A VPN, or virtual private network, is an internet security offering that builds a ciphered relationship between your device and a server. It bypasses organizational and regional censorship and protects your online activity from attackers.
Because of their amazing benefits, VPN use is on the rise among internet browsers, travellers, and remote workers. A recent survey by Statista forecasts that the global VPN market will hit 350 billion USD by 2032, up from 45 billion USD in 2022.
It signifies the growing use of VPN services among people from different backgrounds. However, this article’s main agenda is to explore the key advantages of virtual private networks for remote workers.
Let’s explore them blow-by-blow:
Top 7 Benefits of Utilizing VPNs for Remote Workers
1. Keep Sensitive Workplace Data Protected
Most good VPN vendors offer Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), which is responsible for setting up a secure connection. Thus, it becomes effortless to protect your workplace data and intellectual credentials while using these VPNs.
Similarly, virtual private networks’ no/zero-log policy lets remote workers keep financial documents and logins classified. Therefore, online hackers can’t access these classified details.
2. Cost Efficient Security Solution
Companies and remote workers also consider VPNs an economical solution compared to other security options. Yes, it is simple to find a service provider online, and you can subscribe to reasonably priced plans. Typically, the monthly cost of a VPN solution ranges between $2 and $10.
3. Lowers the Risk of Cyber Attacks
Another appealing perk of using VPNs is minimal cyber threats. Indeed, remote workers are the most vulnerable individuals because they don’t depend on a company’s infrastructure and firewall, so hackers can easily target them.
However, when you use a VPN, it becomes challenging to steal your confidential data using malware and suspicious tools.
4. Remote Collaboration
High productivity is an outcome of better collaborations between remote workers. Although communication tools have made online interactions easy, you can’t say your data will remain encrypted with different platforms.
That is why it is important to employ a VPN offering to keep your shared files, chats with teammates, and further documents classified. Similarly, you should enable these services while conducting virtual meetings to avoid data leaks.
5. Safety with Public Wi-Fi
It would be wrong if any of you said you never used public wi-fi as a remote worker. Yes, it is a reality that using public wi-fi has become common among techies. Sometimes, we work from a library, an airport, a hotel room, a coffee shop, etc.
So, when you can’t negate the probability of using public wi-fi, you must be ready to avoid potential threats associated with these networks. However, activating a premium VPN while using the public internet can safeguard your financial, personal, and business data from evil twin attacks.
6. Access to Banned Websites
Another reality is that many websites, apps, and social media platforms are blocked in some countries. Likewise, you can’t use Google and its GCP products in China. Correspondingly, an acclaimed social media platform, X or Twitter, is blocked in many countries.
Hence, if you want to access these online sites, you can use VPNs. In this regard, it is not necessary to choose a paid solution only; you can unban these sites using Chrome extensions for free. Yes, many VPN companies offer 4 to 5 free server locations for their free Chrome plugins.
Unblocking these sites makes it seamless for remote workers to enhance their work effectiveness and productivity.
7. Remote Access
It is complicated for remote employees to access their companies’ infrastructure when they are not physically present in the office. VPNs resolve this problem. They craft a protected tunnel between the firm’s servers and your remote device.
This way, you can securely access your company’s various resources and needn’t worry about hackers.
Risks of Using VPNs for Remote Work
VPNs have several appealing benefits and drawbacks to consider before employing them. Let’s have a look at these limitations:
Speed Issues
Although premium VPN services are quite fast but, you can still face speed issues. Especially if you choose farther server locations, using a VPN can slow down your internet speed. By the same token, speed issues are also typically associated with free-tier VPN plans.
Dependence on Third-Party Vendors
When you use a VPN, you must rely on third-party vendors. This situation is probably not bad for startups that do not deal with sensitive data. However, dependence on a third-party solution could be a nightmare for enterprise-grade businesses that work on their own infrastructure.
Expose Your Credentials
Another drawback of using VPNs is disclosing personal data and company logs. Although some service providers follow a zero-log policy and strictly enforce it, it doesn’t happen every time. Many cases of data interception and monitoring have been seen nowadays, so you should stay vigilant.
Things to Consider When Choosing a VPN Service
- It must have AES-256/military-grade encryption standards.
- A service provider should have a large number of globally installed servers. Therefore, you will get the ultrafast browsing speed.
- It should support a considerable number of devices. This way, you can easily activate a VPN for your tablet, desktop, and smartphone devices.
- Before buying a VPN subscription, you must read the reviews of old customers. This will help you choose the right option.
- It is also important that a VPN company has a 24/7 and user-friendly customer support service.
Conclusion
Overall, VPNs offer advantages for remote workers in terms of improved cybersecurity, protected workplace data, cost efficiency, and better team collaboration. However, this guide also discusses risks linked to these services. So, you must consider these pros and cons in detail before deciding.
Best of luck!
