When you hear the term “virtual private network”  or VPN you might think it’s something too high-tech for the average user and there’s no reason why they should use a VPN.

But this isn’t actually true; a VPN can benefit businesses and individuals alike. 

In this blog we will focus on the benefits of a VPN for businesses. If you are planning a 'workcation' soon you might also want to check out our recent blog on keeping your technology secure when out of the office.

What Do VPNs Do?

VPN stands for virtual private network. In basic terms, a VPN provides an encrypted server and hides your IP address from corporations, government agencies and would-be hackers. A VPN protects your identity even if you are using public or shared Wi-Fi, and your data will be kept private from any prying internet eyes.

A VPN circumvents your personal ISP, instead of sending your internet connection to a hosted server. With servers located all over the world, users then have the ability to “relocate” themselves and access the internet from nearly anywhere. Encryption adds an extra layer of security, particularly for businesses that are frequently utilising remote access. It can also be a helpful tool for travel, gaming and streaming.

VPN software protects your information by masking your device’s IP address, encrypting your data and routing it through secure networks to servers in far away states or even other countries. In doing so it hides your online identity, ensuring that you are able to browse the Internet securely and anonymously.

Why Do You Need a VPN?

Now that you know what a VPN is, here’s a closer look at why you might need a VPN:

1. Security on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but comes at the expense of security. When you’re answering emails at a local coffee shop or absent-mindedly scrolling through social media at the airport, someone may be tracking your online activity.

Using a VPN protects your data while you are on other networks, hiding your browsing history, banking information, account passwords and more from ill-intentioned internet strangers.

2. Data Privacy From Your Internet Service Provider

While connected to your home Wi-Fi, you are less likely to be attacked by strangers than on a public connection. However, your data is still vulnerable.

Your ISP or internet service provider—TPG, Telstra or another company who you pay for internet from each month—can access all your internet data. Your ISP can see when, where and how you browse.

This data can be collected and sold to advertisers even if you’re using the “private” browsing function, and it can be dangerous in the wrong hands in the case of a data breach. A VPN can help obscure your IP address from your own ISP.

3. Security When Working Remotely

One benefit of a VPN is its data encryption features. Encryption, or putting data into a coded format so its meaning is obscured, allows you to keep confidential information safe.

If you are an individual thinking about investing in a VPN for your company, one benefit is that workers can connect to your office network and look at sensitive materials on their own devices while away from the office. As remote work seems a possibility even after the pandemic ends, a VPN is a helpful investment to keep confidential material safe off-site.

4. Data Privacy From the Apps and Services You Use

Your ISP isn’t the only potential liability that you’ve brought into your own home. Unfortunately, many of our favorite apps and internet services—most notably Facebook and other social media sites —have been called out for the way they’ve used the data of their users.

A VPN will prevent apps and websites from attributing your behavior to your computer’s IP address. It can also limit the collection of your location and browser history.

5. Access to Any Content in Any Place

While Netflix may frown upon your use of a VPN to stream the latest Stranger Things episode in a country where the content isn’t offered, this VPN usage is not illegal (in the U.S. and in most countries), and it helps provide a useful workaround to content restrictions.

VPNs spoof your location, making it seem as if you are browsing from another place. That means you can get your Stranger Things fix even if it’s not available locally.

6. Adaptable to Numerous Smart Devices

While many of us may first try a VPN on a company-owned laptop, many VPN services also protect other smart devices such as your phones, tablets and desktop computers. Each VPN company may offer slightly different protection plans and have different capacities to protect different devices, but many providers offer plans that help keep you safe on multiple devices.

Business benefits of using a VPN

• Work From Home Without Worry.  Utilising a VPN allows everyone working remotely to securely log into the shared company network, while also providing data protection for projects and files.
• Keep Your Shared Network Secure. Using a VPN across your shared network will help ensure that business communications remain secure. It will also make your company less susceptible to cyber attacks.
• Control Access. VPNs also offer access control options, so that confidential information is not accessible by every employee. Users will need to log in and verify that they have authorization before access is granted.
• Browse Safely on Any Device. Securely connect to your business cloud, no matter what device you are using. Since a VPN is encrypted and remotely hosted, you can log in from anywhere without the risk of a security breach.
• Bypass Geo-Blocking. When travelling for business, you may encounter locations that block or censor parts of the internet. This can potentially be a huge hindrance, especially if you are not able to access work-related websites. Using a VPN with your home location will help bypass any blocked content.
• Protect Financial Transactions. It’s essential to know that every transaction is protected. A VPN anonymizes your outgoing traffic and encrypts your connection, ensuring unauthorized tracking of your business transactions or transfers.
• Maintain Account Access. Banks are on high alert for fraudulent activity, and logging into your account from a foreign country may raise a red flag. Using a VPN that shows you are still at your regular address will help avoid possible account freezes due to suspicious activity.

Limitations of VPNs

While a VPN is a great tool to help separate your location (and in many ways, you) from your data, it doesn’t obscure everything about you.

If you take a Facebook quiz or like a post on Instagram, the app you are using while connected to the VPN is still able to use your behavior to tailor in-app ads and content. They might not know where you are browsing from, but they will still know what you are doing on their apps.

Similarly, if cookies are enabled on your computer, companies can follow you while you are on their site—and after. Your full data isn’t obscured with a VPN alone. Combining a VPN’s protection with Tor, an open-source tool that allows you to browse the web anonymously, and other security measures are necessary for a fuller security.

VPNs aren’t perfect tools. Like any computer program, they are susceptible to malware and online attacks. If infected, a VPN’s security benefits are nullified.

The likelihood of attacks and security breaches is increased by using a free VPN service. To recoup their business costs, “free” VPN services may sell user data or run ads that could be infected with malware. If your goal is to increase your data privacy, then investing in a paid VPN is your best bet.

If you want to try a paid VPN then FortiTech recommends a couple of the more well known ones like OVPN or NordVPN as good options.