Transitioning to remote working effectively is the key to keep your business afloat in the midst of this pandemic. But are you still trying to streamline your systems and give apt support to your remote staff?
If yes, availing of VPN services might help. Along with the right fiber network solutions, this could be your key to adjust to the new normal easily.
Quick Overlook
VPN for Business: What Is It?
In a gist, Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is an additional layer of security used when accessing the internet over public and private networks, such as hotspots.
Organizations and individuals use this technology to protect internal systems and personal information that might be exposed while connecting to the internet. With this service, users can open websites without getting tracked.
How Does VPN for Business Work?
The main purpose of using a VPN service for business is to reroute internet traffic. It provides an indirect connection from the users’ device to the website. This rerouting process prevents websites from getting any personal information from the user. The sketch below illustrates this point.
WITH VPN SERVICE = User’s Device > VPN server > Site
Site > VPN server > Users’ Device
WITHOUT VPN SERVICE = Users’ Device > Site
Site > Users’ Device
Why Do You Need a VPN for Your Remote Staff?
While in the past all your online security measures are all in place in the office, you might find it challenging to uphold the same level of digital security with your WFH team. But with a VPN for business, you can get your online security up in no time. This service is important for the following reasons:
- Avoid data censorship – Your remote employees are going to open company systems using their own personal devices. And this could put your business info at risk of hacking, phishing, and censorship, especially if their personal antivirus and malware software isn’t strong enough.
- Protect and disguises your location – Some websites might have geo-restrictions. Streaming sites and YouTube, for instance, have videos that are available only to specific countries. By using a VPN server, you can save your remote employees from these geo-restrictions, allowing them to access more sites.
- Protect your digital footprint and uphold cyber-security – Most websites use cookies and other data collection tech that gather user information (e.g., location, device info). But by rerouting the internet traffic, you’ll be able to disconnect your device from the sites’ cookies. Ultimately, this will protect the users’ online activities even over different fiber network solutions.
What Should You Consider When Looking for a VPN Service Provider?
VPN is an apt service to avail to protect your business info from malicious people online. To ensure you’ll get a good service, consider the following insights before signing a contract with the provider:
Fine Print
Look at the fine print, specifically the billing and additional fees. Cheap deals might not include all the necessary fees you need to pay, such as the tax. Or it only shows the discounted price for your first month of usage.
Devices
Know how many devices you can connect simultaneously. Some VPN service providers offer single user packages. However, there are also providers that allow users to use three to five devices simultaneously. Choose one that perfectly suits your team.
Location
Consider the location of your remote employees. Do you have remote staff from other countries? If yes, know if they’re allowed to use VPN services. Governments have different stances on VPN use. In fact, there are nations that ban or put restrictions on the use of VPN, such as North Korea, Belarus, China, and Russia to name a few.
Connection Protocol
Know the best connection protocol to choose from. VPN service providers might offer different protocols to help make your connections secure and fast. IKeV2 and OpenVPN are the common ones. But you may also ask for other VPN protocol options.
Trial Period
Take advantage of trial periods. Providers usually offer a month-long trial period. And during your trial, hire third-party experts to assess the performance of the service. Avoid signing a long-term contract without testing the service.
Provider
Know the information the provider might collect. As your internet traffic goes through the VPN server, you should also be wary about the information the provider collects. It also helps to sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement with the provider.
Conclusion
Indeed, the new normal brings a lot of changes to how business is done. It puts remote working into the mainstream, making it one of the best ways to survive and stay safe. Alongside this change is the call to use different technologies, such as VPN, to uphold online safety.
Ultimately, the use of a VPN for business ensures your remote employees won’t have to worry about exposing their work and the company’s info to cyber censorship. With this technology, you can be assured that online work still gets done efficiently and with security in mind.