Sophos Connect v2: Secure Remote Access

Imagine you're working from home, a coffee shop, or even the airport, and you need to connect to your company's systems as if you were in the office. At that moment, the security of your connection isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. That's where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes into play.

Not all VPNs are built for business environments. Some offer the basics but fall short when it comes to advanced security, stability, and ease of management. To solve that challenge, Sophos developed Sophos Connect v2, a VPN client specifically designed for businesses that need to protect their users and data without technical headaches.

What is Sophos Connect v2?

Sophos Connect v2 is Sophos' official secure remote access client, designed to connect employees, partners, and external teams to the corporate network from anywhere.

It’s an all-in-one solution that combines the best of IPsec VPN protocols (ideal for speed and stability) and SSL VPN (perfect for bypassing firewalls and restrictive networks), offering a balance of security, performance, and ease of use.

Key Benefits of Sophos Connect v2 VPN

1. Advanced Security

1. MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) with OTP, DUO, and mobile authenticators.

2. SSO with Microsoft Entra ID to reduce the risks of weak or reused passwords.

3. High-level encryption with AES-256 protocols.

2. Easy Deployment

1. Ready-to-import provisioning files (.pro and .ovpn).

2. Mass deployment via GPO or MDM.

3. Double-click installation on Windows and Mac.

3. Optimized Performance

1. Improved support for large volumes of simultaneous users.

2. With XG Firewall v18 MR3, SSL VPN capacity increased up to 5x on rack hardware.

4. Guaranteed Continuity

1. Automatic failover in case of a link failure.

2. Persistent connection even if the user’s network changes (e.g., switching from WiFi to 4G).

5. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Comparison: Sophos Connect vs Other VPN Solutions

There are multiple remote access solutions on the market, such as Cisco AnyConnect, FortiClient, or OpenVPN. However, Sophos Connect v2 stands out in several key areas:

How to Set Up Sophos Connect v2 – Step by Step

Step 1: Download the Client

Access the firewall user portal and download the appropriate installer:

1. Windows: SophosConnect_x.x_(IPsec_and_SSLVPN).msi

2. macOS: SophosConnect_x.x_(IPsec).pkg

    

Step 2: Install and Provision

1. Run the installer.
   
   
2. Import the provisioning file generated by the administrator (.pro or .ovpn). 

Step 3: Authentication

1. Enter your corporate credentials.

2. Complete MFA if enabled.

Step 4: Connect and Use

1. Enable Auto-Connect to launch the VPN automatically.

2. Verify that the client validates the remote gateway before establishing the connection.

Read more: Advantages of Sophos for Businesses: 5 Reasons to Choose It

Best Practices for Implementing Sophos Connect v2 in Businesses

1. Enable MFA for all users.

2. Configure gateway failover for business continuity.

3. Keep the firewall and VPN client up to date.

4. Segment VPN traffic with firewall policies using a Zero Trust approach.

5. Monitor VPN sessions from the XG Firewall to detect suspicious access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it compatible with Windows 11?

Yes, version 2.4 is fully compatible with Windows 11.

Can it be used on Mac?

Yes, but only with IPsec VPN. SSL support is currently in development.

What’s the difference between SSL VPN and IPsec VPN?

1. SSL VPN: More flexible, ideal for networks with restrictive firewalls.

2. IPsec VPN: Faster and more stable for dedicated connections.

Can I integrate Sophos Connect with Azure Active Directory?

Yes, thanks to SSO support with Microsoft Entra ID available in version 2.4 for Windows.

Conclusion