A typical internet user connects to the internet to access social media, search engines, maps, online stores, etc. These are innocuous activities that you’re not worried about in case someone is snooping. However, your online training deserves additional privacy as a business, especially with the increased frequency of data breaches.
Every moment you connect to the net, your best Internet Service Provider can view your browsing history and sell it without your authorization. In some way, these ISPs have become like Google and social media sites such as Facebook. But, these sites or see arch engines can only view what you do while on their sites. Alternatively, ISPs are all-knowing; they can track the sites you visit, the content you watch, your geographic location, your device, and time spent on the site.
Fortunately, there is a solution to support you encrypt your data, thus rendering it unreadable to snooping parties such as your ISP, government agencies, hackers, etc. There are various types of VPNs, but the main categories are Remote Access VPNs and Site-to-Site VPNs.
Remote Access VPNs
These best VPN services are famous worldwide as they connect users to remote servers, which allow them access to private networks. With this access, the users can presently access content or sites that were restricted due to geoblocking.
Site-to-Site VPNs
These VPN services are typically used by companies, organizations, and businesses, especially if they have branches in several locations. The companies use Site-to-Site VPNs to create secure connections where employees from other departments can communicate and share information or resources.
VPNs are necessary in today’s world, and more businesses should embrace them for the following reasons:
1. Cybersecurity
If you intend to offer your services or products online, cybersecurity should be among your primary concerns. Ensure that you implement all possible measures to guarantee that you and your customer’s data are secure. You can apply a VPN across all your networks to provide additional security. Also, don’t forget to run a vulnerability scan to identify flaws in your network that might compromise your system.
Connecting to a network, especially a public network, is risky for staff members hoping to access company data. These public networks are possible everywhere, whether it’s your favourite coffee shop, hotel, restaurant, or motel. Privacy and security are the last items on your mind as you access these networks. A cybercriminal can easily hack your connection as you access the data. But, with a VPN, you’ll have a secure and encrypted connection to company data wherever you are.
2. Remote Access
When you can connect to the business’ or organization’s network in your office or business premises, your employees on-site have access to the network; but, remote employees don’t have the same luxury.
Using a VPN, these remote employees can access the network from any location as long they have an internet connection.
3. Avoid Geo-blocking
Not all countries are afforded the same access to sites and content on the internet like the US. If you’ve been to countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, you might have noticed that you can’t access some sites or services while in these regions. Internet users in these regions typically use VPNs to access content that’s not possible in their parts.
If you occasionally do business in these countries, you’ll need VPN services to access sites and even search engines such as Google.
Limitations
VPN services are excellent but have some limitations that you might want to agree before embracing the services. These limitations include:
1. Mounting Costs
Personal VPN services are cheap and useful, but they aren’t suited for businesses. They can’t protect a company-wide network. Companies seeking VPN services need a site-to-site VPN, which is typically established through two techniques; Internet VPN method or Multiprotocol Label Switching VPN method.
Both configurations require a hefty investment to create and maintain the Site-to-Site VPN. For large businesses and corporations, Site-to-Site VPNs are viable; but, smaller companies need to look for more affordable options. Alternative solutions include cloud VPN, remote-access VPN, SD-WAN VPN, or a business plan from your consumer VPN provider.
2. Security Risks
Although VPNs offer a secure connection to the business’ network, they also pose a security risk to your business. For example, if a cyber attacker gains access to one of your employees’ VPN credentials, the attacker can access any possible information on the network.
Should Your Business Utilize A Business VPN?
Yes. The upside of having a business VPN far outweighs its set-up and management prices plus any different downsides that it may have. There are also free options possible, but users are bombarded with ads and low reliability as usual. Whether you want reliability and proper encryption or cheaper options that don’t offer the same level of security, the choice is yours. Ultimately, your business needs a VPN, whatever option you select, and ensure that it caters to your business’s needs.