As employees in Buffalo, New York take their work wherever they choose, they also bring with it an increased cybersecurity risk for themselves and their companies. Vulnerable networks, access irregularities, and a lack of employee cybersecurity training are a few of the many factors that leave remote workers and their companies’ networks vulnerable in the city. Among many threats, phishing attacks and malware have also become more common and complex, leaving companies and individuals looking for ways to protect their network and confidential information. Virtual private networks (VPNs) have emerged as a reliable solution, allowing employees to securely access internal documents, local servers, and shared folders. Below, see some of the advantages of VPN implementation within your Buffalo IT services.
Advantages of VPNs
While some companies have moved back into the office, many workers in Buffalo still maintain a hybrid or exclusively remote schedule. These employees require a secure and convenient way to access their company’s network without compromising their connection. VPNs establish secure, encrypted connection between your computer and the internet, protecting both your personal and company resources against malware and cybersecurity threats. Some of the advantages of VPNs include:
- Secure Access to Company Resources
- Protection Against Cyber Threats
- Boosts Productivity
- Keeps You Safe on Public WiFi
1. Secure Access to Company Resources
Remote work can leave valuable company resources, including passwords, logins, and market research, vulnerable to third party access. Workers who connect to their company via a VPN can be sure their access to company data and resources is secure. Companies can create multiple VPNs for different types of data, then allow access to certain employees. A VPN also helps secure company information and resources from internet service providers (ISPs). Once you’ve connected to the VPN, internet service providers will not be able to view any company resources or sites you access online.
2. Protection Against Cyber Threats
As reliable as your home WiFi may be, it is unfortunately not very secure. Most home and public WiFi networks use WPA2 security standard, which is vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. When a hacker can access the network you’re on, they can exploit its weak encryption to access every device connected to your network, including your smartphone, TV, and laptop. VPNs protect against cybersecurity threats by rerouting your traffic, thus preventing hackers from tracking and infiltrating your device. As you connect to your network, a VPN will also encrypt your traffic and online identifies to add another layer of security. By encrypting your IP address and traffic data, VPNs can protect against a variety of cybersecurity threats, from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to remote hacking attempts and man-in-the-middle (MiTM) threats.
When you’re working remotely, it can be tough to find the time and resources to ensure your own security. Integris is your dedicated cybersecurity consultant for every remote worker in Buffalo, NY. Our cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions ensure that your devices and network are protected from malware and cyberattacks no matter where you work from. Book a consultation with our Buffalo office to learn more about how our Buffalo IT support plans can help protect you against cyber threats.
3. Productivity
One of the most immediately visible advantages of using a VPN client is its ability to increase internet speed. Often, remote workers using VPNs can access a faster internet connection that surpasses the bandwidth cap and speeds set in place by their internet provider. With this increased internet connection, employees can conduct research, collaborate with coworkers, and share files much faster. If remote workers in Buffalo are looking to travel outside of the immediate area, VPNs can also be used to bypass website filters and geo-restrictions that might cut off access to essential websites and company databases.
4. Keeps You Safe on Public WiFi
When you’re working on the go and need to access public WiFi, you can’t always guarantee the security of your connection. While public WiFi networks can be convenient, they are usually unencrypted and offer very few security features. Hackers and cybercriminals can set up malicious hotspots disguised under seemingly trustworthy public WiFi names to infiltrate your device. Using a VPN while on public WiFi enables you to hide your device’s IP address, which hackers can use to identify and access your device. Instead, they’ll only be able to see the IP address of the VPN server to which you are connected. A VPN encrypts all data transmitted from your device to the network’s server, keeping everything you do on a public Wi-Fi network completely private and safe from the prying eyes of cybercriminals or commercial operators.
When you’re working from multiple public locations, the strength of your connection to your company’s central network is critical. Integris’ network connectivity solutions can help establish a strong internet connection enterprise-wide, so you never have to worry about network outages or failures.
How to Choose the Right VPN Provider
A VPN can be a great tool for securing your internet access as a remote worker. When your VPN is switched on, no one can track your location, except your VPN provider. The integral role VPN providers play in workers’ online security makes choosing the best VPN provider imperative to your security and success. When choosing a VPN provider, it is important to take note of the provider’s home country and privacy policy. VPN providers are required to follow the laws of their home country and some may keep logs of your browsing history. You will also want to write down information on how many servers are available, what levels of encryption are included, and the price of the service. On average, VPNs cost only a few dollars per month, and some providers will even cut the price if you sign on for a longer agreement.
Best Practices for Secure Use of VPNs
VPNs are cost-effective, scalable, and relatively easy to implement. While there isn’t a simple “one size fits all” VPN solution, there are a number of best practices that you should follow to ensure you use a VPN as effectively as possible. It is essential that you choose the type of VPN that is most appropriate for your organization. Most remote workers will want to opt for a remote access VPN rather than a site-to-site VPN because it will enable you to maintain a secure connection to your company’s central network. While a VPN can protect you against outside threats, it does not keep your data private from your employer’s eyes, so you will want to keep personal internet usage to a minimum if you complete your work using a company device. This is especially true for employees who occasionally use their personal devices to access company information and documents.
VPN Use Recommendations
Remote workers in Buffalo who are looking to set up a VPN should be sure to choose the service provider that best fits their current needs. Many VPN providers offer a variety of security features and pricing plans. If you work primarily from your home office, you may want to consider using a remote access VPN rather than a site-to-site VPN, as it will be easier to deploy and scale. The security features of VPNs can help remote workers maintain secure access to company resources, stay safe on public WiFi, and protect against imminent cyber threats.
Network Services Buffalo: Leverage Buffalo IT Services with Integris
VPNs make up just one part of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. When you’re working remotely, Integris’ network connectivity solutions can help set up a strong, reliable internet connection from wherever you work. To learn more about other IT services available in Buffalo through Integris, schedule a free consultation today.
