🔐Understanding VPN Security Alerts

What to do when you receive a VPN security alert or unauthorized login notification.

If you've received an alert about an "unauthorized VPN login" or "unexpected VPN activity," don't panic — but do take it seriously. This guide explains what these alerts mean and exactly what to do.

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What Is a VPN Security Alert?

Your company uses a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to provide secure access to office resources like file servers and applications. Our security systems monitor VPN connections and flag anything unusual, such as:

• A login from a location you don't normally work from

• A login at an unusual time (like 3 AM)

• Multiple failed login attempts followed by a success

• A login from a device we don't recognize

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I Received an Alert — Was It Me?

Ask yourself these questions:

Question	If Yes	If No
Were you connecting to the VPN around that time?	Likely a false alarm	Could be unauthorized
Were you traveling or working from a new location?	The new location triggered the alert	Report it immediately
Did you recently change your password?	Could explain failed login attempts	Report it immediately
Did you share your VPN credentials with anyone?	This is a security risk — report it	Good, but still report the alert

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What to Do If the Alert Was You

If you recognize the login activity as your own:

1. Reply to the alert email or ticket confirming it was you.

2. Let us know your location if you were traveling or working remotely from a new place.

3. No further action is needed — we'll close the alert.

Tip: If you're planning to travel, let eTop know ahead of time using our Travel Notification process. This helps us avoid flagging your legitimate logins.

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What to Do If the Alert Was NOT You

If you did not make the VPN connection described in the alert:

1. Contact eTop immediately: 📧 Email: [email protected] ☎️ Phone: [phone]

2. Change your password right away from a trusted device: Go to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info

3. Do not log in to the VPN until eTop confirms it's safe.

4. Let us know if you've noticed anything else unusual, such as:

   • Unexpected password reset emails

   • MFA prompts you didn't initiate

   • Unfamiliar emails sent from your account

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How to Protect Your VPN Access

• Never share your VPN username or password with anyone — including coworkers.

• Use a strong, unique password for your VPN account.

• Lock your computer (Windows Key + L) when stepping away.

• Report any suspicious activity immediately, even if you're not sure it's real.

• Keep your devices updated — security patches help prevent unauthorized access.

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For More Information

• Sophos Connect VPN Setup Guide

• How to Spot a Phish

• Travel Notification

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Category: Education → Self Help Guides Author: eTop Technology Last Updated: March 2026