The GlobalProtect gateway is the Palo Alto Networks component that accepts remote VPN connections and applies access control for each user or device. It is the enforcement point for the remote-access path: after a client reaches the gateway, the device checks identity, authentication method, certificates, and policy before allowing access to internal resources.
In cyber security, the gateway matters because it sits at a trust boundary. If its authentication flow is misconfigured or flawed, an attacker may be able to bypass checks and create an unauthorized VPN session. That can place the attacker inside the internal network, where they may reach protected services, steal credentials, or move laterally. Defenders should treat the gateway as high-value infrastructure: keep it patched, verify the exact configuration in use, review certificate and multi-factor settings, and monitor for abnormal connection attempts or policy failures.