October 9, 2025
Feature Improvements
Split Tunneling self-service
We're excited to introduce Split Tunneling self-service. Administrators can now configure CIDRs to route through the tunnel, with the flexibility to update, modify, or disable configurations at any time. This update improves efficiency and provides clear visibility into active Split Tunneling settings within the Gateway, making network traffic management faster, more intuitive, and more flexible.
October 8, 2025
Feature Improvements
Deep Packet Inspection is now Application Blocker
We’ve renamed Deep Packet Inspection to Application blocker for clearer, more user-friendly communication of its purpose—blocking specific ports and protocols. It retains the same robust Deep Packet Inspection engine, with no changes to performance or functionality.
August 13, 2025
Feature Improvements
Redesigned Connections and Actions Pages
We've redesigned the Connections and Actions sections in the Activity settings page. These updates have been crafted with user experience in mind, ensuring an intuitive and efficient interface across both mobile and desktop platforms.
July 30, 2025
Feature Improvements
Custom integrations
We’re introducing custom integrations, a new feature that enhances security automation and control within NordLayer. Administrators can now automatically disconnect users from gateways and log them out of the NordLayer application in response to security events detected by third-party tools or custom security solutions.
- Seamless integration: Feature is compatible with built-in cybersecurity tools, third-party services, or custom security solutions that support webhooks.
- IP allowlisting: Improve API-level security by specifying IP addresses that are allowed to trigger custom integration requests.
Whether leveraging existing platforms or developing a custom solution, this feature equips administrators with advanced tools for securing their network ecosystem.
Revamped subscription management
We’ve redesigned the subscription page to streamline your experience and provide more clarity and control over your subscription details. This rework introduces enhanced functionality, component updates, and a cleaner layout, making it even easier to manage your NordLayer account:
- Subscription overview: View your full subscription plan details, including the plan title, billing period, next billing date, and upcoming renewal amount.
- Dynamic license management: Get a clear view of all your licensed components, complete with up-to-date pricing and VAT calculations. Plus, quickly purchase add-ons to your subscription, always seeing an immediate cost breakdown.
- Streamlined billing information management: Edit key billing details with dynamic validation and tooltips, and add up to three billing receipt email recipients.
This update streamlines subscription, billing, and license management, freeing you to focus on your organization's security and connectivity.
July 17, 2025
Feature Improvements
Revamped dashboards page
Existing widgets and charts have been reorganized into two dedicated tabs for improved usability:
- Usage dashboard: Includes metrics for Shared Gateways, OS Distribution, Client Version, Browser Distribution, Active Sessions, Throughput, and Protocol Usage.
- Security dashboard: Features data on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Adoption and Failed Logins, giving you quick access to critical security-related insights.
New failed logins widget
We’ve introduced a widget, chart, and table to monitor failed login attempts across NordLayer platforms (Control Panel, NordLayer application, and Browser Extension) for enhanced security analytics. This addition provides deeper insight into network security, helping organizations strengthen defenses and make data-driven decisions.
July 15, 2024
New Features
Local Network Access
We’re introducing Local Network Access, a feature that allows devices to retain access to local network resources, such as printers, servers, and shared drives, even when the Kill Switch is enabled. Designed to enhance flexibility without compromising security, Local Network Access ensures seamless communication within internal networks while maintaining secure internet policies. Centralized management ensures consistent behavior organization-wide.
May 28, 2025
Feature Improvements
Smart Remote Access renamed to Cloud LAN
We've renamed the Smart Remote Access to Cloud LAN to more clearly reflect the virtual networking capabilities of this feature. Cloud LAN continues to simplify secure remote access by creating a virtual private network between enrolled devices, ensuring seamless, protected communication for your teams.
The term Smart Remote Access will be gradually phased out from apps, documentation, and all related materials.
May 19, 2025
Feature Improvements
Real-time tunnel status & traffic visibility
We’ve updated Sites with powerful new monitoring capabilities, providing detailed insights and enhanced visibility into tunnel traffic and status. Key benefits include:
- Real-time tunnel monitoring: View the live status of your tunnels instantly, reducing troubleshooting and response times.
