VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and this type of connection is being increasingly used by private individuals and businesses alike for the many benefits that it delivers, the most important of which is enhanced online security.
There are a plethora of VPNs to choose from on the market, and making a choice can seem overwhelming; it’s important to take some time to find the right one for your unique business needs to ensure you get value for money and the best online experience. Use the guide below to help navigate the process, and identify the perfect VPN for your business.
Why Will My Business Benefit From a VPN?
There are many advantages to choosing a VPN connection for your business:
Uplevel Security
This is the primary reason that businesses choose VPNs: the connection they use is secure, and the data shared is encrypted, making hacking, and other malicious threats, an unlikely proposition. Data stored in the cloud is protected, too, when accessed using your VPN connection, and it also allows staff who work remotely to safely connect to the internet or your business’ intranet or corporate databases without the risk of this data being at risk.
Data transfer is better safeguarded, as well; you can have peace of mind knowing that any sensitive data being transferred or sent in or out of your company is secure.
Access Management
By linking your VPN to your business’ authentication system, you can be totally satisfied that only those that have successfully cleared the verification process, and have authorization to, can gain access to your network. As well as keeping hackers out, this also serves to ensure that only the staff who have level clearance will be able to enter certain areas of the system. Different access levels can be allocated to different members of staff to further prevent the risk of data being compromised.
Safer for Customers
If your business allows customers to use the internet using your wifi connection, then deploying a VPN will keep their personal information and data safe, too. Most VPNs will also allow you to alter the configuration settings so that a potential hacker isn’t able to log in masquerading as a customer.
Money-Saving
And last but by no means least – using a VPN is likely to save your business a significant amount of money! VPN packages can start from as little as a few dollars a month per customer, so it’s a highly cost-effective way for your business to upgrade its digital security credentials. For more information on the benefits of deploying a VPN, have a look here for details on the best VPN options on the market right now.
How to Choose the Right VPN
There are two types of VPN connections: remote access and site-to-site. A remote access server will require your business to have network access or a dedicated server and to install specific VPN software. It operates by creating a private connection between the server and your business’ network, with all data shared being encrypted for enhanced security.
A site-to-site VPN is fundamentally different in that it is only available to users within the office network. It operates as a single network that connects two or more other networks – for example, a multitude of different devices in a branch office could be connected to the business’ headquarters. Obviously, this option isn’t suitable for those who wish to be able to connect remotely.
Ease of Management
When choosing a VPN for your business, it’s a good idea to look for an option that has a low administrative and operational cost. You should be able to easily manage all of your connections across the different devices that your staff use.
Activity Monitoring
Look for a business VPN, too, that incorporates some form of activity monitoring and management features – this will have many benefits, allowing you to block traffic and identify usage that is generating high bandwidth consumption – and therefore potentially slowing your network down. Failed log-in attempts and other security red flags can also be kept an eye on using a monitoring tool.
Privacy and Logging
Check the privacy policy of the VPN you’re considering to be sure that there’s no risk of the company accessing or selling your internet usage details. While most reputable and legit VPN companies don’t engage in this activity, it’s still worth checking whether they will be keeping a log of your VPN usage. It’s important to note, though, that this log may be required for compliance or security audit issues, for example, depending on the nature of your business.
Help and Support
And finally, think about the level of tech support that you’re likely to need. If you have an in-house tech department that can deal with any arising issues, then you may wish to avoid paying an additional premium for 24/7 or weekend support from the VPM company you’re considering.
However, it’s also vital to bear in mind the repercussions to your business if there’s a problem with your connection and, as it’s after hours, you’re unable to access the technical help you need to get you back up and running again.
Take some time to think about what you want a VPN to achieve for your business to help you make your decision. One of the best things about a VPN is that it is eminently scalable, so it can grow with you – so get the right one, and it could be delivering benefits to your business for years to come!