Why Businesses Need VPNs: 3 Reasons to Invest
The Internet has given businesses the opportunity to expand on a vast scale, with most of the globe now just a button-click away. It has revolutionized the way in which businesses employ and work with staff, converse with clients, and market their services. With over half of the world’s population accessing the Internet, data sharing, remote working, and intercontinental communication are now commonplace.
But increasing interconnectedness also means there are more ways for malicious forces to access sensitive information. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) allow businesses not only to protect their digital assets, but also maintain secure long-distance contacts with relevant partners, allowing them to expand without the risk of accessing public networks.
How VPNs Differ From “Normal” Networks
Traditional public networks are accessible to everyone with an Internet connection. This makes them particularly prone to hacking. In fact, vast amounts of data are stolen every year due to this very reason.
A virtual private network is one that connects two or more access points in different locations and protects the connection with encryption. They extend over existing public network infrastructure to enable the sharing of information without the risk of connecting to the wider Internet.
Before VPNs became commonplace, businesses had to lease expensive T1 lines to provide a point-to-point contact between sites. This was the only way to ensure that any information sent was secure. For businesses with multiple sites, this could incur massive costs the larger the business grew. Every site required access to the main server, which meant new lines had to be leased to enable the physical connections to be made.
VPNs Can Save Businesses Money
VPNs are extremely simple to set up and many home Internet users are now creating their own home networks to enable them to share between domestic computers. However, for businesses with multiple sites and unique requirements, things get a little more complicated.
There are third-party companies that specialize in setting up and maintaining VPNs, allowing them to provide service for much cheaper than in-house, salaried technicians. This means server and maintenance costs can be kept low when compared with traditional point-to-point networking methods.
VPNs are Easily Expanded
Dedicated private networks will need to be upgraded, expanded and maintained over time and can become more costly as a business grows. Because VPNs use existing networks, all the maintenance of the physical connections are conducted by public services. This makes VPNs a “future proof” method to ensure secure connections are maintained.
VPNs Can Raise Productivity
An “intranet” is a type of network that utilizes the same technologies as the Internet but is only accessible within a designated area. Many universities and learning establishments have been using these types of networks for years as it allows them to restrict access to sensitive research and training information to students and academic staff.
However, intranets can also utilize VPNs to allow remote access. In a university, this means students can access digital libraries, coursework, and data remotely. For businesses, this means individuals that need frequent access to a company network can do so via the Internet so their connection remains secure. Not only does this mean local drives can be accessed from any business premises, but also that employees can access things like payment information and message boards from home.
The benefits of this are obvious to anyone who has struggled with connectivity between staff. VPNs can raise productivity by allowing people to work from home, encourage greater involvement in the businesses activities, and allow traveling employees to maintain access to company systems, even when public networks are themselves restricted (China and Russia, for example, will routinely restrict access to public networks).
If you’re thinking about investing in a VPN check out this list of the best VPNs for torrenting. Here you will find reviews of verified companies that are worth using if your business regularly shares sensitive files and data online.
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