A VPN is a security tool designed to deliver sanity to the internet atmosphere. A business VPN is specifically created to meet the cybersecurity needs of business owners and allow their team members to connect to company servers using smart devices or remote computers even while not physically present at the office. This tool helps to avoid sensitive company data being compromised.
Virtual Private Networks, better known as VPNs, encrypt the traffic connection between servers and devices. Business VPNs let employees access company resources safely regardless of where they are located.
They are designed to help remote workers connect securely to the company network from their remote areas. They have become highly critical to the growth of any company leveraging the internet.
According to the President of Silver Linings Technology, Stephen Arndt, a VPN creates a secure tunnel from any remote area directly to the company’s database via the internet.
The major goal of a business VPN is to protect a company’s data from being compromised or exposed while being used online. With the absence of a business VPN, remote workers would have to connect to the company’s internet network risking exposure of their traffic over the public internet. In addition, businesses with multiple offices can keep everyone together with company devices under a single network.
Key Features of a Business VPN
While business VPNs are loaded with security features for private users and businesses, some important features must be considered.
Anonymous DNS Servers
When an internet user input an address into a browser’s address bar, it converts to an Internet Protocol (IP) address which the web leverages to send data – a process known as Domain Name System (DNS) resolution and is often via the ISP of that user. And since the essence of a VPN is to privatize user activity on the internet, it is better to consider a VPN provider with its own anonymous DNS.
Multiple Server Locations
A business VPN that uses multiple server locations must be considered for business owners to disguise the web traffic and access to the location services. And since users are spread across a wide range of locations, it also aids enriched performance.
In addition, a VPN encrypts data to conceal a user’s identity so that the web server’s IP address is displayed instead of the user, which should also apply to businesses.
No-log Policy
Consider VPN options with a no-log policy to avoid possible data breaches. VPN providers often offer different logging policies. But with a no-log policy, the service would deter from retaining company information on your company’s browsing activity.
Nevertheless, certain VPN providers might retain some parts of your data for a few weeks or months. So ensure to periodically review the provider’s policy to avoid things going out of hand.
Mobile Apps
Not all VPN services cover mobile functionality yet, though virtually all offer software for Windows computers. So, if your remote workers use tablets or smartphones, you must get a VPN for your business that supports mobile devices.
Many come with apps for iOS/Apple and Android devices especially, and some others offer services for Windows and Linux mobile phones. As your company increases in the remote workforce, ensure that the mobile devices used for work are compliant with the VPN service you choose.
A Kill Switch
No cybersecurity technology can be regarded as offering perfect security. The same applies to business VPNs. IP leaks can occur, and the true user identity can be disclosed through the device’s IP address. This kind of situation often occurs when the VPN service is bogged down.
As a way out, a kill switch feature can be used to shut down data transfer in an area experiencing failed connection. Many VPN service providers offer this service but are often turned off by default. So, you’ll have to turn it on through the VPN’s settings.
Why Your Business Should Use A VPN
Your business should not do without considering a business VPN in this age of heightened insecurity in cyberspace. And here are the top reasons:
1. Secure Internet Activity
In these post-pandemic times, your business likely has resources such as data or apps stored in the cloud, or you have workers who are either constantly moving or remote. With these features, VPN is crucial to keep your business more secure without investing hugely in data center-grade routing hardware. Using a VPN when using the internet will help secure your data and make your network robust.
Employees may also need to travel to close deals over a long distance or implement after-sales consulting. As a result, they’ll constantly need to be able to access the company’s private business network.
VPNs generally make it hard for unrecognized or unauthorized use of private information. Devices such as specialized industrial sensors, standard consumer devices like cameras, and other necessary tools are included under VPN secured coverage.
They will help you establish secure connections using your private network and prevent potential data theft and attacks on your business.
2. Remote Access Control
VPNs make it possible for all company staff to access networks—this involves using printers, transferring data, and connecting to IT resources. It can also control how workers visit websites and prevent access to questionable sites.
Your onsite workforce can easily access the network, but remote workers would need remote access VPN to help them log on to the company network and carry out tasks by logging in to the office network.
The remote access control feature of the VPN also involves giving access to the right people only. Otherwise, people entitled to data might not get it without this feature, and the wrong people might have access. Hence, VPNs evaluate credentials before granting access. It verifies that a user is originally entitled to a resource and gives access.
3. VPNs are Affordable Network Security Tools
Get a VPN for your business if you need a more affordable security technology that offers top-level services. You can begin to use the service with just about $10 or less each month for the business licensing plan.
This negligible figure allows all your remote workforce to connect securely to the company network and transfer data safely while threading delicate parts of the internet without falling into the hands of cyber wolves.
