A VPN – Virtual Private Network – is a way to ensure safety when connecting to another network over the internet. A VPN for business can be essential because it will encrypt the connection from whatever device is being used, making it much more secure and also offer a greater degree of online privacy. A VPN has become vital for all types of organisations where there are remote connections being accessed, whether the focus is on protecting data or keeping a location private. So, does your business need a VPN?

Why would you use VPN?

For most organisations today, the purpose of a VPN is to securely connect branch offices – or those who are working remotely – to the networks, data, tools and resources that are required to carry out specific work. A VPN for business is essentially a way to enhance perimeter security so that corporate networks can be accessed from anywhere in the world without security worries.

The types of VPN for businesses

• A remote access VPN. This simply gives remote users access to an employer’s network infrastructure in a secure way. All traffic that is being sent and received is securely encrypted in a ‘secure tunnel’ between the user and the employer network.
• Site-to-site VPN. This is a connection between two, or more, networks – as opposed to a connection between a user and a network. These are often used by companies with multiple sites or offices.

What do you need to consider with a VPN for business?

Not all VPNs are the same so it’s important to make sure that you’re aware of the limitations some may have before you invest in VPN for your business.

• VPN speed. This will not be any faster than the speed of the internet connection between the device being used and the network it is connecting to. However, the VPN technology that you use can also have an impact on speed, for example where encryption and authentication technologies that are being used increase data size or send data through multiple checkpoints, for example. The amount of data that is travelling over a VPN connection can also have an impact on speed, for example if someone using the connection is making a video call.
• VPN security. The type of VPN for business that you use will have an impact on security. For example, those organisations that are looking to implement effective VPN security for employees who are working remotely should consider remote access VPNs with site-to-site VPNs for their branch offices.

VPN for business vs a personal VPN

The main difference between a VPN for business and personal VPNs is whether the user is connecting devices to a corporate network or a personal network. Where someone is accessing employer resources then this should be done via a VPN that is controlled and maintained by the employer. VPNs are most often used in a personal context to keep internet browser history private.

Tailored cyber security solutions

It’s advisable for any organisation with any kind of remote workforce element – or multiple offices – to consider VPN for their business today. The beauty of CyberHive Connect is that it is built differently to traditional a VPN, utilising a mesh network. CyberHive Connect implements a secure software-defined mesh network that transforms how devices communicate. Built using a secure-by-design methodology and a zero trust architecture, it provides instant security that can be easily retrofitted into existing infrastructure.

If you would like to learn more, connecting with a member of our team allows us to guide you through our products and their uses. For general queries and to discuss our products, get in touch today.