VPN: The New Must Have Network

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network, also known as a VPN, is a private network that is extended across a public network which allows for users to send and receive data as if their device was directly inside the private network. Use of a VPN requires authentication of the user as well as providing security through encryption. The encryption used in VPN technology is essentially a tunnel that connects you from outside the network to the office network which is protected by a host of other pieces of hardware and software that your company’s IT department maintains. A VPN is a powerful tool in that it can protect your data transfers and, in some cases, mask your IP address. In today’s day and age in business, it is an added layer of overall security and protection and a necessity according to our Executive Team. Because so much is done remotely these days, a VPN is needed to keep critical business data secured. No matter if you are on the front lines as an employee or an Executive in a corner office, what you do on the company network matters. Even if you don’t believe that you have access to sensitive data, your device alone can act as an entry point for attacks. Utilizing a VPN allows for greater security and risk management when working remotely or at another office location. According to SonicWall CEO Bill Conner, “The mobile workforce is increasing, leaving many organizations scrambling for virtual private network licenses to ensure employees’ company-owned and personal tech products are secure,” he tells Fortune.

Why get a VPN?

A small business doesn’t have to mean a vulnerable business. VPN’s are an affordable security measure that gives you an extra layer of security and protection. Airports and cafes are now valuable office spaces that usually use open Wi-Fi, which is convenient, but can be dangerous. Without the right layer of VPN protecting your information, it is as public as the Wi-Fi network you’re using.

Working while traveling is now also the norm in today’s business world. The last thing you want to do is to take someone’s word the connection is secure when you are traveling to meet with clients, especially to unfamiliar places. With a VPN, you can take comfort in knowing that your information is more safe and secure.  

How it works:

A VPN puts an extra layer of overall protection on your network by using encryption and disguising your IP address and location. Everything connected to the internet has an IP address, websites, routers, computers, etc. all have an IP address. Additionally, your data is then scrambled by encryption to keep that information secure. Lastly, your VPN acts as a tunnel where your encrypted data is then sent in a “capsule, of sorts” to the location requested.

The risk of theft gets reduced because of all the information that is masked and kept private. This extra lay provides peace of mind that your system, network, location, and identity are all protected. Therefore, a VPN keeps data and companies safer.  

Endpoint Security:

Endpoint security is a type of protection that aims to secure computer networks that are remotely connected to devices. This means every computer, phone, tablet, or any other device used to access data is an endpoint. VPN’s help protect your endpoint devices and assist any size company from small businesses to public sectors in keeping their data safe. Additionally, if one device becomes infected, it runs the risk of affecting all the other devices connected to the network. Keeping the network as a whole safe comes down to keeping every device protected and secure. When one device gets infected it becomes that much easier for it to spread throughout the whole network. Pairing a VPN and a quality Endpoint Security program are absolutely essential to keeping networks protected.

Final Thoughts:

VPNs are useful, affordable, and are a necessity. With mobile banking, mobile offices, etc. everything is done on the go. For this reason, it is more important than ever that your network is secure no matter where you are. Consult your internal IT department for VPN suggestion or reach out to a professional at DirectPointe 7 to see what solution best fits your business.

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