SonicWall Global VPN Client and Split tunneling

Question

Hello All,
I searched Google and the forums here and can't find someone with the same problem.
Lets start at the beginning-Just started this job a couple months ago and people brought to my attention immediately an issue while they were on the VPN they could not get to the internet.  I know about the different security risks but we have multiple field reps that need internet access while using our CRM program.  So I setup Split Tunneling on the Sonicwall. Tested and works fine on my home PC using a WRT54GS Ver 2.1 and the SonicWall Global VPN Client.
So I was sure everything was fine until I just sent out 2 laptops to 2 different sales reps and they are both having the same issue.  They can get into the internal network but can't access the internet.  They are both on WRT54G (different Vers.).  I tested the VPN client on both laptops with tethering on my cell phone and the split tunneling works. I have tried updating firmware thinking that was the issue.  I also tried to put their home network on a different subnet.  All with no joy.  I was wondering if anyone ever ran into something like this or have any clues what to try next. 
-Thank You in advance for your time.
Message Edited by Chris_F on 01-11-2010 07:41 AM
Chris F.
CCENT, CCNA, CCNA Sec

Answer 1

Of course, you do as you are told. But I hope you keep written record of what you have been told and have it signed of whoever told you to set it up. It's essential that you stay on the safe side in these matters.
I have read of too many cases where the system/security admin did not do so and in the end was held responsible for security incidents simply because he was told to do something to jeopardize security of the network. Remember, that usually the person who tells you do to so has no idea about the full security implication of a decision.
Thus, I highly recommend to require your road staff to connect with no split tunneling. Refuse to do otherwise unless you have it in writing and you won't be held reliable in any way if something happens because of it.
Just think what happens if the whole customer database gets stolen because of one of the remote sales reps... There is a reason why you apply this web site blocking on your firewalls and there is absolutely no reason that would justify why your remote sale reps don't go through the very same firewall while accessing company-sensitive data in your CRM.
So put that straight with whoever told you to do otherwise and if you they still want to continue anyway get it in writing. Once you ask for the statement in writing many decision-makers come to their senses and let you do your job at the best you can and for what you were hired... And if not, well, at least you got rid of the responsibility in that aspect.