How and why businesses use VPN is a fascinating topic.
If you know what VPN services are, then you already know there are plenty of things to debate. Different businesses leverage different features above others – it all depends on the nature of your operations. But there is one thing pretty much everyone can agree on: VPNs can be incredibly beneficial.
If you don’t know what VPN services are, the topic is just one more mysterious IT-related acronym. And frankly, there are so many of those, you may not even bother asking what VPN is, why you would want one, or how it could help.
This article will solve all of that for you.
In just a few minutes’ time, we’ll share a plain-English explanation of what VPN is, why you might want one, a few of the potential drawbacks, and how to pick one.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “virtual private network.” When you use a VPN to access web-based services, it’s like you’re operating on your very own private network (like the local network at your office) instead of on the world wide web.
All your internet traffic is encrypted. No one can see your browsing history. Websites and online applications can’t even tell where you’re located.
Using a VPN is as simple as adjusting a few settings in Windows 10. Then all your internet traffic is routed through the VPN service and you can simply browse the web like you normally would. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of service. Once it’s set up, you don’t have to make any radical changes to your routine.
“Enabling a VPN allows users to encrypt their online activity so no Internet Service provider, government entity, hacker or otherwise can access their personal data—net neutrality or no net neutrality.”
-Engadget
Why use a business VPN?
The advantages of using a VPN service are mostly tied to cybersecurity—which makes sense given what a VPN does.
Here we list four specific ways a VPN service boosts security, along with a couple of other advantages that aren’t security-related.
Better data protection
Let’s start with the big one. As mentioned above, a VPN service encrypts your data. All of your data. Any information sent via a VPN service is protected at a much higher level.
While there are advantages to this even when you’re working from your office, the biggest advantages come when you’re accessing things remotely. If you or your team travel, a VPN connection is a must-have. Especially if you make use of public Wi-Fi connections.
Public Wi-Fi, while convenient, is incredibly unsafe. It’s alarmingly easy for others to see your web traffic, including the data you send and receive. A VPN service stops that kind of activity dead in its tracks, making public Wi-Fi the convenient, safe option it should be.
“ . . . a personal VPN service lets your IT staff essentially deploy a secure remote access fabric without having to drop a dime on expensive networking gear.”
– PC Mag
Top-notch privacy
Not only does a VPN encrypt your data, adding a layer of protection, but it also hides your browsing history. When you access the internet using a VPN, no one—not even your ISP—can see what sites you visit.
That may not be a big deal to you, but for some users the idea that others can see their web traffic is upsetting. A VPN makes your activities completely private.
True access from anywhere
There are other things your ISP can’t see in addition to your browsing activity—things like your location.
Why does that matter? Because some sites are restricted based on location. If you don’t do any business traveling, this won’t be a significant perk to you. But if you travel for work, especially overseas, it’s good to know you won’t lose access to any site or service you normally use at home in the States.
A VPN will make it seem like you’re still located in the US, even when you’re abroad.
No more bandwidth throttling
Some ISPs track how much data you use for specific activities, adjusting your available top speed for those activities. For example, they may slow down your speed for downloading large files or streaming video. They do this to help with network congestion . . . and sometimes to convince you to purchase a more expensive plan.
A VPN can stop a lot of bandwidth throttling. Since your ISP can’t see your activity, they’ll have no idea what activities your usage is associated with. You’ll get the same speed for downloading files that you get for browsing because your ISP can’t tell the difference.
What are the downsides to using a VPN?
Unfortunately, there are a couple of disadvantages to using a VPN. Overall, they’re minor and we still recommend a VPN, especially for remote access. But it’s only fair to share some of the drawbacks, too.
Slower browsing
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t see a significant drop in internet speed, but a VPN service does route your traffic through itself to provide all the benefits listed above. That means it’s always possible you’ll take a mild hit to your internet speed.
Connection issues
Once a VPN service is set up, it’s usually hassle-free in actual use. But setting one up can sometimes be a pain. Connection issues can make your initial experience with a VPN service unpleasant.
To get around these, we recommend you contact your managed IT services provider for help setting up any new VPN service.
VPN services aren’t free
Like most of the IT tools your business relies on, VPN services aren’t free. In fact, you tend to get what you pay for, so going for a bargain-basement VPN service may be more hassle than it’s worth.
We have some recommendations for finding a decent VPN service below.
Some VPN services don’t work on every device
Finally, some VPN services won’t work on every type of OS. Smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks may limit your VPN options.
Just make sure the service you select works for the operating systems you rely on.
The best business VPN services
Finding the best VPN service for your business is both straightforward and tricky.
It’s straightforward because it really is just a matter of seeing what’s available in your area, what works for how you do business, and what’s within your budget for the number of users who will need VPN access. It’s tricky because there are a lot of VPN service providers.
We recommend one of the following two approaches for finding your ideal VPN service.
Do your homework
This is one of those IT projects you can tackle on your own if you have a bit of time and if you don’t already work with a managed IT services provider. But be aware—it will take some time.
There are some solid guides out there on VPN services for business use. We like this one provided by CNET. It’s up-to-date and it has some good info on some of the top providers. However, you’ll want to take a closer look at any potential VPN partners before you make a final selection.
Check their websites. Cross-compare features, benefits and costs. And, of course, read all the fine print before making your final decision.
Talk to your IT support provider
If you’re working with a managed IT services provider, this is absolutely something you should ask for their help with. There’s a good chance they’ve already done all the legwork and can make an immediate recommendation.
Not only that, but they’ll be able to get you all set up for VPN access so you don’t have to mess around with any of the potential connection issues.
Either way, a business VPN is a good option for SMBs, especially if you do any work from your mobile devices.