VPN is short for virtual private network. It allows you to connect your computer to a private network and create an encrypted connection that masks your IP address for secure data sharing and web surfing, protecting your online identity.
VPNs were originally designed to allow companies to securely access their internal networks from employee headquarters. However, the technology has become more widespread since its inception, and now heavy Internet users are jumping on the VPN bandwagon to access media content from anywhere.
A fact little known to the average internet user is that your home Wi-Fi network can be just as insecure as any public network. That’s why investing in reliable additional security like a VPN protects your data.
As a small business owner, a VPN can ensure the transmission of protected information to employees around the world. Sending presentations and private e-mails remains inaccessible to hackers and spies. A VPN ensures that your data and that of your clients remains private.
What does VPN mean?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and works exactly as described. It provides a secure Internet connection that is not geographically restricted, while protecting your data and your business from insecure WiFi networks.
You might be wondering why anyone outside of the NSA would be interested in using a VPN. That’s a legitimate question. The most important answer to using a VPN is privacy. There are many reasons for security, but they all boil down to not trusting any old WiFi hotspot at an airport, coffee shop, hotel, Airbnb, etc.
VPNs encrypt your data between your computer and the server, meaning that only a computer with the correct decoder can read that data. VPN encryption enables a private connection over a public network.
For example, you can easily be hacked on a public Wi-Fi network: without your knowledge, you may have logged into a fake public Wi-Fi network with a similar name.
Vice.com describes the WiFi Pineapple, an insanely cheap device that lets anyone hack your connection:
What is a VPN connection?
When you access the Internet, you first connect to your local ISP (Internet Service Provider). It gives you access to the online world. However, any websites and applications you visit while connected to that ISP may be logged by their servers.
Connecting with a VPN protects your data as it travels from your laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Data is encrypted via a «VPN tunnel» and your ISP can no longer spy on your history or data. You cannot see your online activity as it is routed through the VPN servers.
Anyone else trying to spy on a compromised WiFi will only see that you’re connecting through a VPN, not your ISP, and won’t be able to read your data. If they manage to get the data, it will look like nonsense.
VPN vs proxy server
There is a lot of confusion about whether proxy servers and VPNs are the same thing. You didn’t.
A proxy server simply masks your identity from other websites. When you use a proxy to connect to a website, that proxy masks your ISP. Apparently you have a new IP address (proxy IP address) for the website you are connecting to and therefore the website does not know who you are. They appear through a proxy with a different identity and location to where that particular proxy server is physically located.
Simply put, a proxy is an intermediary between your computer and the Internet. It acts as an intermediary to hide your computer’s identity.
Here are the downsides of using a proxy and where it gets a little invasive; The proxy server knows your real identity. While almost all HTTPS connections, such as If certain websites, such as online shopping, financial services and email, are secure, the owner of the proxy can see all unencrypted websites you visit. If you decide to use a proxy, trust it a lot.
If a proxy is an intermediary (with trust and reliability), a VPN is a secure conduit that connects you directly to every website you visit, encrypts your routing information, and masks the location of your ISP. Websites you visit via VPN will appear as if you are where the VPN servers are located.
So why should you use a VPN instead of a proxy? It’s about safety. If you’re running a small business, maintaining your financial and customer privacy information is extremely important. Any breach of your data can threaten your reputation and the future of your business. When you use a proxy, you are entrusting all of your information to a completely unknown entity.
Let’s assume you trust your proxy server. Even then, a proxy only protects you for the specific website you’re currently visiting, while a VPN protects your connection completely. Another good reason to choose a VPN is its ease of use. VPNs do not require extensive setup. They are basically plug-n-play and can be used in a variety of ways on devices like tablets and mobile devices.
A paid VPN does not log your activity as a proxy. If you need to access your clients’ data or respond to public Wi-Fi requests, you can be sure that yours and your clients’ data will remain private. A proxy server only hides your ISP, but VPNs encrypt your entire Internet connection.
Using a VPN
Apart from privacy being the main reason for needing a VPN mentioned above in this article, VPN is also used for various business and personal reasons.
Better streaming
Avoid congested network and get faster and uninterrupted streaming services with VPN. With a VPN, you can not only watch The Real Housewives of Anyway anywhere, but without any annoying interruptions or slowdowns.
Censorship restrictions
Some countries restrict content and some websites completely as a form of state or religious censorship. Although this is the most extreme example of censorship, we must also consider the most banal example: schools and universities block websites, as well as companies that think the less time their employees spend on Facebook, the better. When you use a VPN, you avoid these situations and bypass censorship at all levels.
Access business or home networks while on the go
Do you work for a globally distributed team, travel for business or attend a conference? You need secure access to the virtual office. Back to its original purpose, VPN is still used to access a company computer from anywhere in the world. Whether you need to work from home, check in at the train station or send important private files to your colleagues, a VPN makes it possible.
Cheaper travel prices
Did you know that big companies like Kayak.com use your IP address to estimate how much your plane ticket, hotel or car rental should cost? You may pay more if you request your plane ticket from your local ISP than if you access it through a VPN from another country.
You can find international tickets with EE, for example. UU. To Bolivia the airfare is probably higher because of your IP direction. You may be able to get cheaper travel and hotels if you change your IP location via VPN to the country where your airline is headquartered or to a location with poor access. Before booking, try a few different locations with your VPN and compare them before taking out your credit card.
Thanks to the privacy of VPNs, sites like Kayak.com can’t record your IP address, your cookies, or your GPS router (if you’re on a mobile phone) and can’t use that information to sell you a more expensive travel package.
Conclusión
You might be wondering if the possible end of net neutrality with FCC rules means you need a VPN. This question worries many people. If ISPs can start slowing down your connection by relying on paywalls or free unblocking services, you need this VPN.
Although this has not yet taken effect in the United States, it is already a reality in other countries such as Portugal. There’s never a bad time to start using a VPN. You’ll find that the benefits will significantly help your business and keep you up-to-date with the latest technologies that are essential for working and surfing the Internet.
Using a VPN can be a cost-effective and secure way to access the internet from anywhere, be it a home office, coffee shop, airport, etc. It ensures secure communication between you and your employees, clients and banks.
Data and browsing security is fundamental to the functioning of any business. From communicating with remote workers to being able to commute without worrying about accessing random Wi-Fi hotspots, potential problems without a VPN are solved. Confidential information is kept confidential and you can go about your daily activities and plans with peace of mind. With easy setup and security, a small business VPN is a must for today’s entrepreneur.
