With the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) you can use the internet safely and securely. It has been around for years, but the increased concern around cyberattacks and more people working from home has seen a spike in interest in the software.

VPNs are ideal for remote working, particularly as it’s more important than ever to be safe and smart while you’re using the internet. The number of coronavirus related cyber-attacks has rapidly increased since people have moved the office to home.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN lets you access the internet privately by lending you a temporary IP address. In simple terms, it connects your device to another server somewhere on the internet and allows you to browse the internet using that computer’s internet connection. This makes it virtually impossible for search engines, websites or cybercriminals to track you.

If you’re using a company intranet or accessing important data online, it is well worth using. Here some other reasons why you should think about a VPN.

Privacy

It’s in the name. Each time you log on to the internet you’re assigned an IP address that uniquely identifies your computer or mobile device. The problem is, all of your online activities can be traced back to this IP address, including every search, websites you visit, the things you buy, the links you click and much more.

One of the top benefits of a VPN is that it disguises your IP address so your activities can’t be tracked. It does this by sending you onto the internet with a masked IP address, so your identity, location, and online activities stay private on the web.

Protect your data

A VPN network is extremely difficult for hackers to compromise because it encrypts the data you send over the connection. This means you can be confident that working from home or using public Wi-Fi, your data will be secure. Another added security benefit is you’ll usually need to be authenticated to access your VPN software, via a password and in some cases a security token or smartphone app that generates one-time passwords.

VPNs are also useful when making online payments – as the data you transfer is encrypted, no one can steal your credentials in the middle of the process.

Use on any device

VPNs can be used on any type of device (computers, laptops, smartphones, and mobile devices), making them super convenient and easy to use. Even better, some VPN service providers will allow you to connect several devices under one service plan, helping to reduce costs while providing protection.

Low cost

Once a VPN network is created, the maintenance cost is very low. You can find free VPN software, but these are usually a poor substitute for the paid options and allow a limited amount of usage per month or slower connection.

A VPN connection is brilliant in a lot of ways, but some can have limitations. A VPN can be slower than a non-VPN connection due to the encryption process and the transmission to the VPN server which is often far away. When looking for a VPN provider you want to be sure it offers sufficient speed, high encryption standards and customer support.

For more information about Virtual Private Networks and how they could benefit your business, contact us.