As remote/hybrid work environments continue to gain popularity, protecting online communication from unknown parties becomes a top priority. Cyber criminals constantly look for gaps in security to retrieve sensitive data, and unprotected networks are one of their easiest targets. A single compromised connection can lead to ransomware, downtime, regulatory exposure, and unexpected recovery costs.

Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to securing your organization’s online activity: a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

The purpose of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is to establish a secure, encrypted connection when using the internet. While the VPN is active, it performs the following:

• • Encrypts all transmitted data (i.e. emails, sign-in credentials, document transferring)
  • Masks/hides the user’s IP address
  • Establishing a secure connection to internal resources

VPNs are highly effective in shielding confidential data from malicious onlookers, but what exactly are they protecting against?

The Threat of Unprotected Networks

Public wi-fi networks are everywhere – shopping centers, hotels, airports, etc. When connecting to an open network, your data is unknowingly shared with every other connected endpoint on that network.

Without data encryption, cybercriminals can easily intercept network traffic – stealing confidential data or even injecting malware into an active packet transmission. As identified in a research report conducted by All About Cookies, 1 in 4 people have encountered security vulnerabilities due to using a public Wi-Fi network (Source: All About Cookies).

Here are some common malicious attacks when using unprotecting networks:

• • Man-in-the-Middle: Malicious personnel discretely intercept communication between the user & their intended destination, stealing/corrupting their data
  • Spoofed Networks: Fake Wi-Fi networks designed to resemble legitimate ones, tricking users to fall into their concealed trap
  • Compromised Sessions: Hackers capitalize on an unsecure connection by gaining unauthorized access to active browser sessions, usually stealing login credentials

It only takes one successful breach to give attackers a foothold into your company’s resources. That’s why VPNs are integral for any remote worker, no matter the time or place.

Why VPNs are Equipped for Company Security

No matter the industry, every company deals with confidential information (financial data, contact information, etc.). If left unprotected, this data is susceptible to interception by cybercriminals lurking in unsecure networks. A VPN helps reduce this threat by safeguarding these online pathways.

Here are ways a VPN protects your workplace:

• • Data Encryption: All sensitive information becomes locked via encryption keys to prevent unauthorized access
  • Secure Remote Access: Establishes a secure “tunnel” that allows employees to remote connect from any location
  • IT Compliance: Assists companies in adhering to present-day encryption standards

To visualize, picture a VPN as an invisibility cloak for your data – it ensures your data reaches its destination unseen & undetected.

Enhancing Productivity for Remote Workers

Protection isn’t the only benefit of VPNs; they also promote flexibility for employees!

The remote/hybrid workplace is gaining popularity, and VPNs enable remote workers to securely access their required resources, even when using a public Wi-Fi network. With that secure tunnel established, company security remains uncompromised whether at home, when travelling, or even at a local Starbucks.

Implementing a VPN Today

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are simple, cost-effective ways to achieve data security inside & outside the office. By establishing a secure tunnel that encrypts all transmitted data, the worries of unsafe networks for remote/hybrid employees will be a thing of the past. While VPNs are a critical security control, they work best when combined with endpoint protection, MFA, and proper access controls.

Want to protect your company from data theft? Reach out to Ferrara IT to assess whether a VPN is appropriate for your workforce and how it should be securely implemented!

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