- Phase-specific visibility: Identify and resolve tunnel configuration problems. Troubleshoot IKE negotiation issues with Phase 1 status, and pinpoint encryption mismatches with Phase 2 status.
- IKE rekey insights: Monitor and verify the rekeying processes to significantly reduce unexpected downtime and maintain reliable connectivity.
This update saves you time and simplifies your NordLayer management experience when using the Sites feature.
May 15, 2025
Feature Improvements
New DNS Filtering Category: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We have introduced a new DNS filtering category: AI (Artificial Intelligence). This category allows customers to restrict access to both popular AI-powered online tools and malicious Dark AI websites using artificial intelligence for harmful activities such as phishing, fraud, hacking, misinformation, and inappropriate content generation.
April 24, 2025
Feature Improvements
Enhanced Checkout Experience in Control Panel
We've improved the checkout flow for a faster, more intuitive experience. Purchases are now more transparent and secure, with a new plan comparison view that helps users weigh long-term value and choose with confidence.
Updated Servers Page in Control Panel
We’ve redesigned the “Servers” page for better usability. The update includes a new summary section, improved table layout, search filters, and a new column showing when each server was added. Administrators can now add servers without immediately assigning them to a Virtual Private Gateway—gateway assignment can be done later as needed.
April 3, 2025
Feature Improvements
URL-Based Split Tunneling – Increased Domain Limit
You can now specify up to 100 domains, a significant increase from the previous limit of 10. This allows greater flexibility in routing specified domains, subdomains, or wildcards directly to the internet.
March 19, 2025
Feature Improvements
Introducing Dashboards
We’ve upgraded the Dashboards (formerly Insights) page for Core, Lite, and Premium users, providing deeper visibility into security and device usage across your organization:
- 2FA adoption: Displays the percentage of organization members with two-factor authentication enabled.
- OS distribution: Shows the operating systems used across devices for better troubleshooting and updates.
- NordLayer application versions: Helps identify outdated app versions in use.
- Browser distribution: Tracks browser types used with the NordLayer Extension.
Additionally, we are introducing Shared Gateway usage monitoring for clients without private gateways. Admins can now view a map of shared gateway locations and track which ones are most frequently used by their organization.
March 5, 2025
Feature Improvements
Sites redesign
We're excited to introduce improvements to the Sites section in the Control Panel, making it more mobile-friendly and accessible:
- Enhanced responsiveness: The Sites UI now adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes, providing a smoother experience on mobile and tablets.
- Improved accessibility: Navigation and interaction elements have been optimized for better usability across all devices.
These updates ensure a more intuitive and efficient experience when managing your sites on the go.
January 22, 2025
Feature Improvements
New button to reset Member 2FA
We’re introducing a new Reset 2FA button to the Member’s page in the Control Panel that does the following:
- 2FA disabling: It disables two-factor authentication (2FA) for that member, providing a quick resolution for specific account access issues.
- Instant device logout: The button logs the selected member out from all their devices.
This feature is exclusively available to Owners and similar roles, ensuring it remains a secure and intentional action. This update empowers Owners with greater control over member accounts, simplifying account management while maintaining security.
January 16, 2025
Feature Improvements
Gateway page redesign
We’re thrilled to announce the redesigned gateway page, bringing a fresh and intuitive experience to enhance your workflow:
- Improved card design: The Gateway page now features new card and table layouts for better readability across desktop and mobile devices.
- Enhanced gateway management: A new filter and sort system makes managing gateways more efficient. Additionally, a new Table view supports handling large gateway lists with added Created and Modified dates for better organization.
- Tabs for features: Gateway features, like browser extension and split tunneling, are now organized into tabs with clear status displays for seamless navigation.
- Server card enhancements: The server card now includes a quick Copy to clipboard option for server details, while the updated server selection modal lists all available servers for easier selection.
This redesign ensures a cleaner, more responsive experience on tablets and mobile devices and is available to all users at no additional cost.
December 11, 2024
Feature Improvements
Enhanced Subnet Management for Sites
We're excited to announce a major enhancement to subnet management within Sites.
