Why you should use a VPN.

A valid question we hear often asked is, “what’s a VPN?” People say it helps protect data and privacy or makes one anonymous, but is any of that true? To understand the end goal of a VPN and why you should use a VPN, it’s important to first know what it is and what it isn’t.

Virtual Private Network, or VPN, as it’s most often referred too as. VPN’s are used in both consumer and business settings for similar and different applications. VPN’s are not only useful, they are necessary for quite a few business scenarios.

So, what is a VPN and what can it do?

A VPN CAN

  • Provide a secure connection from a coffee shop, hotel, airport, or home network to another network. The network that you connect to, could be one for work, personal use, or anonymity.
  • Use strong encryption to protect sensitive information in transit from your starting point to the end point. Strong encryption is not required though and some VPN technologies are old and flawed.

A VPN CANNOT

  • Protect the data on your system or the data/information once it leaves the VPN on the end point (receiving end). It is assumed that your system and the system receiving information through a VPN are both trusted and therefore safe.
  • Filter the information being transmitted over it. Meaning, it’s not a virus scanner and data/information is not typically checked for malicious content. (Some higher-end VPN services may have this functionality, but it could interfere with anonymity if used)

Why would you use a VPN for you business?

  • It allows remote or work from home employees to connect directly to the business network in a secure manner.
  • It allows multiple offices in different geographic regions to connect to one another safely for file transfer, information, and service sharing.

Why should you use a VPN for personal use?

  • It allows people to connect to their home network when they are away.
  • It allows users to select the location they appear to be in, this is online anonymity. By using a VPN that makes you appear to be in, Canada for instance, you may be able to utilize certain Canadian websites or services that may not be available to your current location. It also makes it harder for certain websites to track you.

Ready to start using a virtual private network now? Do your research before selecting a VPN service. If you are using a VPN for business, be sure it’s okay before using it. Many companies have their own VPN or alternative remote access solution in place and using an unapproved VPN service may be against company policy.

When using a VPN for personal or business use, a few things to consider when researching the perfect tool:

  • NO Logs. If the goal is anonymity, logs are the opposite of that. Find a service that offers no logging. See more details about zero-log policies and reviews here.
  • Trusted and accredited. VPN services may allow you to login to a bank, streaming service, social media, or work, so anything you visit could be monitored or abused by the provider. Be sure you select a real, trusted, and accredited service that won’t misuse your information.
  • Data caps. No one likes running out of data, some VPN services offer tiered service with data caps. Be sure you find a solution that meets your needs.

Check out a few top rated VPN’s here.

Ready to step your game up and learn more about cybersecurity? Check out all the other OPA sheets we have to offer.