It's that simple — securing your company’s network isn’t just about having a VPN in place. You might think, “Hey, I’ve got SonicWall, Ivanti, or Check Point Software guarding the gates, what else do I need?” But here’s the bitter truth: even the best VPNs can be undermined by careless configuration or overlooked risks. If you’re seriously evaluating Incogni and wondering about its place alongside a secure VPN, buckle up. This one’s for the IT managers who know cybersecurity is never a “set it and forget it” game.
The VPN Security Illusion: Why “Secure” Isn’t Always Secure
You know what’s funny? Many companies put a fancy VPN solution upfront and call it a day. SonicWall, Ivanti, and Check Point Software all offer solid VPN technology with robust encryption. Yet, despite these strong tools, the same networks keep getting hit with ransomware, data breaches, and lateral movement exploits. Why?
It boils down to the classic problem: over-permissive rules and default settings. IT teams often deploy VPNs and firewall appliances with the factory default settings or stretch policies too wide to make remote work “easy.” This sets off a chain reaction:
- Default credentials left unchanged become easy exploits. Overly broad access rules mingle critical systems with low-risk users. Unmonitored VPN accounts stay dormant until an attacker hijacks them.
Take SonicWall, for cybersecuritynews example — a popular choice in mid-size companies. SonicWall’s VPN features are strong, but over the years I’ve seen admins enable “allow all” or add rules that grant users way more permissions than they need, sometimes unknowingly. It’s like giving a master key to the janitor.
The Real-World Costs of VPN Misconfiguration
Here’s what happens when the secure perimeter cracks:
Ransomware gains a foothold. Attackers use stolen credentials or weak VPN policies to get inside. Lateral movement turns a single compromised laptop into a full network breach. Once inside, attackers roam freely because access segmentation is missing. Data exfiltration happens silently. Sensitive files move out without triggering alerts.Ivanti’s security tools can help patch and mitigate vulnerabilities but can’t fix a sloppy VPN rule set alone. Even Check Point’s multi-layered approach loses effectiveness if someone clicked “accept default settings” during setup.
So What’s the Takeaway Here?
VPNs and firewalls matter, no question. But relying purely on them for your security strategy is like locking the front door while leaving the windows wide open. That’s where tools like Incogni enter the scene.
Incogni Review: What Is It and Why Should You Care?
Incogni is a data removal service designed to reduce your company's digital footprint where data brokers and potential attackers lurk. It’s part of the data privacy tools ecosystem, which works differently than VPNs.
Here’s how they compare:
Feature VPNs (SonicWall, Ivanti, Check Point) Incogni (Data Removal Service) Main Function Secure remote access, encrypt traffic Remove company data from data brokers, reduce exposure Scope Network perimeter and remote users Public data on the web, third-party data aggregators Risk Mitigation Stops unauthorized network access Minimizes data harvesting and info used for social engineeringEver notice how VPNs protect your network but can’t stop attackers from gaining intelligence about your organizational structure or employee data from public sources? That’s exactly the gap Incogni covers. Think of it as reducing the surface area attackers can poke around before they even try breaking in.
Why VPN vs Data Removal Services Is a False Debate
Too many IT managers wonder if they should pick one or the other. You don’t. It’s not VPN or Incogni. You need both.
Your secure VPN setup, powered by Check Point Software’s firewalls or SonicWall appliances, guards the network gates. Meanwhile, Incogni cleans your public data traces that hackers use to target your company with phishing or credential stuffing attacks.
Addressing the Conflict Between Security and Usability
Companies often loosen VPN rules because strict security can frustrate users or complicate remote access. I get it. IT departments want to avoid endless help desk calls and productivity hits.


But over-permissive rules are the enemy of security. I’ve seen what happens when admins keep “allow all” settings because they’re “too complicated” to fine-tune, only to face ransomware outbreaks weeks later.
Data privacy tools like Incogni help tip the scale by reducing attack vectors outside your VPN perimeter. That lets your IT team focus on tightening network policies without worrying that attackers are flooding your inbox with spear phishing emails sourced from exposed employee data online.
Don’t Let Default Settings Be Your Downfall
I can’t hammer this point enough: default credentials and default “allow all” rules are cancer. Whether you’re running Ivanti or SonicWall VPNs, always audit your configurations, remove unused accounts, and implement least privilege principles.
And once you’ve done the network hardening, pair it with data privacy tools like Incogni to clean up your digital footprint. It’s a double trap for attackers — no easy in, no easy reconnaissance.
Final Thoughts: Layered Security Is Not Optional
- VPNs from trusted brands like Check Point Software, SonicWall, and Ivanti give you a strong foundation — but only if configured right. Over-permissive rules and unchanged defaults amplify risk, no matter how fancy your VPN hardware or software is. Data removal services like Incogni complement your VPN by attacking common reconnaissance tactics attackers use. Ignoring data privacy in favor of pure network security is shortsighted — an attacker’s first move is gathering intel, not launching direct assaults.
If you’re hunting for an honest incogni review or want clarity on vpn vs data removal service, here it is: They are two sides of the same coin in modern cybersecurity strategy.
So no, Incogni isn’t just “another tool” if your VPN is already locked down—it’s the missing piece to your security puzzle. Fix your VPN configs, don’t let default credentials linger, and add Incogni for that crucial extra layer to protect privacy and reduce your attack surface.
And one last thing — get your coffee strong and your rules tighter. Cyber threats will keep coming, whether you like it or not.