- Expanded Subnet Capacity: You can now add up to 50 subnets per Site—10x the previous limit of 5. This improvement aligns more closely with customer needs, enabling them to address even more complex cases.
- Streamlined Subnet Entry: We've upgraded the UI to allow administrators to paste all Site subnets at once using comma-separated values, eliminating the need to input subnets individually.
These updates simplify subnet management and deliver greater flexibility for scaling your network configurations.
November 13, 2024
New Features
Download Protection
We're excited to announce the release of Download Protection, a new feature designed to strengthen your organization's security posture. This feature provides granular control over file downloads, ensuring that potential threats are identified and neutralized before they can compromise your network. It offers:
- Proactive threat detection: Automatically checks downloaded files for malware, protecting your organization from emerging threats.
- Centralized control: Easily enable or disable Download Protection for specific teams or all users through the Control Panel.
- Detailed insights: Monitor file download activity, identify potential threats, and generate comprehensive reports.
By leveraging Download Protection, network administrators can effectively mitigate risks and strengthen their organization's security.
October 21, 2024
Feature Improvements
New Dashboards
We are excited to introduce a suite of new dashboards in the Control Panel, providing enhanced visibility into device activity and security adoption across your organization:
- 2FA Adoption: Tracks your organization's two-factor authentication adoption rate.
- OS Distribution: Displays the operating systems in use, aiding in troubleshooting and updates.
- Client Versions: Highlights NordLayer app versions, helping identify outdated or vulnerable ones.
- Browser Distribution: Shows the types of web browsers being used by employees within your organization's network.
July 24, 2024
Feature Improvements
Team Administrator role changes
To ensure a clear ownership hierarchy, Team Administrators can no longer remove other Team Administrators from the team. In addition, Owners can now assign the Team Administrator role directly within the Team tab. Simply click the "Add Team Administrator" button to grant administrative access to new members.
July 9, 2024
Feature Improvements
Cloud Firewall rule limit increase
You can now have more than 10 rules enabled at once (up to 50 per Gateway) for a Cloud Firewall in the Control Panel. Request a Cloud Firewall rule limit increase by contacting our customer support or your dedicated account manager.
June 27, 2024
Feature Improvements
Sites
We are excited to introduce a new name for our IPSec Site-to-Site tunnel management feature in the Control Panel: Sites. Along with the new name and a redesigned Network tab, this feature lets administrators create, manage, and view site-to-site VPN tunnels directly. This enhancement gives administrators direct control over their site-to-site connections and allows for real-time adjustments, all within the Control Panel.
May 23, 2024
Feature Improvements
Member export
Owners can now export the member list directly from the Members page. This feature allows you to download a comprehensive list of all your organization's members as .csv file, streamlining data management and administrative tasks.
May 22, 2024
Feature Improvements
Bandwidth dashboard
We're excited to introduce the new Bandwidth dashboard in the Server Usage Analytics page. This dashboard provides a visual graph displaying the average data transmission rate per second (bandwidth) through your organization's private VPN gateway. With our new dashboard, you can gain valuable insights into your server's incoming and outgoing data. The dashboard stores data for up to 60 days, allowing you to review historical trends.
May 15, 2024
Feature Improvements
Split Tunneling: Include type
We're excited to announce the launch of the Split Tunnel server-level option in the Control Panel. The newly released IP-based split tunneling feature provides granular control over which subnets or IP addresses are routed through the VPN tunnel. All other traffic will bypass the VPN, heading directly to the internet. This enhancement allows for more precise traffic management and improves network efficiency.
March 30, 2024
Feature Improvements
Deep Packet Inspection (Lite)
We’re excited to announce the latest improvement to our Deep Packet Inspection (Lite). It’s now possible to block access to 400 ports and protocols, giving you an unprecedented level of security customization.
March 20, 2024
New Features
Active Session Timeout
We've introduced more extensive session duration controls. Prior to this update, only Idle Session Timeout was adjustable, where users would be logged out after a period of inactivity. The new feature, Active Session Timeout, allows for the specification of a maximum session duration.
