Since people have been using the internet, the need to protect browser data has become increasingly important. Now, why VPN is important? VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) provide an extra layer of privacy when accessing websites and establish secure connections for transferring sensitive corporate information.
While they are popular among individuals, VPNs also offer significant benefits for businesses, such as managing multiple user accounts, blocking specific types of content, and reducing the risk of corporate data theft.
What is a VPN?
VPN is a type of network security tool that protects users’ internet connection and privacy online. It creates an encrypted connection over the internet from a device to the network. VPNs mask the internet protocol (IP) address so online actions remain virtually private and untraceable.
The importance of VPN in network security is evident as it creates a tunnel between a local network and an exit node in another location. VPN encrypts messages throughout its whole journey between two endpoints.
The data stays encrypted while traveling through the tunnel and cannot be accessed by the internet service provider or any third party. If someone intercepts the data, it would be ‘rubbish’ because they can’t decipher the information.
What do VPNs hide?
1. Devices
Devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones can be prime targets for cybercriminals when users access the internet, especially if they connect to public Wi-Fi connections. A VPN can protect the data on user devices, preventing hackers from performing MiTM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks.
2. IP Address and Location
An IP address identifies any device on the internet or local network. Anyone possessing an IP address can identify where a user is located and what they have been searching for. Anyone can do this by doing an IP lookup with free online tools. However, using residential proxies can help mask your real IP address, adding a layer of privacy and making it more difficult for others to track your online activity
A VPN replaces the actual IP address to make it look like a user has connected to the internet from a different location: the physical location of the VPN server, masking the actual location.
3. Browsing History
Internet service providers (ISPs) and web browsers can track everything a user does on the Internet. A cost-effective VPN service will hide an IP address and prevent ISPs from monitoring all online activity. This provides a private, secure browsing experience on the internet.
Benefits and Importance of VPN for Business
Desktop computers have given way to laptops, tablets, and smartphones. There is more flexibility with work-from-home options and BYOD policies, which have resulted in the need for more digital security. Listed are the benefits of VPN for business:
1. Secured Connection to Shared Resources
Many companies rely on employees around the world, depending on technology for collaboration. Cloud storage, file-sharing services, and work applications contain sensitive corporate data such as customer, employee, and business information. The use of an IP whitelisting VPN can protect the connection to such resources within the intranet to protect data.
Business VPN (Virtual Private Network) can protect the connection to such resources to protect data. If an organization has service site clients that need to connect to internal resources, VPN services ensure that the connection is accessible by the client only.
2. Cost Saving without Jeopardizing Security
With VPN, companies do not need to depend on expensive physical network connections between headquarters and other locations. In addition to saving costs and resources, VPNs also avoid the extra workload on the company’s IT administration team.
For large companies with thousands of employees (and devices), installing a VPN app on each device is simply not practical. IT teams can use their mobile device management solution (MDM) to configure VPN settings on devices.
Create a VPN connection, choose how the VPN authenticates, and select the server type using the MDM solution. With Scalefusion MDM, companies can also choose a third-party VPN provider.
3. Securing Data on Mobile Devices
Remote workers who answer emails and access files on the company’s server using a COPE device on public Wi-Fi are vulnerable to data breaches target. Bad actors can target the Wi-Fi connection to steal data.
It is crucial to protect data on both corporate-owned laptops and mobile phones. Installing a remote VPN client on smartphones will allow employees to connect to the email app and securely access the company server.
Wrapping Up
While slow speeds have historically been a challenge for VPN services, advancements in VPN technology have effectively addressed many of these issues. Why is VPN important for network security? The answer lies in its ability to safeguard sensitive data and maintain privacy online. What is the significance of VPN for an organization? It provides critical protection against data breaches and cyber threats, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.
Although the cost of VPN services might seem like an extra expense, the potential price of compromised security far outweighs this investment. Businesses should not skimp on VPNs. Fortunately, many cost-effective VPN services are available, offering subscription-based services that fit within tight IT budgets without sacrificing security. Investing in a reliable VPN is essential for protecting your organization’s data and maintaining robust network security.
