The digital age has greatly influenced how we do many things, from communication to performing transactions such as banking and other business operations. With all the advantages of internet dependency, some disadvantages came hand in hand. Nowadays, if you’re not aware of your data security, it’s hard to lay low from the prying eyes. Whether you're an individual entity or a company representative, it's important to know how things like privacy and data security can impact your life or your business.
The risk of having your data and privacy becoming compromised online is high for individuals and more for companies with assets to protect and employees to support. Using a VPN connection will entirely secure your company's online activity, and there is more to it.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the various VPN benefits to companies. It will also cover the concepts of VPN as well as the adverse outcomes of VPN. This blog aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of how VPN works.
What is VPN?
VPN is an acronym used for Virtual Private Network. It enables users to establish a connection to another network privately and securely. VPN is a simple piece of software designed to guard your digital privacy and make life more difficult for cybercriminals by anonymizing your data and whereabouts.
But you can also use it for a variety of other purposes, including eliminating geo-restrictions to reach every streaming platform globally, downloading torrents swiftly, and so on. VPNs are extremely convenient to use, and anyone can do it.
Thus, using a VPN helps you through the private network's functions, privacy, and control that too without any complications. A VPN service is utilized by 31% of all internet users globally. In 2021, the VPN market is estimated to be worth $31.1 billion. Here is what a VPN does.
When is It Necessary to Use a VPN?
Honestly speaking, if you value your privacy, you need to use a VPN each time you access the net. A VPN tool operates in the background of your gadget, so it does not interfere with other apps, streaming media, playing games, or browsing the internet. You'll also be comfortable ensuring your privacy is always maintained.
However, there are particular circumstances where a VPN is very beneficial:
- Using public wifi
- File sharing
- Traveling
- Gaming
- Streaming
- Shopping
The above-mentioned benefits are not negligible. And quite important and reasonable. Let’s move on to the next topic, but if you want to read more about this, click here.
How Does a VPN Work?
In simple words, VPN links your system, be it your phone or pc, to another server over the internet. This server can be based anywhere around the world.
This allows you to browse through the virtual world without any restrictions. So, if anyone tries to hack your system or tries tracking you, you will be shown the location of the server that the VPN provides you.
To properly understand how a VPN functions, it is necessary to grasp how the internet works without one.
Whenever you visit a site without using a VPN, you are linked to that website via the internet service provider. The ISP then provides you with a unique IP address that authenticates your identity to a website and works as your identity. Your ISP can detect the websites you access since it handles and directs all of your traffic. And your activities, along with your other details, can be traced back to you thanks to that one-of-a-kind IP address.
So, when you access the internet through a VPN, it connects to a VPN server securely. Your data is still directed through your ISP, but it can no longer access it or know where it is going. The sites you access will no longer see your actual IP address but rather the IP address of the VPN server, which several other users and updates use on a daily basis.
Now, you know why a VPN is a lifesaver!
VPN Benefits to Companies: A Complete Overview
So, by now, we know that there are two basic advantages a VPN provides us - Privacy & Security. But if we change our perspective and step into the shoes of a company, there are several benefits that can be availed by using a VPN connection.
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Data protection:
Most businesses acquire data from customers as well as have highly sensitive information that can be jeopardized if not handled appropriately on the internet. Now that cloud storage exists, Obtaining these pieces of information is much easier. In cases like these, a VPN comes in handy.
You may feel like there is an off chance that a cyber-attack can target you, but that's because only the worst breaches make the news. However, according to reports, more cyber-attacks have been recorded than ever before.
In 2014-2015, the incidences of zero-day breaches skyrocketed to 125%. Just imagine if 2015 was like that, now how will it be? With a VPN and having your employees avoid public networks, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of your company being attacked by hackers, viruses, and cyber-criminals.
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Zero-nil security breaches and cyberattacks:
Where data collection of sensitive information is involved, whether from customers, clients, or even patients, a reliable security tool such as a VPN can ease all worries. Even if not everyone knows about it, taking the initiative and showing assurance in your commitment to securing your clients' data can speak volumes about your company's quality of work.
Every day, 30,000 websites are hacked throughout the world. 64% of businesses globally have been subjected to at least one sort of cyber attack. In March 2021, there were 20 million reports of data breaches. A VPN will be a shield for the company in scenarios like these.
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Working remotely:
A VPN enables you to safely access websites holding critical data while connected to an open network, such as one at a café or shared workspace. If you are dealing remotely, in this situation, you should first link to a VPN to provide a private route out of the open network. This will ensure your data is protected and not monitored or compromised by a hacker assault.
If your employees know the risks they may get from working online or logging on to the internet, they would be careful not to connect to public networks simply. When there's traveling involved on the job, it won't be as easy for them to carry out their responsibilities when there's a constant threat to privacy and data security clouding their mind. Peace of mind greatly impacts focus and productivity.
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Regional Independence:
Some businesses have staff who travel to locations where internet access is restricted. In that situation, individuals may be barred from accessing corporate resources that are available on the entire web. Luckily, if your VPN works in the region you are visiting, your staff will be able to access the internet as if they were in the United States.
Yes, VPNs break regional barriers despite physical location restrictions and constant traveling. If you or your employees do a lot of traveling for work, masking your original IP address with a VPN will prove to be very useful.
As some countries restrict the data and information you can access from within their territory, a VPN can enable you to keep your connections (such as through Facebook, and other social networking platforms, especially your office/work network). Furthermore, some clients may feel uncomfortable receiving emails that appear to be sent from overseas, other than your original company home base. A VPN will take care of this limitation.
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Cost:
It’s a myth that VPNs are incredibly inexpensive. Firstly, several apps offer some specific features for free. Even if you decide to upgrade, the pricing varies but generally starts at a low price. It's a cost-efficient, immediately efficient, and genuinely worthy option. You will not achieve that level of security for cheaper.
Imagine if you can have all the benefits mentioned above for as low as $10 a month (but prices may vary). Having this important upgrade is well worth your time and money because you can't get this kind of protection any less.
Aside from the above benefits, VPNs are extremely easy to use. So getting everyone on board should not be a problem, as long as everyone shows compliance with the important security procedure. With your initiative and a little education regarding the benefits of this practical solution, your business processes will be secured, and your company will see better results.
It might seem a lot, but the benefits companies get through VPNs are incredibly immense. The most important of them is a company will have its data that cannot be public in any case. VPN is great and might be the only choice for many companies.
The most typical drawbacks of VPN services
- The recording and possible resale of personal internet habits to 3rd parties
- Connection errors
- Uncertainty regarding how effective your VPN's encryption is
- Poor internet speed
- Specific barricades of VPN services by certain sites
Well, everything and everyone has their pros and cons. VPNs, too, have a negative side. But they can be prevented if adequate analysis is undertaken.
Takeaway
The major downsides of a VPN are inconvenient, although they do not impact the majority of users. And the benefits are endless. Several companies provide VPN services. This article gave you complete knowledge of VPNs and, specifically, the VPN benefits to companies.
So, if you’re planning to get one, contact VPN Surf to receive all of the above-described benefits. Multiple VPN services are available on the internet, but we recommend you use VPN Surf services as we provide one of the best features at a reasonable price. Be safe; keep your virtual self safer!
Check out this new blogs:
- What is a VPN Kill Switch and Why Should You Use It?
- What is SSTP VPN and How Does it Work?
- How to Keep Your Company's Data Safe?
Do you value your privacy online?
Use VPN Surf and surf safely and securely in the open waters of the internet.