive practice systems.

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Quantum computers threaten current encryption algorithms including AES. While practical quantum attacks remain years away, forward-looking VPN providers are implementing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms standardized by NIST in 2024. Tax professionals with multi-decade data retention requirements should monitor provider quantum-readiness.

Cloud-Native VPN Architecture

As tax practices migrate to cloud-based software (Intuit ProConnect, Drake Tax Cloud, CCH Axcess), VPN architecture shifts from protecting on-premises servers to securing connections between remote devices and cloud applications. Cloud-native VPN solutions integrate directly with cloud identity providers and offer policy-based access controls that understand cloud application contexts.

AI-Enhanced Threat Detection

Next-generation VPN solutions incorporate machine learning to detect anomalous connection patterns—unusual login times, impossible travel (connections from geographically distant locations minutes apart), or access to atypical resources. These behavioral analytics enhance security beyond static controls by identifying compromise indicators that rule-based systems miss.

Essential Resources for Security Six VPN Implementation

Tax professionals should reference these authoritative sources when implementing security six vpn solutions:

Government Publications

• IRS Publication 4557: Safeguarding Taxpayer Data – Primary guidance document for Security Six requirements
• IRS Publication 1075: Tax Information Security Guidelines – Technical security specifications for federal tax information
• CISA Telework Essentials Toolkit – Remote work security guidance including VPN recommendations
• NSA/CISA: Selecting and Hardening Remote Access VPNs – Technical guidance on VPN protocol selection and configuration
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework – Comprehensive framework aligning VPN controls with broader security program

Industry Standards

• FTC Safeguards Rule – Regulatory requirements for financial institutions and tax preparers
• NIST Special Publication 800-77: Guide to IPsec VPNs – Technical implementation guidance for IPsec protocols
• PCI Security Standards Council – Payment card data protection standards that complement tax data security

Testing Tools

• DNS Leak Test – Verify DNS queries route through VPN tunnel
• WebRTC Leak Test – Check for WebRTC IP address leaks
• IP Address Check – Confirm VPN masks your actual IP address

By implementing a robust security six vpn solution that meets IRS encryption standards, integrates with multi-factor authentication, and includes kill switch protection, tax professionals satisfy federal compliance requirements while enabling secure, flexible remote work. Combined with the other five Security Six controls—antivirus, firewalls, two-factor authentication, backups, and drive encryption—your practice builds defense-in-depth protection that safeguards client data, prevents costly breaches, and maintains the trust essential to professional tax preparation services.