It means a user will be automatically logged out after the predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of user activity. This enhancement offers a more robust and customizable security posture, aligning with varied operational needs.
February 29, 2024
Feature Improvements
Location-based policy
In our effort to enhance Device Posture Security capabilities, we're introducing location specific policies. These policies empower clients to set access rules based on a user's geographical location. Increased network visibility enables administrators to pinpoint users attempting to log in from restricted countries and facilitates prompt communication with those users. Moreover, for organizations utilizing the Device Posture Security (DPS) blocking capability, administrators now possess the capability to promptly block access for accounts originating in countries that have been designated as banned or restricted.
Browser Extension self-service
We're rolling out an update for Browser Extension that empowers Organization Administrators to activate the agent without contacting customer support. The process for enabling Browser Extension is now fully automated, allowing for quick and effortless activation directly from the Network tab in the Control Panel.
December 14, 2023
Feature Improvements
Always On VPN per teams
Always On VPN now has a more flexible and granular way of enabling the feature. Both Organization Admins and Members can enable Always On VPN, but with our latest update, Organization Admins can now enforce VPN use for selected teams rather than the entire organization.
This approach aligns perfectly with the diverse needs of different teams, offering a more customized and efficient experience.
November 13, 2023
New Features
Server usage analytics
Organization Admins can now monitor how Members use NordLayer through the Insights page on Control Panel. The page helps Admins enhance data analytics, spot anomalies, and ensure seamless server usage, as well as advise Members, troubleshoot, and audit.
The Insights page currently has two dashboards: Protocol usage and Active sessions.
The Protocol usage dashboard shows the connections per protocol (including Browser Extension) in a time range. This helps Organization Admins make better, data-driven decisions.
The Active sessions dashboard shows the number of connections to different servers with a dedicated IP in a time range. This helps to spot unusual behavior like connections in after hours or to backup or side gateways, as well as unexpected incidents.
October 4, 2023
New Features
Cloud Firewall
Cloud Fireall is live!
Organization Admins can now configure firewall rules for their Virtual Private Gateways to help protect hybrid infrastructure and resources against internal and external threats.
Cloud Firewall is currently available only on the NordLayer desktop and mobile apps. The feature is not compatible with NordLayer Browser Extension.
Learn more here.
New Features
Device Posture Security (prevent access with non-compliant devices)
Preventing access to non-compliant devices with Device Security Posture is live!
From now on, Organization Admins can prevent access to the network for non-compliant devices. Organization Admins can set the following rules:
- Device must be trusted by Organization Admin;
- Device must have a preferred operating system and its version;
- Device must have the latest NordLayer application version;
- Device must not be jailbroken or rooted;
- Device must contain a specific file.
The new feature is also supported both on the NordLayer apps and NordLayer Browser Extension.
April 25, 2023
Feature Improvements
JumpCloud SSO
JumpCloud SSO is live!
All Members can now authenticate their identity via JumpCloud SSO.
Other available SSO providers include Google, OKTA, Azure AD, and OneLogin. You can set up SSO in the Control Panel or in the NordLayer app.
March 30, 2023
New Features
Team Administrator role
Organization Admins can now assign a new Team Administrator role to Members.
Team Administrators have the ability to add and remove certain people from the teams they administer. This makes it easier and more efficient to manage teams, especially larger ones.
March 1, 2023
New Features
Download invoices
Getting invoices just got easier!
From now on, Organization Admins can download invoices anytime straight from the Control Panel without contacting our Customer Support team.
To download your invoices, go to Control Panel → Subscription → Payments history, select the invoice you want to download and click on Download invoice.
Invoices for January 2023 and earlier can be accessed by contacting our 24/7 Customer Support team.
January 9, 2023
Feature Improvements
Control Panel navigation update
Navigating the Control Panel just got easier!
The improved Control Panel design offers an enhanced user experience with more intuitive navigation, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.
For example, Organization Admins and Members will notice a new top navigation bar, which now features the user profile, the help section, and subscription information.
The left-side navigation bar has been upgraded with new icons, animations, and a clearly defined organization title and ID.
November 9, 2022
New Features
Device Posture Monitoring (Beta)
Device Posture Monitoring (Beta) is live!
