Most business professionals already know what a VPN is. These “virtual private networks” allow you to browse the internet anonymously, or even from another specific location. This technology has been the perfect solution for many of today’s business needs, including but not limited to:
- Employees logging in from outside of the geographic area, whenever server or website access is restricted to people only within a geographic radius
- Viewing competitor websites and content without giving away your IP address or identity
- Protecting your location and data, which on a VPN are encrypted and further protected from hackers
Do you need a VPN?
A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device (a desktop, laptop or hand-held device) and a remote server. Your internet traffic is then routed through that server, which hides your location and encodes your data.
VPNs were first touted for improving privacy. Today, however, they’re a business necessity in many cases. Employees logging into business-related apps and servers from another geographic area—especially if traveling abroad—often hit gates where they can’t access websites due to their location. A VPN hides their location so employees can access critical data anywhere.
On the other end of data protection, the data that you and your employees send over the internet is better protected from hackers when passed through a VPN.
These two reasons, when paired together, create a compelling argument for businesses to consider the use of VPNs.
Is a VNP app the same as a VPN browser plugin?
Should you use a browser VPN or an app?
First, let’s assume that you’ve seen ads for different types of VPNs. The most practical way to break your options down is by VPN apps or VPN browser plugins:
- VPN apps are downloaded to a computer or device; this means you can use the VPN to cover your internet usage no matter which other app or page you open on the device. For cell phones and tablets, this is the best option in every case, because every native app on the device is protected.
- A browser-based VPN is a plugin you install to your browser of choice. The advantage is that many of these VPNs are free, however they only encrypt and redirect activity that takes place on that browser. If you use a different browser, or if you access the internet on a native app on the computer or device, your activity will not be protected.
For most businesses, the answer to these questions is, “yes, you should use a VPN,” and “you should probably use a VPN app.”
The next step is deciding which VPN app has the features and price point that makes sense for you. Start researching today and be sure to read reviews from other business owners. Of course, feel free to reach out to us for help.