VPN: What is it and why do you need it?

VPN – You’ve likely heard the term many times before, but what does it actually mean? More importantly, why should a VPN be an essential part of your business’ cybersecurity plan?

As technology threats continue to rise, cybersecurity should be a critical priority for every company. The hallmark of any good cybersecurity plan is using every tool available to protect your company’s sensitive data. VPNs, though often overlooked, can play an essential role in keeping your company protected against cybersecurity threats.

What is a VPN?

VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network. Implementing a VPN during your internet use is like applying a privacy screen to your digital activity – it creates a secure route between your device and the internet. The VPN allows you to reroute your data via a secure, encrypted connection to an external server – the VPN server. Then, your data is sent onward to your intended destination on the internet.

More specifically, a VPN hides your IP address. An IP address is like your computer’s fingerprint – a unique set of numbers that can be used to identify your device. When connected to the internet, the IP address allows your device to send and receive information. The VPN system conceals your IP address by letting the network redirect it through a specially configured, secure server. This means that if you use the internet with a VPN, the VPN server becomes the source of your data.

How can VPNs improve your cybersecurity solutions?

Rerouting your data through a secure VPN server can boost your cybersecurity plan in several ways. When you use a VPN server as the source of your data, it encrypts and scrambles your confidential information so it can only be read by the intended recipients. If it falls into hackers’ hands, it becomes useless. Unencrypted data can be viewed by anyone who has access to your network or your employees’ network. With a VPN, hackers and cybercriminals can’t decipher this data if they get a hold of it.

VPNs can also help conceal other critical company data, like your cookies and internet history. While these may seem like trivial components of company information, they can provide hackers with a gateway to other confidential information or give them leverage over your business. VPNs can eliminate the risk of this information being intercepted by encrypting your data and preventing your company from leaving any traces that could damage your cybersecurity.

VPNs can also monitor your company’s connection. If routine use is suddenly interrupted, it can respond instantly by blocking access to data until the connection is restored with predetermined protocols. Many VPNs also offer two-factor authentication options, which further protect your confidential information by requiring all access be verified with secure codes.

VPNs are an essential component of any cybersecurity plan. ProTech understands that, when it comes to your company’s IT security, you need a comprehensive, proactive approach. No matter what your company’s security needs are, ProTech can help keep your data safe and secure. Contact us today for more information about what ProTech can offer your business.