In the past, securing a network meant controlling access to servers physically located on the premises. The IT team would use firewalls to protect the company’s sensitive data as Internet traffic moved in and out of the network. However, with modern business practices, companies no longer operate that way. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees have shifted to remote work, which has led cybersecurity professionals to revisit their security plans. Their online privacy solutions are required to protect their most valuable asset, their data, regardless of where employees access it.

Even as restrictions are lifted, organizations still have remote teams, increasing a business’s essential data and services hosted in the cloud. A VPN or virtual private network is a simple and readily available network security solution for remote workforce Internet access.

What is a VPN?

Virtual private networks are secure and encrypted network hosts for your team and resources. It creates an online connection to and from a device to a network. A VPN masks a user’s Internet protocol (IP) address, ensuring their online activities remain virtually private and untraceable. You can connect to it at any time from anywhere.

VPN is a network security tool that protects users’ Internet connection and privacy online. You can think of the encrypted connection as a tunnel connecting a local network to an exit node somewhere else. The data stays encrypted while traveling through the tunnel, preventing a third party from accessing it. If someone intercepts the data, they cannot decipher it.

Companies have been using VPNs since Internet use became common. VPNs add more privacy to accessing websites and ensure secure connections for transferring sensitive corporate information.

People frequently use VPNs to access geo-restricted content, but businesses can also benefit from them. They allow for multiple-user account management, content blocking, and prevention of corporate data theft.

What do VPNs do?

Whether it’s hackers on public Wi-Fi or websites tracking your every move, the Internet can feel like a minefield. That’s where VPNs come in. These handy tools encrypt your data, hide your location, and mask your browsing history, giving you the online freedom and privacy you deserve.

Encrypt Data

Laptops, tablets, and mobile phones are prime targets for bad actors and hackers as a point of entry. That is especially true when users access the Internet over public Wi-Fi. VPNs can make it harder for cybercriminals to use any data they intercept because of encryption.

Hide IP Addresses and Locations

An Internet Protocol (IP) address identifies any device on the Internet or local network. Anyone with an IP address can identify a user’s location and reveal the user’s search history. A VPN hides your actual IP address by displaying the VPN server’s IP address. In effect, it makes it appear that you are in the physical location of the VPN server.

Mask the Browsing History

Web browsers and Internet service providers (ISPs) can see everything you do online. A VPN for streaming specifically hides what you watch. It can also prevent monitoring of any online activity, ensuring you get a private browsing experience.

Business Use Cases of VPN

Desktop computers are no longer the default workstation. Most employees use laptops, tablets, and smartphones because they are portable and more environmentally friendly. As a result, more companies have flexible work-from-home and BYOD policies. However, that also means there is a need for more digital security.

Secure Remote Access

Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology is crucial to security. With businesses increasingly relying on remote work arrangements, ensuring that confidential data remains protected from cyber threats has become essential. Using an unsecured connection puts the employee and the company at risk for hacking and data breaches.

With a VPN, remote workers can safely connect to the company’s internal systems. They can also communicate with other team members without worrying about potential hackers intercepting their communications. That is especially important when employees access sensitive data like personal information or financial records over public Wi-Fi networks. Moreover, VPN technology ensures that companies control who has access to their internal networks and resources.

Protect Shared Resources

Many companies rely on technology to collaborate with remote workers. Cloud storage and work applications contain proprietary corporate data such as customer, employee, and business information. IP whitelisting VPN can secure the connection to such resources and protect data.

Suppose an organization has service site clients that need to connect to internal resources. In that case, VPN services ensure that the connection is accessible only by the client.

Save Money

Companies can use VPNs to remove their dependency on costly physical network connections between work hubs and other locations. VPNs also reduce the workload of the company’s IT administration team.

Secure Mobile Device Data

Remote workers answering emails and accessing files on the company’s server using corporate-owned personally-enabled (COPE) devices on public Wi-Fi are vulnerable to data breaches. Cybercriminals can target unsecured connections to intercept data.

Protecting data on company-owned devices is vital. You can accomplish this by installing a remote VPN client on laptops and smartphones. It will allow employees to connect to apps and access the company server safely. By securing the data on user devices, VPNs can stop hackers from launching DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service), MiTM (Man-In-The-Middle), and Ransomware attacks.

Critical Features of a VPN Service

When selecting a VPN service, it’s essential to consider certain key features that ensure the protection of your privacy and security. Here are the features to look for when choosing the right VPN provider:

Strong Encryption

Look for VPN services that offer robust encryption protocols, such as AES-256, which provides industry-standard security. That ensures that your data is well-protected and inaccessible to unauthorized parties.

Distributed Server Network

A VPN service operating servers in multiple countries allows you to have more options for accessing geo-restricted content and ensures better connectivity and faster speeds. Check for a diverse server network provider to cater to your specific needs.

No-logs Policy

Privacy-conscious users should opt for VPN services that have a strict no-logs policy. That means the provider does not retain records of their users’ online activities, ensuring their browsing history remains private and anonymous.

Kill Switch Feature

A kill switch is essential in a VPN service for a business. It severs the Internet connection at the point the VPN connection drops. That prevents any unprotected data from being transmitted, maintaining your privacy and security at all times.

Multiple Device Support

Consider VPN services that support various devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. That allows you to protect all your devices simultaneously and enjoy a seamless VPN experience across your entire digital ecosystem.

User-Friendliness

Look for VPN services that offer intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. A well-designed interface makes it easier to set up and use the VPN, even for users who are not technologically inclined.

Speed and Stability

VPNs sometimes lead to a slight slowdown of your Internet bandwidth due to the encryption process. The distance between you and the VPN server may also affect the Internet speed. Select a VPN service with a track record for fast and stable connections to ensure smooth browsing and streaming experiences.

Virtual Privacy Is Key

VPNs have become essential for ensuring network security. With the increase in cyber threats and data breaches, individuals and organizations must take necessary measures to protect their sensitive information. Using a VPN, users can encrypt their online traffic and hide their IP addresses, making it difficult for hackers to intercept or steal valuable data.

Additionally, VPNs provide access to geo-restricted content and help maintain anonymity while browsing the web. Investing in a reliable VPN service can go a long way toward securing your online activities and protecting your privacy. Don’t wait until it’s too late; ensure you have a trusted VPN provider today!