Virtual private networks (VPNs) were once primarily associated with tech companies and remote employees. However, VPNs have become a staple across organizations of all types and sizes in recent years. For businesses wondering if it’s worth buying or building their own custom VPN, there are important considerations around security, network access, privacy, and more covered in this article.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) enables private connectivity between devices across a public network like the Internet. Business VPNs create an encrypted tunnel to route traffic securely between the company’s networks and users, hiding data transmissions from third parties.
Instead of traveling openly over the public internet, a VPN allows remote devices to virtually access internal systems through a private, closed network. Securing access in this manner provides control similar to being physically present in the office.
Benefits of a Business VPN
There are several key advantages for your business running its own VPN:
Enhanced Security for Remote Workers
Does your business need its own VPN? One of the main benefits is to provide secure remote access for employees working away from the office, including helping you get unbanned from Valorant. Setting up a business VPN allows staff to access your company systems and resources remotely while keeping communications private. This is essential for remote working and enhances security.
Access Corporate Resources Remotely
A VPN for your business allows staff to remotely log into your company network. Employees can access internal servers, databases, apps, and files when out of the office, at home, or traveling. This enables flexible working without compromising security.
Secure Connections on Public Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks in places like cafes and hotels are vulnerable to cybercriminals “snooping” on data. Your business VPN encrypts all traffic, so employees can safely access company data and applications over any internet connection. This protects against hackers when working remotely.
Connect Regional Offices
Does your business operate across multiple locations and offices? A VPN can connect regional offices to your corporate HQ and internal network. Employees at branch offices can use the business VPN to access apps, servers, and resources at the head office.
This brings easy and secure connectivity. Additionally, if you’ve been banned from accessing Wizz, a VPN can also help you Get Unbanned From Wizz by masking your IP address and allowing you to regain access to the platform.
Hide Your IP Address
Your business VPN masks your real IP address, hiding your geographic location and company identity. This prevents cybercriminals from identifying and targeting your business and improves anonymity for your users.
Avoid Web Censorship
In some countries, the internet is censored, with restrictions on accessing certain websites and apps. A VPN allows your employees to bypass these restrictions when traveling for business.
Risks of Not Having a Business VPN
There are security and compliance risks to not having your own VPN. Consider the following:
- Staff connecting from home or public networks expose your business to hacking, malware, and snooping when accessing company data.
- Remote workers cannot access internal systems and resources in a secure way. This leads to risky practices like using personal email for company data.
- You have less control over security protocols and encryption levels when relying on public Wi-Fi or home connections.
- No way to securely connect regional or branch offices to HQ and your corporate network.
- Company and employee privacy are compromised without hiding your IP address from websites.
- Employees cannot reliably access your website or apps if traveling to countries that censor the internet.
Key Features to Look for in a Business VPN
Does your business need its own VPN? When evaluating providers, be sure to check they offer these essential features:
- Encryption – This scrambles and secures data during transfer. Look for powerful protocols like AES-256-bit encryption.
- No activity logs – A strict no-logging policy prevents tracking user activity or data.
- Multi-device support – Allows simultaneous connections for all employees on smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
- Access control – Granular controls to restrict employee access to only approved apps and resources.
- Multiple server locations – Global servers to route connections for best speed and reliability.
- Scalability – Capacity to easily add more users as your business grows.
- Mobile apps – For securely accessing your VPN on iOS and Android devices.
- Dedicated IP option – Static IP to identify your company traffic when needed.
- Split tunneling – Route only your sensitive company traffic through the VPN tunnel.
Comparing VPN providers
The best business VPN solutions balance strong security with fast speeds. Your VPN also needs to be easy for remote workers to set up and use. Leading providers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Compare carefully around these key criteria:
- Security protocols and encryption levels
- Countries with VPN servers
- Number of simultaneous device connections
- Connection speeds
- Ease of use and management
- Support options
- Value for money
- No activity logging guarantees
Take advantage of free trials to test performance and user experience before committing.
Is It Time to Get Your Business VPN?
Hopefully, there are compelling benefits for your business to set up its own VPN. By providing secure remote access to company apps and data, a business VPN enables flexible working while reducing risk. Other advantages include hiding your IP address, bypassing censorship and securely connecting regional offices.
Choosing a provider with robust security, fast speeds, and easy management is key. This ensures high performance and reliability while making life simple for your employees. Investing in a dedicated business VPN pays dividends through strengthening security and powering productivity. So if your business lacks its own VPN, now is the time to put one in place.
Why Should My Business Pay for Its VPN Rather Than Just Using a Free Public One?
Free public VPNs often have security flaws, keep activity logs, and lack the encryption, speed, and reliability a business demands. A paid business VPN is a smart investment to keep your company data and communications secure.
What are the Risks for a Business of Not Having a VPN?
Without a VPN, remote workers are more vulnerable to hacking and malware when accessing company data and systems. Your business IP address and traffic on public networks are also exposed. Not having a VPN means losing control over security.
Can I Use a Business VPN to Access Restricted Websites and Services?
A VPN may allow you to bypass geographic restrictions on some sites and services. But beware that accessing illegal or unethical content could breach your employee’s internet policy.
Conclusion
Setting up a virtual private network tailored for your business has clear security and productivity benefits in our modern remote work era. Employees can safely access company data and apps from anywhere while keeping communications private.
This allows flexible working without compromising enterprise-grade security. Key features to demand from a business VPN include stringent encryption, strict no-logging policies, easy scalability, and simple management.
Check whether reputable providers match your needs before rolling out remote access. With cyber threats growing, now is the time to invest in a dedicated VPN solution for your business. This simple step will pay dividends through robust protection and seamless remote access for your workforce.
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