What is a VPN and does my business need one?

In today’s digital age, where data breaches and cyber threats are very common, protecting your business’ sensitive information and maintaining online security needs to be a top priority.  One effective tool in helping to achieve this is a Virtual Private Network – commonly referred to as ‘VPN’.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between a device (e.g. a laptop), and the server or service you are communicating with.  It establishes a private tunnel within the public internet, safeguarding your data from unauthorised access or interception.  To understand the importance of a VPN, let’s consider a few different scenarios.

Imagine you are on a public train carriage and need to discuss confidential matters with the colleague sitting next to you.  Would you openly share sensitive business information in an environment where you could potentially be eavesdropped upon?

Would you discuss private personal matters with a close friend in a restaurant surrounded by other people that you don’t know?

Both situations would compromise the confidentiality of the information being shared.  Instead imagine a private space where you could communicate privately and securely.  This is what a VPN does – it creates a safe space for your business’ online activities.

Does my business need a VPN?

Regardless of the size and nature of your business, you will be sharing sensitive data through online mediums such as email, cloud-based softwares and the like.  A VPN will offer significant benefits and protection for this activity.

Here’s why your business needs a VPN:

  1. Enhanced Security: A VPN encrypts your data, making it unreadable to unauthorised parties.  This ensures that sensitive information, such as customer data, financial records, or proprietary business strategies, remains confidential and protected from hackers, cybercriminals or other surveillance.
  2. Secure Remote Access: In the modern business landscape, remote work is increasingly common.  A VPN allows your employees connect to your business network securely, even when accessing it from remote locations or public Wi-Fi networks.  This mitigates the risk of data breaches, and ensures that your valuable business data remains safe.
  3. Online Privacy: A VPN masks your IP address, which is the unique string of characters that identifies each computer, and it’s also the way that online advertisers can track your activity.  A virtual private network connection will prevent websites, advertisers and internet service providers from tracking your online activity.

How can I get a VPN?

Obtaining a VPN for your business is a straightforward process, and one that the Calvert Technologies team can help with.

Once a VPN has been established for your business, it’s vital that all employees are trained in how to access and use the VPN.

If you’d like help with assessing the need for and implementation of a virtual private network for your business, please contact us today on (08) 7325 5000, or send us a quick online enquiry:  https://calvert.net.au/contact/

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