Organization Admins can now check and evaluate devices according to predefined security rules and get notified about non-compliant devices.
The feature allows Organization Admins to identify new devices in the network, check the device’s operating system, its version, and whether the supported NordLayer app version is used.
Organization Admins can also check if the device is not jailbroken or rooted and whether it contains specific files.
You can enable and configure Device Posture Monitoring (Beta) by going to Control Panel → Device security → Profiles.
October 19, 2022
New Features
Idle session timeout
Idle session timeout is live!
Organization admins can now control how long users can stay idle (device in sleep mode or turned off) before being asked to re-login to the NordLayer app and the Control Panel.
The idle session timeout setting minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to your virtual private gateways and company resources if a user is idle for an extended period of time.
The new feature applies to the NordLayer application on all desktop and mobile operating systems and can be applied separately for the app and the Control Panel.
You can set the idle session timeout by going to Control Panel → Security configurations.
September 22, 2022
New Features
SCIM User Provisioning with Okta and Azure
SCIM User Provisioning with Okta and Azure just got smoother!
Organization Admins can now set up SCIM User Provisioning without contacting our customer service.
To enable and configure SCIM User Provisioning, go to Control Panel → Settings → Login methods → Access management.
Learn how to set up SCIM User Provisioning with Okta and Azure here:
User Provisioning setup with Okta
User Provisioning setup with Microsoft Azure AD
September 15, 2022
Feature Improvements
License purchase process
We’ve improved the license purchase experience!
From now on, Organizations are charged and invoiced right after purchasing their Member or Server licenses. Bulk purchasing is also available, with one invoice issued per bulk purchase.
Organizations can now also see more information about their active licenses on the Members and Servers pages.
August 10, 2022
New Features
Feature request forms
We’ve introduced 5 new feature request forms that make requesting extra server security settings easier. Here are brief descriptions of each request form:
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Site-to-Site request form allows Organization Admins to safely request a secure tunnel configured between NordLayer and their business network. Learn more
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SWG Browser Extension (Beta) request form allows Organization Admins to enable SWG access to a selected dedicated server(s) for their employees. Learn more
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Deep Packet Inspection (Lite) request form allows Organization Admins to choose from around 250 custom ports and protocols to block on their virtual private gateway. Learn more
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Custom DNS request form allows Organization Admins to securely pass their DNS server data to our support to set it up as their primary DNS server instead of using the default DNS solution. Learn more
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DNS Filtering request form allows Organization Admins to choose from around 50 content categories to block on their virtual private gateway. Learn more
The new feature request forms are next to each server under “Configure”.
August 1, 2022
New Features
“Add more licenses” function
Purchasing additional licenses is now easier.
The new “Add more licenses” function allows self-managed organizations to purchase any number of extra licenses without contacting Account Managers.
Organization Administrators can find the new function here:
- Members page;
- Servers page;
- Invite new members form;
- Add servers to gateway form.
July 4, 2022
New Features
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA authentication is live!
All Control Panel Members can now set up 2FA to increase security when logging in to the Control Panel.
Find more information on how to set up 2FA here.
Single sign-on (SSO)
SSO is live!
All Control Panel Members are now able to set up SSO to increase security when logging in to the Control Panel.
Members can choose from these SSO options: Google, OKTA, Azure AD, and OneLogin.
Email and password login method
Control Panel Administrators can now choose where to use the email and password login method. They can use it to log in to the Control Panel, apps, both, or neither.
Find more information here.
May 12, 2022
New Features
“Watch demo” button
Onboarding new Organization Administrators just got easier. The “Watch demo” button has been added to the onboarding page in the Control Panel.
From now on, new Administrators can easily access a detailed video overview to better understand and navigate the Control Panel.
Find the demo here.
Show or hide shared gateways in the apps
Control Panel Administrators now have the function to show or hide shared gateways for Organization Members in the apps.
Feature Improvements
Gateway column
A new Gateway column showing Organization Members’ gateway connection information has been added to the Connections tab in the Activity page. The column displays what gateways — shared or private — Members connect to.