A VPN is a must for remote workers. Many people think that VPN networks are only necessary for streaming, shopping, browsing, gaming, or watching prohibited sports and movie channels. But you see, everyone who uses the Internet for even the smallest things today needs a VPN. Virtual private networks protect Internet users from unnecessary exposure to cybercriminals. The tool also allows you to bypass geo-blocks and censorships no matter the country where you live or work.
You can surf the web without restrictions on content, information, and tools. So, if you’re working remotely, you need a reliable VPN to facilitate your work, ensure your privacy, and improve productivity.
In this article, we will share some reasons why a remote worker like you needs a VPN. If you’ve thought you don’t need it since you’re not a gamer or social networking enthusiast, read on to know why you are at risk if you don’t use a VPN.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN serves as a protective shield for your online activities. It provides a secure network through which you can surf the web without compromising your privacy. You can visit every website and access any content online without hindrance through a VPN network. Some people call it a tunnel through which you can access the Internet undetected.
As a remote worker, you can work from any location of your choice, and no one will pinpoint precisely where you are. Your VPN network server will mask your IP, encrypt your traffic, and confuse spying or tracking agents on your behalf.
The best part is that you can be sure of protecting your company’s sensitive information from cybercriminals. With a VPN, you can access your company’s servers without fear of exposure.
Also, if you’re using a strong VPN network, you can browse at a speed that’ll improve your productivity. The VPN service can stop your Internet service providers from throttling your bandwidth when you visit certain sites or performing specific activities online.
5 reasons to use a VPN for remote work
1. The network keeps you safe on public WiFi
Working remotely gives you the privilege to set up a workspace anywhere you want. You may decide to leave your home and work in a local coffee shop for more comfort. Sometimes you can even visit other locations where there’s free WiFi to reduce your expenses. But while all that is great, what happens to your security on the free WiFi network?
It’s a fact that hackers target users of public WiFi networks to steal their data for nefarious activities. Now, if you’re also accessing your company’s servers via the unsecured connection, you may unknowingly let the criminals into your corporate network.
So, the best thing you can do while using the free network is to use a VPN. Many things can go wrong on free WiFi hotspots, such as evil twin attacks, hacks, and exploits. Instead of losing your whole identity to a cybercriminal, connect securely through a VPN service and avoid problems.
2. VPNs can protect you from exposure during pandemics
COVID-19 forced a lot of companies and organizations to reevaluate the benefits of remote work. Before the pandemic, many employers never accepted the idea of hiring people to work from home due to the perceived risks associated with it.
They preferred to keep their employees under one umbrella for proper monitoring, protecting the company’s information, and accountability. But during this pandemic, remote work has become necessary if not compulsory due to lockdowns.
There’re lots of risks surrounding remote working. It provides an avenue for cybercriminals to access information that they shouldn’t find. For instance, if you’re accessing your office PC from home and not using a secure connection, a criminal nearby can hack your device and steal sensitive data and passwords through you. That’s why remote workers must use a strong VPN network to thwart these attempts.
The VPN servers will encrypt your connection and render your data useless to cybercriminals. Even if they intercept it, they can’t make any meaning from it. If you’re employed, it’s expected that your company will provide a VPN for you to access their servers. But if none is available from them, subscribe to a strong VPN service and work without problems.
3. It allows for remote access to your work PC without fear
As an employed individual working outside the office premises, a VPN service can help you connect to your work PC. Many remote access applications enable such connections, such as VNC, SSH, and RDP.
You can use any of this software to connect, but your PC must be in the office. Also, if there’s no office IT policy prohibiting VPN use from outside the office, you can use it to connect to your work PC.
That way, you can do all you need without compromising your company’s security in any way.
4. Have an option for remote work? A VPN is cheaper than commuting
Using a VPN at home is cheaper than spending money commuting to your workplace every morning. Most VPNs offer low subscription prices for their service.
So, if you consider the expenses of leaving your home to reach your workplace, a VPN becomes a better option. Apart from the transport fare, you can avoid other issues such as rising gas prices, traffic jams, missed appointments, queries, and stress.
If you can work remotely, jump on that option, but always use a strong VPN network. Sometimes, your IT department might even configure a business VPN to connect your workplace from your device. In such an arrangement, you can do your work without issues.
But if there are no such provisions, subscribe to the best VPN service to protect your data and work on projects with strong encryption.
5. Remote work with a reliable VPN increases productivity
There are days when you want to start early on your projects but can’t because you need to get to the office first. Sometimes it’s better to work in a quiet location outside your home or office to complete your work faster.
Instead of forfeiting all that due to data security worry, subscribe to a VPN service and work from anywhere. You can increase your productivity while still protecting your company against hacks and associated losses.
Which VPN is better for you
The industry is flooded with different VPN services. But each of these services is different in terms of reliability, quality, strength, reach, and even privacy policy. It is usually difficult to choose the best service out of them all.
We recommend that you consider the speed, reputation, number of servers, and policy. The best VPN to choose must be fast and reliable. Also, it must have servers in many countries to ensure security and reliability. Your VPN service must also have a no-logging policy, and it must allow for peer-to-peer (P2P) networking to facilitate your work.
Don’t forget that you need an affordable service since you’re working remotely. Your company should provide for it but what if they don’t? Look for a budget-friendly VPN to use but avoid free VPNs because they’re not always trustworthy.
VPN and remote workers: A must-have
A VPN is a must-have for everyone using the Internet. It performs lots of functions and offers many benefits. VPNs are not reserved for gamers or social networking enthusiasts, but remote workers and freelancers who work from home need it too.
If you have been delaying all this while thinking you don’t need it, we’ve shown you some reasons to get a VPN today. Don’t go for the free ones but search for an affordable but highly effective service out there.
Instead of paying the cost of a cyberattack, it’s better to spend a few dollars preventing it.
Featured image: Pixabay
