Direct answer
A VPN access review connects identity, device and network permissions to the user's current role. Verify both the intended connection and the removal of access after a controlled test account is revoked.
Define user groups and destinations
List remote access gateways, identity providers, user groups and permitted network zones. Document which employees, contractors and support providers need access, and identify owners and expiration dates for exceptions.
Reference: NIST SP 800-46 Rev. 2: Guide to Enterprise Telework, Remote Access, and BYOD Security.
Review authentication and authorization
Confirm that multi-factor and device requirements match policy, and inspect whether group membership grants only the intended destinations. A successful VPN login does not automatically mean a user should reach every internal service.
- Review stale accounts and vendor expiration dates.
- Include emergency access and recovery procedures.
- Protect VPN configuration and user identifiers in reports.
Exercise a test lifecycle
Using a dedicated test account and approved device, verify the permitted connection and one allowed service. Remove the account or group assignment according to policy, then check a new connection and the treatment of an existing session after the provider's expected propagation period.
Document and retest gaps
If a revoked identity remains connected beyond policy, examine session duration, identity-provider propagation and gateway behavior. Correct the relevant control and repeat the test while confirming that legitimate users retain access. Capture the effective revocation time and preserve a clear owner for any exception awaiting a product or policy change.
Assessment limits
VPN products and identity providers have different session and revocation semantics. A single test cannot prove enforcement for every device, group or network segment.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing a user from a group immediately disconnect every VPN session?
Not necessarily. Session lifetime and policy propagation vary; verify the expected behavior for the deployed product.
Does MFA alone restrict internal access?
No. Authentication and network authorization are separate controls; review both.
Primary sources and further reading
These guides combine published security guidance with practical assessment planning. Adapt checks to the owner's policy, environment, and authorized scope.
This guide was prepared with AI assistance using the linked sources and illustrative examples. Check current vendor guidance and your environment before making changes.