Having an internet connection is an easy way to get the information you need. That is why no matter where you are, be it at home, in the office, in a restaurant or on the road, there is often a Wi-Fi network to connect to.
This situation comes with the risk of being hacked, often resulting in the victims losing data. That is why it is of utmost importance to know how to protect your data. One way of tackling such risks is using a virtual private network (VPN).
What is the Need for a VPN?
When you connect to a network using a secure VPN server, there is an encrypted tunnel through which your internet traffic goes to decrypt the information, removing its visibility from the public, including the government. This gives you the privacy and wider access that you require when using the internet. Therefore, when you start using the internet, it does not show the source from your device or PC; rather, it will appear that you are surfing from the server, providing end-to-end encryption.
Research shows that the importance of VPN is increasingly being recognized. For example, when online platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer were developed, they were able to make use of VPNs to restrict their data from being accessed by anybody.
In addition, VPNs have been used to access restricted platforms, especially in countries where there has been a lot of censoring of online content.
How to Control Data Storage and Accessibility Using VPNs
It has been discerned that there’s a high risk when a company’s network is connected to remote sites. This is because the data transferred from one site to another can be exposed to the public.
Now, cybercrime is a frequent occurrence, meaning organizations and individuals must take extra measures to secure their data.
Research showed that about 85% of adults are aware of VPNs and what their purpose is. Similarly, Google Trends found an increase in interest in VPNs, doubling over the past eight years.
The COVID-19 pandemic made internet users further aware of the usefulness of VPNs.
Eight Benefits of Securing Data Using a VPN
- Cybersecurity. A vital aspect of securing an organization’s network is the end-to-end data encryption on devices provided by VPNs alongside the company’s network. This prevents hackers from seeing an organization’s data or location as it gives a privately secured connection to the internet. It also helps to scan devices used in the company for hacking threats.
- Data Protection. Protecting the user’s location further promotes an anonymous kind of networking. Whenever individual consumers and organizations make careful use of VPNs for their data and services, it is protected from public eyes. This is mostly done using the local area network and the consumer VPN.
- Secure Data Transfer. While working remotely, there are some files that you might want to access. To get such information, a secure internet connection is required. Therefore, a VPN allows you to use private servers and encrypt data to prevent leakage. Due to its functionality, individual consumers use it when shopping online, providing a secure transaction process. The VPN type an individual uses for this purpose is the Mobile VPN, which allows the seamless movement of its connectivity. Some even use the network to access goods or content unavailable in their region.
- Connectivity. Companies use VPNs for a more effective connection to their remote employees to the same local network in their central office. In this case, the company may have other branches and divisions. Therefore, it uses a private line or server to connect the offices.
- Use of Resources. Even though it is inexpensive, it has proven to be worthy of the money spent by organizations or companies in keeping their servers safe. As it is a huge prerogative, the need for installation on the server is not even required because there are VPN cloud services providers that perform similar functions with or without little installation.
- Conserving Sensitive Data. It is also advisable to use a virtual private network when the company holds sensitive information, like the source of a newsletter sent to the company’s website.
- Remote Access. This allows organizations to understand who has access to their network or data. This includes employees on business trips, especially when visiting countries with significant internet access regulations. When the organization’s VPN works in areas like that, it allows users to still use the internet. In these cases, the organization has to verify and approve users by evaluating required credentials that the individual or application is exactly what it is meant to be and allowing appropriate access levels and permissions associated with the username or IP address.
- Improved Productivity. Similarly, VPNs promote productivity. Having employees who are informed of the internet vulnerabilities does not help productivity, as they are skeptical of logging in through public networks. However, a VPN gives them the peace of mind to be productive at work.
Conclusion
Organizations interested in keeping their data safe and secure for efficient growth and server functionality should acquire a VPN. Contrary to popular belief, this service is not expensive to acquire, no matter the type your organization requires.