Manufacturing's Remote Access Dilemma: Why Costly VPNs and Virtual Desktops Aren't the Answer—and How a Secure Enterprise Browser Can Transform Productivity

The manufacturing sector is in the midst of a dramatic digital transformation. Cloud-based workflows, smart factories, and global supply chains now define the industry's competitive edge. Yet, as manufacturers rush to enable remote work and third-party collaboration, many still rely on legacy solutions like VPNs and virtual desktops to secure browser access—driving up operational costs and leaving critical systems exposed to modern cyber threats. There's a better way: investing in an enterprise browser like Kahana's Oasis delivers robust security, seamless workforce enablement, and cost savings that legacy tools simply can't match. For more on how enterprise browsers are transforming corporate security, see our analysis of enterprise browser adoption trends.

The Cost and Complexity of Legacy Remote Access

Why Manufacturers Rely on VPNs and Virtual Desktops

Manufacturing organizations have traditionally used VPNs and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to provide remote access to internal systems and sensitive data. The logic is simple: by routing all traffic through a secure tunnel or virtualized environment, companies hope to shield operations from cyberattacks and data leaks. Solutions like Azure Virtual Desktop, for example, offer secure remote desktops and apps to users anywhere in the world, but with significant infrastructure and management costs. For insights on reducing VDI costs and complexity, see our guide to VDI reduction.

The Hidden Costs

• Licensing and Infrastructure: Running a virtual desktop environment means paying for user licenses, cloud infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance.
• IT Overhead: Managing VPNs and VDI requires constant monitoring, patching, and troubleshooting—draining IT resources.
• User Friction: VPNs and virtual desktops can slow down workflows, frustrate employees, and hamper productivity.
• Security Gaps: Despite their intent, these tools are not foolproof. VPN credentials are a frequent target for attackers, and VDI environments can be compromised through browser-based exploits or misconfigurations, as reported by Manufacturing Digital. Learn more about virtual machine browser security challenges.

The Cybersecurity Risks of Browser-Based Remote Access

A Growing Attack Surface

Remote access is now a frequent entry point for cybercriminals targeting manufacturing. With employees and third parties connecting from various locations and devices—including personal laptops and smartphones—the risk of unauthorized access, data leaks, and malware infections has never been higher.

• Decentralized Workforces: Hybrid work and BYOD policies mean more devices, more endpoints, and more opportunities for attackers. For guidance on securing BYOD environments, see our BYOD security best practices.
• Third-Party Access: The interconnected nature of manufacturing means vendors and contractors often need remote access. According to the 2025 Ponemon Report, 42% of manufacturers experienced breaches related to third-party access, and 50% suffered sensitive data loss as a result.
• Manual Policy Enforcement: Many manufacturers still rely on browser settings, add-ons, and manual controls to secure remote sessions—a strategy that is both inconsistent and easy for attackers to bypass.

Real-World Incidents

• Ransomware via Remote Access: In March 2025, manufacturing suffered 91 ransomware incidents globally, many of which exploited weak remote access protocols or browser vulnerabilities, as detailed in our previous analysis.
• Third-Party Breaches: Recent years have seen a 30% rise in third-party breaches, with attackers exploiting excessive vendor privileges and unmonitored browser sessions to move laterally within manufacturing networks, according to PYMNTS.
• Browser-Native Ransomware: Attackers now deploy ransomware directly through browser exploits or malicious extensions, bypassing traditional endpoint defenses and VDI controls.

Why Legacy Solutions Fall Short

Operational Inefficiency

• Resource Burden: Security teams spend an average of 47+ hours weekly analyzing third-party access risks, with nearly one-third investing over 100 hours on these tasks, as revealed in the Ponemon Report.
• High Costs: Maintaining VPNs, VDI, and piecemeal browser security add-ons is expensive and unsustainable.
• Inconsistent Protection: Manual policy enforcement and browser extensions are often applied unevenly, leading to security gaps.

Security Gaps

• VPNs and VDI Are Not Browser-Aware: These solutions protect the network perimeter but don't address threats originating within the browser—such as credential theft, session hijacking, or malicious OAuth authorizations.
• Browser Extension Security: Unmanaged or risky browser extensions can exfiltrate sensitive data or introduce malware, even in virtual environments.
• Lack of Centralized Visibility: IT teams struggle to monitor browser activity and enforce consistent policies across remote and third-party users.

The Case for an Enterprise Browser

What Makes Enterprise Browsers Different?

An enterprise browser like Oasis by Kahana is purpose-built for secure, productive remote access in manufacturing. Unlike consumer browsers or legacy solutions, it offers:

• Zero Trust Security Architecture: Every session is continuously authenticated and authorized, with least-privilege access enforced by default. Learn more about implementing zero trust with enterprise browsers.
• Granular Access Controls: Only authorized users and devices can reach sensitive systems, dramatically reducing the risk of unauthorized access or lateral movement.
• Browser Extension Security: Administrators can centrally allow or block extensions, preventing the installation of unapproved or risky add-ons.
• Enterprise Browser Management: IT teams can deploy, update, and manage Oasis from a single dashboard, ensuring consistent policy enforcement and compliance.
• Real-Time Threat Detection: Built-in intelligence blocks phishing, malware, and suspicious downloads before they can impact operations.
• Workforce Enablement: Secure, seamless access for employees, contractors, and third parties—without the friction of VPNs or VDI.

Real-World Impact: How Oasis Transforms Manufacturing Security

• Ransomware and Malware: Oasis's strict content policies and real-time monitoring block malicious downloads and phishing links, the primary vectors for ransomware in manufacturing.
• Third-Party Collaboration: Contextual access controls ensure vendors and partners only access what they need, minimizing the risk of excessive privileges and supply chain attacks.
• Data Loss Prevention: Centralized controls prevent sensitive information from being copied, pasted, or downloaded to unauthorized locations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Automated audit logging and reporting help manufacturers meet industry standards and avoid costly penalties.

Enterprise Browser Use Cases in Manufacturing

• Remote Workforce Enablement: Empower employees to work securely from any device or location, without the cost and complexity of VDI. For more on enabling remote work securely, see our guide to remote work security.
• Secure Third-Party Access: Grant contractors and partners browser-based access to specific resources, with granular controls and real-time monitoring.
• Browser for Enterprise Productivity: Leverage AI-powered tab grouping, project-based organization, and distraction-free focus modes to boost productivity.
• Deciding on Enterprise Browser: Evaluate Oasis as a strategic investment to replace legacy VPNs and piecemeal browser security with a unified, future-ready solution.

The Future of Browser Security in Manufacturing

As browser-native ransomware, supply chain attacks, and identity threats become more sophisticated, the need for a secure enterprise browser like Oasis will only grow. Manufacturing's unique combination of legacy systems, minimal downtime tolerance, and interconnected supply chains makes it especially vulnerable to browser-based threats. By adopting a secure web browser with zero-trust architecture, granular policy controls, and real-time threat intelligence, manufacturers can protect their operations, data, and reputation—while saving on operational costs.

Conclusion

Manufacturing stands at a crossroads: continue investing in costly, complex legacy solutions like VPNs and virtual desktops, or embrace a new approach with a secure enterprise browser designed for the realities of today's threat landscape. Real-world incidents—from ransomware outbreaks to third-party breaches—demonstrate the urgent need for a modern, unified solution.

Kahana's Oasis Enterprise Browser rises to this challenge, providing manufacturers with zero-trust security, granular permissions, advanced threat detection, and seamless user experience. For organizations looking to protect sensitive data, enable a productive remote workforce, and control operational costs, the answer is clear: invest in an enterprise browser built for manufacturing's next era.