VPN split tunneling: Everything you need to know

Introduction

VPN split tunnelling is a feature that lets you choose which apps or devices use the VPN connection and which are connected directly to the internet. It's useful if you want secure access to sensitive data while enjoying fast, location-based services like streaming or banking. For example, you can encrypt work emails through the VPN while streaming locally without a slowdown. However, it's essential to consider potential security risks when using split tunnelling, as unencrypted traffic might be exposed. Understanding how to balance security and convenience is key to using VPN split tunnelling effectively. Let's explore its benefits and risks further.

What is VPN split tunnelling?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that hides your IP address and secures your internet connection by creating an encrypted "tunnel" for your data. This makes it harder for hackers or others to spy on your online activities, especially when using public Wi-Fi. VPNs enhance privacy, keep your sensitive data safe, and allow you to browse anonymously. With features like VPN split tunnelling, you can choose which apps or websites use the VPN for security and which connect directly to the internet for faster access. It's a smart way to stay private and secure online.

Why is split tunnelling important in VPN usage?

Split tunnelling is important in VPN usage because it allows you to decide which apps or services use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. This is especially useful for balancing speed and security. For example, you can protect sensitive data like work emails through the VPN while streaming videos or gaming with a faster, direct connection. It also reduces bandwidth load, improving overall performance. Whether you're using Android VPN split tunnelling or VPN split tunnelling on iOS, this feature ensures you get the best of both worlds—secure access for critical tasks and fast connections for everyday use.

How VPN split tunneling works

VPN split tunnelling works by letting you decide which parts of your internet traffic go through the secure VPN connection and which connect directly to the internet. Normally, a VPN sends all your online activity through an encrypted tunnel, hiding your IP address and protecting your data. With split tunnelling, you can choose to keep some apps or websites, like streaming or banking, outside the VPN for faster speeds and better functionality. Meanwhile, sensitive traffic, like work emails, stays secure inside the VPN. This balance makes split tunnelling a flexible and efficient way to stay safe while using the internet.

Benefits of VPN split tunneling

VPN split tunnelling is a powerful feature that offers flexibility, security, and efficiency for personal and business use. Here's how it can benefit you:

• Access geo-blocked services: With split tunnelling, you can use the VPN to access geo-restricted services while still connecting locally for other activities. For example, you can watch international content and still use local apps that require your actual location.
• Bandwidth optimisation: Split tunnelling minimises bandwidth usage on the VPN by allowing specific apps or services to connect directly to the internet. This is especially useful for businesses or homes with limited bandwidth.
• Prevent throttling: Split tunnelling can help avoid bandwidth or data throttling from ISPs by encrypting sensitive traffic. This ensures smoother performance for specific tasks while bypassing restrictions on others.
• Reduce costs for businesses: For organisations, split tunnelling enables secure access for employees working remotely while reducing bandwidth needs and costs. It also streamlines access to business applications without overloading the VPN.

Risks and drawbacks of VPN split tunneling

While VPN split tunnelling offers many benefits, it also comes with significant risks that need careful consideration. The following are some of the VPN split tunnelling risks.

• Increased security risks: Split tunneling can expose devices to hackers if users connect to unsecured networks. If compromised, a hacker may gain access to sensitive company systems or data through the user's device.
• Bypassing security controls: With split tunnelling, users can bypass security tools like proxy servers, DNS monitoring, and data loss prevention systems. This weakens the organisation's ability to monitor traffic, block harmful sites, or prevent unauthorised activities.
• Endpoint vulnerability: Split tunnelling can make corporate endpoints vulnerable. If an employee's device is infected, it may communicate with malicious systems outside the VPN without the IT team noticing.
• Unmonitored traffic: When traffic bypasses the VPN, organisations lose visibility over what users are accessing, making it harder to detect harmful activity, such as communication with hacker-controlled servers.
• Productivity issues: Split tunnelling allows employees to access non-work-related content, like streaming sites, during work hours, which could reduce productivity.

When should you use VPN split tunneling?

The split tunnelling feature is ideal when you need to balance security and performance. For example, it can be used to encrypt sensitive work communications through the VPN while accessing location-based services like streaming, banking, or shopping directly. VPN split tunnelling is particularly helpful when speed is important for certain apps that don't require encryption. Allowing you to customise your connection ensures convenience without compromising essential security.

