VPNs are becoming increasingly popular among both businesses and individuals. But too many small businesses perceive a VPN as something that is highly technical, difficult to set up and access, and also prohibitively expensive. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone can establish a VPN link with a few clicks and you can even set up a VPN for free with Avira.
So now that we’ve demolished some of the barriers to accessing a VPN, here are a few of the main benefits a VPN could bring to your business.
Better Data Protection
Data protection is one of the most important things for any business. If your sensitive data falls into the wrong hands, your business could suffer significant consequences.
Now, you may have powerful firewalls and different software solutions to protect you against potential cyber attacks. However, hackers use advanced tools that could break through your firewall and enable them to crawl into your system.
A VPN can help solve this problem. It will encrypt your internet traffic, leaving all your data protected at all times. You’ll be completely anonymous online, without any digital footprints, so no one will be able to access your system.
This is because a VPN hides your IP address. It replaces it with a fake one, keeping all your online activity hidden. It even hides your traffic and activities from your internet service provider. That way, they can’t throttle your connection, which is another huge benefit to your business.
Unlocking Geo-Blocked Content
There are many countries with strict laws concerning internet access. They don’t allow anyone from other countries to access some or all of the content of their domestic sites. You’ve certainly come across sites with the “not available in your country” caption.
With a VPN, you can unlock geo-blocked content and access any website in the world. The fact that a VPN replaces your real IP address with a fake one means that it virtually places you in a different geographical location. Thus, all the content is available to you.
Why is this important?
What if you want to open an office in another country? What if you have remote employees? What if you or your employees need to work from home? With a VPN, all your employees will be able to access your corporate network, no matter where they are.
The same goes for travelling, whether for business or pleasure. A VPN enables you to stay connected, without that annoying “not available in your country” caption.
Also, you can research other markets and competitors, from their domestic websites, which will no longer be locked for you.
Secure Browsing via Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are the easiest way for hackers to crawl into a system. This is because those open connections are not encrypted, so hackers can easily keep track of anyone connected.
Now, when you’re in an office, you can use a safe connection. But, what about connecting to the internet while you’re drinking coffee in a coffee shop, for instance? Or connecting via your hotel’s WiFi while you’re on a vacation or business trip? What if you run a hospitality business that offers free Wi-Fi access to customers?
A VPN will keep your connections safe and secure, no matter where you are. Staying away from public Wi-Fi can be very inconvenient sometimes. With a VPN, you can use any open, unencrypted wireless hotspot and know that you’re fully protected.
Great Cost-Efficiency
Small businesses often don’t have access to cutting-edge technology, as they cannot afford it. This means that they don’t have the best protection against potential cyber security threats. However, a VPN is a service that may be much more affordable than you think. As we’ve already mentioned, you can access an entry-level version for free.
Weigh up the costs and benefits for your business. How serious are the potential risks? The bottom line is that investing in a VPN could be much more affordable than dealing with the costly consequences of a cyber attack.