Digital security is one of the most pressing issues facing businesses in 2020, as COVID-19 has already been classified as the largest-ever cybersecurity threat. The spread of the pandemic has left many people working remotely, causing cybercriminals to go rampant. This is why the demand for business Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has risen drastically.
Online threats such as phishing attacks have gone up by more than 600% at the beginning of the year. Additionally, 80% of business owners have reported that it is challenging to keep up with cybersecurity changes. A simple way to amp up your business’ online security is with a VPN.
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What Is a VPN?
A VPN works together with your internet connection to create a secure connection. Basically, it reroutes your data through an encrypted tunnel. VPNs significantly reduce your visibility online, making it virtually impossible for hackers to crack your systems.
Increasing Security with a Business VPN
Although VPNs have many benefits, for business owners, the most important one has to be improved security. Listed below are the various ways in which a VPN helps your business stay secure:
Encrypted Tunnels
The best VPNs use military-grade, 256-bit encryption, which is also used by the likes of top-secret and government agencies. It means that your data is encrypted prior to hitting the internet. Even if a hacker were to get access to this data, it would all be jumbled and unreadable.
Anonymous Connections
What many online users don’t understand is that the websites that you visit track your movements on their platforms. Using a VPN means that your online browsing is anonymous, and your true IP address will never be shown.
Safe Remote Access
According to Statista, “VPN usage in the United States has surged during the coronavirus crisis, increasing 124 percent during the two weeks between March 8 and March 22, 2020.”
This year has seen fundamental changes in the workforce, with around 20% of the world’s population working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has resulted in a staggering increase of third-party cyberattacks, as many businesses were unable to rely on the digital security provided in their offices.
With a business VPN, remote workers can connect using the VPN and access corporate online software while keeping data secure.
Eliminates the Dangers of Using Public WiFi
Using public WiFi is one of the easiest ways to invite a malicious third party into your device. This is especially dangerous for businesses, as employees can unknowingly endanger sensitive company data in this way.
Using this public sphere with a VPN is completely harmless, as the best VPNs protect against malware and block phishing attacks as well as those annoying and potentially dangerous online ads.
How to Choose the Best VPN Provider
There are hundreds of VPNs on the market right now, but how do you know which one to choose? The truth is, not all VPNs are created equally. At the same time, there is something out there to suit everyone’s needs.
Some of the most significant features to look out for include:
- User-friendliness
- Network speed
- Number of server locations
- Number of devices allowed
- Privacy policy
- Device compatibility
- Customer support
You will want to make sure that there are servers within close proximity. Even if a VPN service provider has excellent network speed, you might experience lag if you’re located at a considerable distance from the servers.
Make sure to be thorough about how much – if any of your information is recorded when using the VPN. This could greatly jeopardize both your business and data security.
The Dangers of Free VPNs
Just as there are plenty of paid VPNs on the market, there are also free options available. If you’re tempted to download a free VPN, you should know the security implications. Free VPNs are often packed with malware, with 72% of them, including third-party trackers.
Final Word
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, own a small business, or are part of a larger team, using a VPN is the first step to securing your company from increasing online threats.
Whether your employees share sensitive documents with each other, are working from home, or are on the road, this is the best investment for protecting yourself from third-party attacks.
They cost just a few dollars a month but could save you from significant financial losses, not to mention the damages on the company’s reputation.
