Let’s be realistic:
Most companies globally have employees that work from home.
So, ensuring secure remote access is crucial. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution:
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
It’s a tool that encrypts all data transmitted over the internet. That way, all sensitive information from cyber threats.
But how exactly does a VPN for remote work function? And how do you choose the right one for your company?
Don’t worry. We’re prepared to answer all your questions, provide tips on incorporating VPNs, and suggest suitable tools.
Let’s dive in:
What Is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network is a solution that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server operated by the VPN service. It acts as a private tunnel through the public internet, protecting your data from prying eyes.
There are numerous benefits of using a VPN:
- Enhanced security – the tool encrypts data and prevents hackers and cybercriminals from intercepting your information.
- Privacy protection – a VPN hides your IP address and online activities, making it difficult for third parties to track your internet behavior.
- Bypass geo-restrictions – the solution enables you to access content that may be restricted based on your geographical location, such as streaming services and websites.
And last but definitely not least – remote access. VPNs allow employees that work from home to securely connect to their company’s internal network, accessing resources as if they were on-site. That’s especially important for teams that regularly share large files over the internet. By encrypting the data during transfer, a VPN prevents unauthorized access and protects the contents of the files from being compromised.
How to Use a VPN for Remote Work?
Good news:
Using a VPN for business is a very straightforward process.
Your first step is to choose a suitable tool. You’ll need to consider:
- Budget – make sure not to break the bank. Annual subscriptions usually cost less than monthly ones. Also, keep an eye out for Black Friday, Christmas, and other holidays. More often than not, you’ll be able to get a discount.
- Features – look for things like kill switch, split tunnelling, no log policy, OpenVPN protocol support, AES, etc. You need to make sure you’re getting the most for the money you’re paying.
- Server locations – you’ll benefit the most from a globally distributed server network. That’s especially true if your employees are spread worldwide.
- Ease of use – choose a tool with intuitive interface, so all your team members can use it. You need something that is easy to navigate, with a self-explanatory user menus.
- Support – it’s crucial to be able to rely on the vendor’s team, in case of need. Look for VPNs with 24/7 support and multiple channels for communication.
While there are free VPN tools, we strongly recommend that you do not use them. In most cases, you’ll get the most basic features possible and will need to pay for any additional ones. Also, as with any free tool, the security levels are highly questionable.
The best VPNs for remote work in our humble opinion include:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark
- Private Internet Access
- Mullvad
Once you’ve chosen a tool, you should:
- Sign up for a business plan with the chosen VPN provider.
- Download the client software from the provider’s website.
- Install the software on all devices used by your team, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
If you want to use a VPN for personal purposes you should create an account and download the tool. It’s quite easy – go to the provider’s official website, fill in the form, and click Download. You’ll have to run an installer, following the on-screen prompts. Once done, all you need to do is click Connect and choose a location. To switch it off, click Disconnect.
Once connected, you can browse the internet, stream content, and access online services securely. Your data is encrypted, and your IP address is hidden.
Important: Remind your employees to keep the VPN client updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features.
Train Your Team to Use VPN for Remote Work
It’s a good idea to schedule training sessions to explain the importance of VPN implementation and how such tools work. You can use visual aids, such as slides and diagrams, to illustrate the concepts.
If you can’t provide devices with VPNs installed, walk your team through the process of installing and configuring the tool on their devices. Ensure that the staff have the VPN installer file, username, password, and further instructions, if needed. You can send all of those via email.
You’ll need to show your team how to connect and disconnect, how to check the VPN connection and troubleshoot common issues. It’s best to create detailed written guides that cover the installation, configuration, and use of the features. If possible, include screenshots. Make these guides easily accessible, such as on the company’s intranet or through email.
Lastly, a piece of advice from us:
Conduct regular team training sessions on cybersecurity bet practices. They can include topics such as the importance of VPN usage, anti-phishing strategies, best password managers, etc.
Wrap Up
Does your company have employees that work remotely?
Then you need to conduct a VPN training.
Virtual Private Networks provide enhanced security by encrypting data, protecting it from cyber threats and unauthorized access. As you can see, they are crucial for all types of remote work.
By choosing the right VPN tailored to your business needs, providing comprehensive training, and having detailed guides, you can create a robust defence against potential cyber threats. You know what people say – better safe than sorry!
And if you’re on the lookout for an expert that can aid you in your software journey, be it cybersecurity or else, shoot us a message! We’ll be glad to help.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN for remote work?
Yes, you can use a VPN for remote work. It can help you ensure secure access to your company’s internal network from any location. It encrypts your internet connection, protecting sensitive company data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. By masking your IP address, a VPN also maintains your online privacy and prevents tracking by external parties.
Does VPN block remote access?
No, a VPN does not block remote access. It actually enhances it by providing a secure, encrypted connection to the company’s network. That way you gain safe access to resources from remote locations.
Does VPN hide your location?
Yes, a VPN hides your location. It masks your real IP address with the IP address of the VPN server you connect to. This makes it appear as though you are browsing from the server’s location rather than your actual one.
