Virtual private networks (VPNs) have gained considerable popularity, especially among businesses, due to their ability to offer advanced security while maintaining convenience. These cybersecurity solutions are known for their ease of setup and use, making them a cost-effective choice for organizations looking to safeguard their sensitive data. It is not uncommon to find VPNs as an integral part of an enterprise’s IT infrastructure. Let’s talk more about VPN’s importance for data protection companies.
What does a VPN do?
A virtual private network (VPN) operates by establishing a secure connection between the end user and a protected server. Imagine a friendly visual, like the Channel Tunnel connecting the U.K. to France. Through advanced and diverse encryption techniques, a VPN provides a safe passage across the vast internet landscape, much like the Chunnel offers drivers a secure route. In this scenario, envision the driver of a car representing the user wanting to upload a document from home to their office server.
When data is transmitted from your computer to the destination server via the internet, it goes through a secure tunnel. This tunnel protects your information and ensures that it remains safe from any unauthorized access. Even if someone were to attempt to inspect the tunnel, they would not be able to see the data or the driver (your document) passing through it. So, rest assured that your information is safely delivered to its destination without any risk of exposure.
What are the different types of business VPNs?
Remote Access VPNs
A remote access VPN facilitates a connection between individual users and a distant network, typically the internal network of a business. This type of VPN relies on two crucial components:
- Network Access Server (NAS): This is either a dedicated server or a software application installed on a shared server. It is directly linked to the internal network of the business.
- VPN client: This is a software program installed on the user’s computer or mobile device.
When users intend to access the network of the business, they can activate their VPN client. This action establishes an encrypted ‘tunnel’ to the NAS, ensuring secure communication. Through this encrypted tunnel, users can securely access the resources and services offered by the business’s network.
Site-to-site VPNs
Site-to-site VPNs enable the creation of a unified virtual network shared among various office locations, accommodating multiple users in each location. Rather than relying on VPN clients installed on individual devices, the VPN client is hosted on each office’s local network. Consequently, users within each office can access the shared network seamlessly, eliminating the need for individual VPN clients. However, once they exit the office premises, access to the shared network is no longer available.
Why do businesses today use VPN services?
Over the past 15 years, the corporate landscape has undergone extraordinary transformations. Conventional reliance on desktop computers has given way to the widespread usage of portable devices like laptops, iPads, and other mobile devices, offering unmatched flexibility and adaptability. This shift towards mobility has also fostered the acceptance of flexible work arrangements and the adoption of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. Consequently, there has been a substantial surge in the demand for business virtual private networks (VPNs), driven by the escalating need for advanced digital security measures. These alterations exemplify the evolving nature of the corporate world.
Many organizations in today’s digital landscape give utmost importance to safeguarding their valuable data from cyber threats. In achieving this goal, they wholeheartedly embrace secure and cutting-edge solutions such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These powerful tools provide encryption for sensitive data and robust malware scanning capabilities, offering a reliable defense against hacking and unauthorized access. Recent statistics show that the global VPN market reached a valuation of $15 billion in 2016 and is projected to grow at a promising rate of 18% by 2022. This substantial growth is fueled by the increasing emphasis on digital security and privacy.
Global VPN services have faced challenges with slow speeds for a long time. Fortunately, recent developments in VPN technology, such as layer 2 tunneling protocols (L2TP) and virtual private LAN service (VPLS), have effectively overcome various limitations, including internet speed restrictions. These innovative technologies adopt a point-to-point topology, offering improved encryption and a plethora of security choices. If you want a fast VPN for Microsoft Edge (or any other browser), try VeePN. It has well-configured servers that use advanced tunneling technology.
Is VPN for business a smart waste of money?
When businesses search for cost-cutting measures, the temptation to skip out on investing in a VPN can be strong. However, it’s important to consider the potential consequences. If security measures fail, the price paid could be significantly higher. According to Hiscox, a trusted insurance carrier, businesses of all sizes face an average loss of up to $200,000 in the event of a data breach. It is crucial to prioritize the protection of sensitive information to safeguard your business’s financial stability.
When individuals are considering acquiring a VPN, it is advisable not to compromise on quality. Despite common misconceptions, VPNs are not inherently costly. On the contrary, they are regarded as one of the most cost-effective solutions available, accommodating businesses regardless of their IT budget.
In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding data and ensuring server security are of utmost importance, instilling confidence in businesses. Fortunately, numerous cloud VPN providers offer seamless integration without any extensive configurations on servers or from the organization’s team.
Conclusion
A VPN for business facilitates secure data transmission, preventing any potential cyberattacks. Such services also offer a competitive edge to businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve in terms of digital security solutions. Additionally, investing in a VPN is considered a cost-effective measure; it can save an organization tens and thousands of dollars should their networks be compromised.