“Virtual Private Network” or VPN refers to a technology that establishes a secure, encrypted data transfer tunnel over the internet. By hiding your IP address, safeguarding your identity, and securing your data, a VPN ensures complete browsing privacy. Furthermore, most VPNs do not retain logs of user activity, ensuring that there are no permanent records of browsing or data transfers.

For small businesses, the primary advantage of utilizing a VPN lies in its ability to encrypt data and enable secure communication. With a VPN, employees can remotely access a business’s servers and private networks without the risk of unauthorized interception or data breaches. Below we will talk about the value of VPN for small businesses.

How Does A VPN Work?

A VPN serves as a user proxy on the Internet. When a user accesses a website, their Internet Service Provider (ISP) usually receives the request and redirects the user to the destination website. With a VPN, the user’s request first goes through the VPN server. Here’s how the process works:

VPN Data Transfer and Encryption Process:

• The user connects to the VPN service using a VPN client and authenticates their user credentials with the VPN server.
• The VPN client encrypts the data that the user transfers using an encryption protocol.
• The VPN service establishes a secure data “tunnel” between the user’s device (e.g., laptop or smartphone) and the Internet.
• The VPN client transfers the encrypted data over the internet through the “tunnel” to the VPN server.
• When the encrypted data arrives at the VPN server, it gets decrypted.

Stages Of Implementing VPN For Startups

Here are the steps you need to go through to implement a VPN in your business:

1. Choosing a reliable provider. To secure a reliable cloud VPN provider, start by understanding your business requirements. Look for providers that offer robust encryption, multiple server locations, and responsive customer support. Often businesses prefer PPTP VPN from VeePN due to its benefits. Among other things, VeePN offers 2,500 servers, bank-grade or military-grade encryption, a free choice of protocols, a free trial version, and high VPN speeds.
2. Next, establish a virtual private server (VPS) to serve as your cloud VPN gateway. A VPS is a virtual machine on a physical server, giving you full control over your VPN setup. Consider providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean that align with your budget and needs.
3. Install and configure VPN software once your VPS is ready. OpenVPN, an open-source option compatible with most operating systems, provides strong encryption. Follow your VPN provider’s instructions to set up the software on your VPS.
4. Create user accounts and define access settings for employees after installing the VPN software. Each employee should have unique usernames/passwords and specific access rights. VPN software management interfaces typically allow such configurations.
5. Before deploying the VPN service to all employees, thoroughly test the VPN connection for proper functionality. Conduct tests from different locations and devices to ensure compatibility. Verify that all necessary applications and services can be accessed through the VPN. This critical step helps identify and resolve any configuration errors or issues before deployment.

Advice! Consider VPN providers that offer as wide a selection of VPN installation options as possible. The free VPN extension Edge may be enough for some employees, while others need the more complete version for Mac. All this should be covered by the provider.

Why Do You Need A VPN For Small Businesses?

VPNs are essential for businesses to ensure flexible cybersecurity in today’s dangerous world. Every business, no matter the size, should be concerned about protecting their data. So, how do VPNs enhance your protection against data theft and malware?

• Moreover, VPNs play a vital role in enabling secure remote working. Gallup reports that approximately 45% of American employees work remotely either full-time or part-time. These remote workers rely on secure connections between their devices and centralized business servers. Without encryption and anonymization, attackers find it easier to carry out credential theft or man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Remote employees do not always work from home; they also utilize public places like coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, or airports. These locations often provide unsecured public Wi-Fi, which makes it easier for cybercriminals to track and monitor their activities. However, by using a VPN, employees can prevent their activities from being tracked or monitored, even when connected to an unsecured network.
• You may be surprised to learn that the expenses incurred from a single breach far exceed your initial estimates. Small businesses face an average recovery cost ranging from $36,000 to $50,000 for each data breach. Given their limited resources, such financial burdens can force these companies out of operation. Fortunately, instead of becoming targets of data breaches, small businesses have the option to invest in reliable VPNs, which can effectively mitigate potential and existing threats.

Conclusion

VPN offers valuable business benefits that are not wise to ignore. Although VPN integration may take some time, the process will pay off with increased security for all online transactions and the ability to bypass regional restrictions.

Read Also:

• For The Correct IT Support – Turn To Those That Know Best
• 7 Common Cybersecurity Mistakes Home Internet Users Need To Avoid
• The Top 3 Benefits Your Company Can Enjoy By Using A Managed IT Services Provider