The age of the internet has opened wondrous opportunities for business to promote, run, and thrive. However, there are a lot of dangers of using the internet to match the benefits. It seems almost every day you hear that another company’s data has been hacked and inappropriately used, and why does that keep happening? Unfortunately, there is no one sure-fire way to keep your business safe, but learning about cybersecurity safety protocols is the first step. In order to lower the chances of your business being attacked next, it will take a lot of preventative measures combined. One extremely important measure that often goes forgotten is to connect to a VPN server.
A VPN is a virtual private network. Using a VPN can add an extra layer of security to private information and prevent hackers from easily accessing your data. It works by acting like a middle-man between you and your network. When connected to a VPN, it creates a tunnel-like stream of information from your computer directly to where the information is going.
In this tunnel, your data is encrypted and cannot be accessed by outside sources, such as other people on the server. It masks where you are by changing your IP address. For instance, if you are connected to an unsecured public Wi-Fi, anyone can easily have access to the information submitted on this connection. A VPN will prevent that possibility. Utilizing a VPN has many benefits for your business past general information safety.
1. Using a VPN encrypts private data.
Typically successful businesses have private data that isn’t accessible to the public; unfortunately, there are people who want to hack into your private information and send it out, or even pose as your business to bring it a negative press. By encrypting the network data you send, even if someone can find a way to hack into the VPN, they will be unable to read the information.
2. Your employees can safely use public Wi-Fi networks.
How often do your employees work from home? Even if they are just sending e-mails back and forth, if they are connected to an unsecured public Wi-Fi, the information discussed may be at risk. Hackers can easily access your information when you are connected to such networks. However, when using a VPN, the IP address is changed to make it seem as if the information being sent is through another location, even as far as another country. With plenty of people using the VPN server, there is a sort of strength in numbers.
3. A VPN can increase productivity and information accuracy.
Taking advantage of digitization is a smart approach to complete tasks accurately. For starters, when connected to a VPN, you may be able to access information outside of your country that normally would not be accessible. It may take the employee ten minutes to find a paper they need, or they could just search online or use a project management tool for the same, or even better, the information in less than a minute.
4. Make both your employees and clients feel safe.
Oftentimes, when hackers access information stored for a business, they don’t just harm the company information. In some cases, they will even take and distribute personal information of employees and clients, including names, addresses, and even social security numbers if stored for verification purposes. This can be detrimental to the identity and personal safety of both employees and clients, and the business will be cast in a negative light for allowing such information to be stolen.
Since the VPN can encrypt data, change IP addresses, and secure your internet connections, this can produce a feeling of safety and trust between everyone involved. If employees and clients feel safe dealing with the business, the trust will grow, and you will keep both parties happy.
5. Your internet logs are not stored.
A lesser-known fact is that even personal trusted networks should not be blindly trusted. Internet service providers, even what you pay for in your own home, are legally allowed to track your data logs for information gathering purposes. This may be a lesser risk, but still a risk nonetheless. If something still poses a risk, no matter how small, it’s still best for business to be safe than sorry.
6. A VPN is an affordable safety option.
Most VPNs only cost around $10 a month. If you sign up for year-long plans, the monthly cost can be reduced to much less. This is a small price to pay considering the importance of keeping information safe and secure for business.
To summarize, a VPN is a great way to practice proper cybersecurity for your business. Keeping employee and client information safe, as well as company data is a huge benefit to any business.
