Abstract: A method and system for common control of virtual private network devices. Common control is achieved by configuring one or more virtual private network devices, connected to both an open network and private local area networks, to authenticate clients through a centralized database or directory. The database or directory contains network access information or access policy for use by the virtual private network device(s) to control secure transactions over the open network between clients and the local area networks. The method and system may be used for sharing virtual private network devices between multiple private local area networks to allow various entities with private networks to employ the benefits of working over an open network such as the Internet, while simultaneously avoiding the high cost of acquiring and maintaining their own virtual private network devices.