In a rapidly evolving digital age, and with security risks increasing for many companies, online privacy and security is essential. Virtual Private Networks (VPN solutions) provide one solution to boost privacy and security online and they offer a full range of benefits.
But which specific advantages come with using a VPN and how does a VPN work? Keep reading as we look closely at what VPNs can do and why you should consider using one for your business.
Understanding VPNs
A quick look at the definition of VPNs can help clarify what they are – these are mechanisms and technological arrangements through which businesses can establish a private internet network via encryption methods. But beyond this, they create a secure connection between networks and a computing device. One example could be when a connection is made through public internet communication mediums with a VPN enabled.
The encryption a virtual private network offers works to conceal data as remote employees access the internet. For example, it will hide the IP address of your employee and redirect the internet signal to assign them a new IP address.
Such processes are referred to as ‘tunneling’, and are made easier because of the tunneling technologies that VPNs use. For instance, with point-to-point tunneling, a VPN protocol is established to create a secure VPN ‘tunnel’ between the device and the VPN server. And there are various protocol types, which include the following examples:
- Layer 2 tunneling protocols: This does not encrypt your content, except when paired up with IPsec, but it does allow fast information transfers.
- Internet protocol security (IPsec): This encrypts packets of data and also authenticates the data to provide a secure connection.
- Secure socket tunneling protocols: This secures remote access to private networks and offers traffic integrity-checking features.
Importance of Online Privacy
Protecting personal data and online activities – these are two important responsibilities for businesses for a range of reasons. In safeguarding personal data it’s possible to prevent identity theft and, by extension, fraudulent activity completed by opportunists. And according to the government website, such fraudulent activity can take the form of sophisticated malicious cyber campaigns that threaten the public sector.
Ensuring employees are on the lookout for privacy threats has advantages for your company. For example, being aware of data breaches and surveillance and how they are related to online privacy can minimize the chances of cyber threats.
Data breaches, or data leakage are processes that occur when personal information or company information is exposed or disclosed in an unauthorized way, while surveillance is a process in which individuals collect and monitor data from an employee’s internet connection and use.
Enhanced Security Features
A VPN encrypts internet traffic as mentioned above, and this can enhance security in many ways. The process happens with protocols and encryption keys, which you can think of as devices to secure the connection by ‘locking’ it. For instance, as the computer connects to the VPN, it creates the encryption keys that encode and decode data that passes between them.
Looking more closely at an example such as IPsec protocols, it’s clear that the communication rules and protocols determine how the data travels. It features authentication elements to further increase security. But it also encrypts data right at the source. When the data reaches the destination, IPsec decrypts the data and verifies its source.
This is especially important when protecting sensitive information that employees may access or send through public Wi-Fi networks, because in the most common public Wi-Fi attacks, hackers can intercept any communication that happens between a remote employee’s device and a website.
According to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when working remotely – this action is only feasible or ideal when using a VPN, which will keep information secure.
Anonymity and Identity Protection
It’s as they redirect IP addresses that VPNs ensure the user’s identity and browsing location stay hidden – they can additionally help employees preserve anonymity. When switching on a VPN from their device, employees will prevent a few types of hacking and protect their identity since trackers will assume the browsing activity is taking place in a different location.
Protecting location information online is also important since it can minimize the chances of employees becoming a victim of:
- Fraud
- Surveillance
- Identity theft
- Geo-location tracking
Protection Against Cyber Threats
In terms of cyber threats, a VPN is also very effective and it can prevent a few different types. With a VPN connection employees can prevent, for instance, phishing and hacking threats, and they do this in a specific way.
- Phishing and VPN connections: The VPN establishes a layer of security that keeps passwords and personal details secure. Without access to this data, malicious actors cannot successfully complete phishing attacks or deceive employees into disclosing company or personal data.
- Hacking and VPN connections: By scrambling data and keeping it secure, a VPN can prevent hackers from intercepting the data – and this, as well as masking an IP address, can ensure that sensitive information remains private. For instance, it also keeps login credentials hidden, keeping hackers out of company financial accounts.
Business and Remote Work
As mentioned, VPNs can play a very important role for corporations that have hired remote workers, and they can secure corporate networks and keep remote access secure as well. In looking at a real case study, we see the clear correlation between less network vulnerability and VPNs. Softech used the OpenVPN Access Server solution, transitioning from a modem connection, which they found had many security issues.
Upon using the OpenVPN Access Server, Softech was able to secure remote employee connections. With this solution, the connections were more reliable and less vulnerable to security threats.
In another case, the Omnisend e-commerce marketing automation platform was able to safeguard files that employees shared while having implemented the NordLayer VPN. This solution meant that their clients’ sensitive data remained uncompromised and fully secure, despite the rise of remote work and security challenges they had faced.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a VPN Provider
Now, if your company has decided to seek the benefits of a VPN service or provider, there are a few factors to consider that can help. Some of the factors to take into consideration, which can make a difference to your connections, are listed just below:
- Encryption protocols: These are specific guidelines that determine how the VPN will enclose the data, and each can differ. For example, some may prioritize heavy encryption and others may have more simpler encryptions. It’s worth noting that OpenVPN is one of the most secure protocols, while Ipsec is a good option for mobile usage or swift network changes.
- Server locations: With specific VPN services that feature servers in many locations, employees can choose from a range of virtual locations, and with greater access to locations with strict privacy laws, communications and data can remain secure. It can minimize the chances of unauthorized individuals accessing sensitive information.
- Logging policies: This refers to any data that the VPN provider can collect or store, and a few examples exist, including no-logs, connection logs, anonymous logs, or usage logs. While no logs mean the provider will not collect data, usage logs mean they will gather details about your company’s activity.
- Speed and reliability: Each VPN can potentially slow down your employees’ internet connection to some extent. For this reason, choosing a VPN provider that can prove an excellent performance despite connecting to servers that are far away is ideal.
Incorporate VPNs into Your Business's Devices with Tech Masters
Integrating VPNs can benefit your business in terms of data security and sensitive information protection. It is especially important if your business has remote employees and needs to protect files or financial information.
Ensure you explore VPN options for your business to eliminate cyber threats and phishing attempts. For more information on VPNs, and how to use them, schedule an appointment with Tech Masters today, and let us help you incorporate this solution into your business operations.
