What is VPN and why do I need it?
You should get one if you use the internet – especially if you are connecting to the office local network from a remote location. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) conceals your IP address (your identity) and encrypts your data as well as providing Cybersecurity and anonymity for any internet browsing. It routes your network activity through a remote VPN server via an IP Tunnel, a protected conduit that no unauthorized person can gain access to - even if you use public Wi-Fi – a prime attack point for hackers.
VPNs have been around for a while, but once the COVID pandemic relocated vast numbers of workers to remote status, the necessity of protecting that web-based flow of data became evident quickly. The demand for VPNs across the business world grew exponentially. Even if your company has no remote workers, you should use VPNs to render all communications and transactions over the internet ‘invisible’ to prying eyes.
At ITFirm.com, we have long espoused the undeniable value of a VPN and it is therefore installed behind every firewall we install for our clients. As workers left the office in droves after the COVID outbreak, the buzz among our colleagues in the IT Support community was “Now everybody wants VPNs!”. For us, it was simple, since the tool was already in place - it just needed a little modification - updating the roster of devices allowed remote access to the network. It is the simplest and most dependable way to provide bulletproof security for the expanded Office/Home business configuration.
The two words which explain why every business needs VPNs are Privacy and Security. They protect every user, from the user in the field accessing the company network from a variety of devices to the employee sitting at a desktop at home or in the office.
Do NOT think that a VPN is the ‘Be all – end all’ of security – it is a tool in the toolbox of overall Cybersecurity, protecting data traffic and internet usage. An employee can still click on an attachment or link in a Phishing email and grant malware entry into the network. Cyber crooks are not stupid and they have their own tools and schemes to get around defenses. New defensive measure still tend to come about as a response to successful cyber-attacks.
The 3 main things that VPNs will do:
1) A VPN masks your location, browsing and torrenting history.
2) A VPN encrypts your as it travels over the internet. Even if hackers could steal it, they couldn’t read it.
3) A VPN protects you on Public Wi-Fi. Cyber crooks park outside of Starbucks and other hotspots to see what they can steal customers use the free Wi-Fi.
For consumers, the basic protections are vital, but a VPN can also enable viewers to access streaming content that is not available in their area, to access blocked and censored websites and avoid price discrimination based on location – yes, online prices can change based on your IP address and zip code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a VPN expensive?
A: It varies, depending on the plan, number of users and the term. The longer the term you accept, the lower the monthly cost – just as it is with many types of subscriptions. Month-to-month prices usually range between $5.00 to $12.00 per month, while 12, 24, or 36-month terms will come in much cheaper. Read the offer – the number of devices allowed on different plans also vary.
Where the best plan and the best ‘bang for your buck’ lies depends on what you need and what type of customer you are – business or consumer. Ask your IT department or offsite IT Support what they recommend.
Q: Is there a 100% free VPN?
A: Yes, but you get what you pay – or don’t pay - for. There are free VPNs, but remember that old saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” READ THE SMALL PRINT! While they may not require monetary payment directly from you, they make their money in other ways. Some free VPNs sell your data, while some also monitor your website history and sell that information to advertisers. While the VPN masks your identity and data from others, the VPN provider has full access.
Not only will free VPNs sell your information, but they will also bombard you with advertising and continuously nag you to upgrade to their paid service. Depending on your level of frugality, perhaps you can put up with that.
Security is typically not up to par with paid VPNs, so do NOT think that your privacy is guaranteed with a free VPN – it is absolutely NOT. As a top-tier Managed Services Provider, we at ITFirm.com, strongly advise against it for business purposes, and most reputable IT firms would undoubtedly agree – the security issues alone provide many headaches for you and your IT team.
VPNOverview.com rates their top 6 free VPNs HERE.
Q: Which is better a paid or free VPN?
A: It depends on how much aggravation you’re willing to endure. Aside from the security issues listed above, a free VPN will only provide minimal performance: a slower connection speed, which will adversely affect your internet browsing, streaming. If you’re a gamer, don’t even consider it.
A paid VPN typically offers the highest level of automatically updated security, the fastest speed available and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are using the internet in the safest way possible.
If you need convincing, try a free VPN (but do nothing ‘risky’ with your data), then take advantage of the FREE trials (usually 30 days) that most Premium VPN providers offer. See for yourself.
Q: Does VPN have a firewall?
A: Most Premium VPNs do have a specific type of firewall which guards against the interception of the VPN connection by unauthorized persons – it protects only the starting point of the connection (the office), the traffic through the ‘IP Tunnel’, but the computer of the user at the end point of the connection (the remote worker) remains unprotected.
This differs from a standard ‘IT installed’ firewall which protects all users and allows for the creation of more specific security Policies & Procedures for ALL components of Cybersecurity (a VPN is merely one of those components).
How secure is your network?
As a longstanding, reputable member of the Charlotte IT Support community, ITFirm.com offers a FREE, no-risk network and Cybersecurity assessment. We perform a non-intrusive scan that allows us to deliver a comprehensive report of the state of your system and its vulnerabilities that is yours to keep. There are no strings attached, and you are under no obligation to use our Managed IT Services.
The two best defenses are next-generation Cybersecurity to protect your data from theft, and a top-notch Managed Services Provider (MSP) to ensure continued reliability and defenses against newly emerging threats.
We put our 100% Money Back Guarantee in writing, so there is no risk in trying us out. Because we do not require a ‘hard’ contract, our clients can fire us at any time with 30 days’ notice. We have to be good.
Among the Managed IT Services we provide:
IT HelpDesk Service
Onsite IT Support
Cybersecurity
Cloud migration and management
Email migration services
Backup and disaster recovery
VoIP phone systems
IT disposition and recycling
Office moves
White label services (IT to IT)
For more information, or to receive your FREE no-risk network and security assessment, just fill out the form on this page or call us at:
704-565-9705
