Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Pandemic, offices and businesses had to embrace remote work around the globe to keep daily operations running. The question of privacy and security became paramount as employees did not have the sophisticated protection and privacy for data transmission they were used to working within offices. Hackers took advantage of this vulnerability and a number of database security breaches surfaced in 2020, some of them even included prominent names like Microsoft, Estee Lauder, Cognizant, Zoom and others. VPNs in the past were tools that only computer geeks knew about. However, the Covid Pandemic changed all that as VPN became a necessity for security and confidentiality.
The surge of VPNs during Covid Times
A VPN refers to a virtual private network that is software program for protecting your privacy and boosting security while surfing on the Internet. It is a tool that connects two computers privately and securely online. It is designed to give you an encrypted tunnel for data transmission between the company network and the remote user.
This information transmitted between the above two locations through the encrypted tunnel cannot be read or accessed by anyone else. This system compromises of multiple elements to protect the private network of the company as well as the external network via which the remote user connects through. A VPN adds an extra layer of privacy and security to both public and private networks, for instance, Wi-Fi Hotspots and is a must to consider when working remotely during Covid with limited security features as enabled to enterprise security controls.
Work in confidence- keep trespassers out
In the post COVID era, the advantages of VPN have been realized more widely by businesses and remote employees. Primarily organizations, began using VPNs to communicate in confidence over public networks for transmitting video, data and voice. In fact, it is prudent and mandatory for businesses and remote workers now with offices scattered across the world to use them to keep hackers and users of the dark web at bay.
Ideal for freelancers working from home during Covid
At the same time, freelancers and personal users during Covid pandemic can use a VPN for boosting their privacy and security. This tool helps them to streamline channels and other similar business services. They can also protect their identity securely anywhere in the world while using the Internet.
Choosing “Your VPN”
When it comes to choosing your VPN today, consider the following three essential tips-
1. Ascertain what your specific needs are
This is an obvious point; you will not walk into an Apple store and pick up the first phone or laptop you see. The same applies to your VPN as well. There are different kinds of VPNs, you might need a router-based tool or one that allows you to access multiple connections at a single point of time or one just for your home. Again, if you need a VPN just for streaming movies on the Internet, make sure it has an unlimited bandwidth, great speed and reliable connections.
If you travel frequently and depend heavily on public wi-fi networks, you need a VPN that gives you valuable security with servers located across the world. When you ascertain your need for a VPN, make a list of the features that are important for your use and the ones you can do without. Once you complete this task, it becomes much simpler for you to know what VPN to get for your specific needs.
2. Examine each feature of the VPN separately
Every company specializing in VPNs prioritize on something special. This USP (Unique Selling Proposition) could be speed or encryption or anonymity. Your individual priorities must match theirs. For instance, if you want to access content that has been blocked geographically, investing in a VPN with a feature to unlock this content becomes your priority.
This can be further illustrated with an example- several VPNs have problems bypassing the VPN block of Netflix however reliable names like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN have succeeded in overcoming this obstacle. Again, if you are a journalist or someone that needs privacy as well as anonymity, you should invest in a VPN that will not retain logs and has an encryption that is secure. If the VPN has a kill-switch feature, make sure you check its security protocol.
3. Check device compatibility
Though most modern VPNs support Windows, Linux, Android, Mac and iOS, there are some tools that are not available on all the above platforms. For instance, if you have a Windows PC but use an Apple iPhone, you should invest in a VPN that has both an app and platform for both.
It is a good idea for you to check the number of devices your VPN can connect to at a single time. There are some VPNs that allow you to connect an unlimited number of devices while there are others that allow you to connect up to three devices only.
Therefore, when it comes to choosing your VPN in the Covid pandemic era, keep these three essential points in mind. Make sure the interface of the VPN is convenient and friendly for you to use. Read online reviews, compare features and make sure you invest in a good-quality VPN that serves your remote working needs in the post-pandemic era with success!
