Working from home this last year has left more businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks. If you’re not using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you could be exposing your own devices and your wider network to threats.
But what is a VPN, exactly? It’s a network system that exists outside of the Internet, which uses extra security and encryption measures to protect your data and even your identity as you surf the web. We’ve covered in more detail how it works here.
Whether you’re a business owner or employee, you could be working more safely using a VPN. If you’re still not convinced, here are six reasons that could change your mind:
Improved security
VPN’s help to boost online privacy and safety when using the internet, keeping things like your IP address, location, passwords, and data safe from potential hackers. A VPN will create a secure connection between your device and the network or other resources you log into.
Your business may be transferring data between web apps like Dropbox or within Office 365, and adding a VPN connection provides an extra layer of safety and security between the source of the data and its destination.
That’s not to say you should use it instead of other security measures, because while something like malware is downloaded onto your device and attacks your operating system, a VPN only protects your activity across websites.
Encrypt your important data
If you are sending important information over the internet, for example via online banking or shopping apps like Amazon, your data is at risk. While these apps might use their own encryptions, a VPN can help prevent anyone stealing your data.
A VPN also encrypts voice and video chat data. All your business calls, meetings over Zoom or, Google Hangout can potentially have unwanted listeners. Encryption means no one else will be able to hop in and record your chats without your permission.
Protection across public WiFi
Public WiFi hotspots are very handy, but they aren’t as secure as office or home broadband. Data transmitted across an open public network can be easily intercepted and viewed by cyber criminals.
Even on a password-guarded connection, you are visible to other users on the network. A hacker can get the same café password you have, and then get themselves onto the same network as you. A VPN can help make online activity more secure with encryption.
Low maintenance costs
Using a VPN can be considered a cheaper option when it comes to cybersecurity measures. Once a VPN network is set up, the maintenance costs are very low, either as a company or an individual.
This is particularly relevant when choosing a VPN for work as many users can operate with just one licence, reducing the costs typically associated with installing new software.
Protect multiple devices
Nowadays, smartphones tend to be the device we use the most to access the internet, especially when we’re on the move so it’s worth using a VPN on your phone as well as your laptop or PC.
Most paid VPNs (and you shouldn’t really use a free VPN) provide multiple simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices, be it a computer, smartphone, tablet, and even smart TVs and gaming consoles, at the same time.
If you have a lot of devices or want to ensure that all the devices on your network are always protected, a VPN is ideal – you won’t even have to worry about remembering to connect to it.
Enabled on the go
At times when your staff are not physically in the office, they can access the company network over a secure encrypted VPN connection, improving productivity and safety.
VPNs are good for people who travel for business, to access a business network and a Windows remote desktop over the Internet. You can carry out your work on the go as if you were on the same network.
A VPN also helps staff securely share files, VPN’s usually have settings to control who can see which files, so employees only gain access to what they should see.
What to look for in a VPN?
Choosing a VPN provider is a major decision, as you are trusting it with your most sensitive data. There are many VPN services available, so how do you know you’re choosing the right one?
Keep the following tips in mind when picking your VPN provider:
Security: This is likely the main reason you’re using a VPN so you’ll want to check the level of encryption the provider offers (the stronger, the better). 256-bit encryption is typically standard for a VPN.
Versatility: Choose a VPN that supports a number of platforms and multiple devices. A good VPN supports simultaneous connection to your laptop, desktop, and your smartphone with extra room left for other devices.
Data storage: It is important to know what a VPN provider will store about your internet activities. To ensure your security and anonymity, you want a provider with a “no logging policy”, meaning they will not save (or sell) information about the sites you visit or the files you download.
Price: The cost of the VPN is probably an important factor in your decision. Free services offer no guarantees in terms of privacy, security and overall performance, and you’ll miss out on so many great features offered by the paid services. Fortunately, many VPN services are affordable.
We’ve looked at a few reasons why you should use a Virtual Private Network and if you’re just getting started with VPNs we can help find a suitable service for your business. Contact our team at [email protected]
