How to Configure a Business VPN: A Setup Guide for Your Business

A virtual private network (VPN) protects your internet connection and your privacy while you are online. Many see configuring a business VPN as an essential layer of cybersecurity protection for employees or persons who are traveling or are otherwise connecting to the Internet via public Wi-Fi or other types of Internet connection.

VPN for Business: what is it and why do you need it

VPN for Business refers to an enterprise-level VPN as opposed to VPNs that target and cater to individuals. Typically, business VPNs offer additional features such as added security and role-based or other types of user authorizations to grant access to company data.

Examples of VPNs for Business include, but are not limited to, Perimeter 81, Fortinet, AWS ProtonVPN, NordLayer, NordVPN, TunnelBear, and Surfshark.

Understanding VPNs

VPNs achieve user anonymity and privacy by creating a point-to-point tunnel that encrypts your data and hides your IP address. This can make your device appear to be in an entirely different country than where you or your employees actually are.

While typically VPNs are used for legitimate purposes, some use it to trick services to respond to a user that resides somewhere the service isn’t available. Companies should develop policies to instruct and enforce employees on proper VPN use.

Related:Is It Time to Ditch the VPN for ZTNA?

How do VPNs work?

A VPN works by routing your phone or laptop data through the VPN instead of through the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your data and actions cannot be tracked because everything is encrypted, and your IP address remains hidden.

A VPN even hides your activity online, aka your browsing history, from the internet service provider (ISP), websites, online snoopers, and governments. VPNs are typically used by employees or companies working in countries known to harvest data from users on the Internet, or to aggressively seek connections to pilfer or spy on foreign corporate or government interests.

Continue reading this article on Network Computing.