Work network changes personal computer security settings through VPN connection?

Question

I am running Win10 on my personal Lenovo notebook, and have since the free upgrade from Win8.1. When I want to work from home, I connect to my company's network via a Forticlient VPN connection to access shared network folders, and programs on the office Terminal Server if need be. Not long ago, they upgraded the firewall to a stronger, more recent technology, changing the VPN to Forticlient at that time (used to be Astaro). When that firewall upgrade was performed, they locked out many websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Skype, Whatsapp, etc. Most of us regular office workers can no longer stream music at our desks, or access messaging services during work hours. I understand this, and it is a company choice, so no issue when I'm at the office working.

However, I recently noticed that when I am working from home, and I connect to the office network via the VPN, my security settings change, and i am no longer able to access some of those websites, services, etc. It is as though they set up the VPN to overwrite my personal computer settings. I understand that they have these restrictions when I am at the office connected to the in-office network system. But to not be able to connect to websites or streaming services that I want to connect to WHILE AT HOME working? Not cool.

So, before I get all conspiracy-theorist on the boss, I want to ask if it is possible that they can create those types of security restrictions as part of a VPN network connection? I skimmed through the event viewer at the logs of events during my login session, and there is something in there called "impersonation"? Could that be it?

Second, if the above turns out to be possible, is there a way to force my security settings back to my personal settings after I connect?

Answer 1

When you connect to VPN, it is like you are connect to your company and all filtering and policies might be applied to your personal PC. In this case, leave VPN off and use your PC and when you have to use company resources use VPN.

Answer 2

Yes, I am able to use the computer normally when not connected to the VPN.

Answer 3

When you are disconnected from VPN, are you able to use your PC normally?

VPN actually puts you into the environment network of the company and like you have new access, you will have new restriction but when you disconnected from VPN, it should let you to use all websites.

It also depends on what settings are being changed and how the VPN works. You need to check this with your IT team or the VPN manufacturer.