When to avoid split tunneling

Avoid using the split tunnelling feature in situations where security is critical. For example:

Sensitive corporate networks: If you're working with highly sensitive company data, split tunnelling can expose your device to threats.

• Unsecured public Wi-Fi: On public networks, bypassing the VPN can leave traffic vulnerable to hackers.
• High-risk environments: If you're handling financial transactions, healthcare data, or government-related work, full VPN protection is safer.
• Lack of IT oversight: Without monitoring, split tunnelling increases the risk of bypassing security controls, leading to data breaches.

How to enable VPN split tunneling

VPN split tunnelling allows you to decide which traffic uses the secure VPN connection and which connects directly to the internet. Here's how to enable this useful feature on Windows 10:

1. Access Network Connections

• Right-click the Windows Start button.
• Select the Network Connections icon.

2. Change Adapter Options

• Click on Change Adapter Options to open your network settings.

3. Edit VPN Properties

• Right-click your VPN connection and select Properties.
• Go to the Networking tab and select TCP/IPv4.
• Click on Advanced.

4. Disable Default Gateway

• Uncheck the option. Use the default gateway on the remote network.

5. Restart VPN

• Restart your VPN connection to apply the changes.

Now, your VPN split tunnelling feature is enabled, allowing you to control which traffic goes through the VPN and which connects directly to the internet.

Tata Communications VPNs offering split tunneling

In today's fast-changing cybersecurity landscape, a VPN alone might not fully secure sensitive data or protect an organisation's network. Whether users are working from the office, at home, or on the move, they require consistent, secure access to cloud applications, data centres, and SaaS platforms.

Tata Communications provides businesses with secure and reliable VPN solutions that include split tunnelling. This feature offers flexibility by allowing organisations to prioritise and route critical traffic through the VPN while allowing direct internet access to non-sensitive traffic. Tata Communications ensures seamless connectivity, granular access control, and ongoing security for users no matter where they are.

With split tunnelling, access is tailored to specific applications for each session, improving both security and user experience. Tata Communications' solutions also provide enhanced visibility and control over endpoints, enabling faster and more efficient access for users while maintaining robust network protection.

Tata Communications VPNs are designed to adapt to your organisation's needs. They offer the flexibility to use split tunnelling where necessary, ensuring high performance and security. With Tata Communications, businesses don't need to choose exclusively between traditional VPN features and modern enhancements—they can implement solutions that meet their unique needs.

Best practices for safe split tunneling usage

Using VPN split tunnelling effectively can improve security and performance, but it's important to follow best practices to minimise risks. Here are some tips to help you use split tunnelling safely:

• Thorough testing and deployment verification: Before implementing split tunnelling, test your routing rules across different devices and users to ensure everything works correctly. After deployment, continue monitoring to spot any issues like misrouted data or policy gaps.
• Least privilege and minimising exposure: Limit the traffic that bypasses the VPN to low-risk activities. Encrypt sensitive applications by default to keep them secure. For example, allow general web browsing outside the VPN but keep crucial systems, like banking, protected.
• Layered security and policy consistency: Don't rely solely on split tunnelling for security. Use additional layers like antivirus, firewalls, and data loss prevention to strengthen protection. Ensure that security policies are consistent across all devices and users.
• Adaptability to the evolving threat landscape: Regularly update your rules to address new threats and changes in business needs. Adapt to new high-risk applications by adding them to your encrypted list and consider time-based rules for more flexibility.
• Automation for simplified management: Automate the management of split tunnelling to make it easier and more responsive. Use dynamic, context-aware rules and integrate them with security platforms for automatic enforcement.

These best practices can help you use split tunnelling securely while staying adaptable to new challenges.

Conclusion

VPN split tunnelling is a powerful tool that balances security with performance, allowing users to prioritise sensitive traffic while accessing less critical services directly. By following best practices, such as thorough testing, least privilege, and layered security, businesses can maximise their benefits and minimise risks. Tata Communications' VPN solutions offer the flexibility to implement split tunnelling seamlessly while ensuring secure, reliable access for remote teams. By leveraging their expertise, you can enhance both productivity and protection.

Take control of your security, Contact us today—explore Tata Communications VPN solutions.