Are Free VPNs Safe? Beware: Not All VPNs Are Created Equal

Most employees need secure remote access to business data. A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to add a significant layer of security to remote work. However, the adage, “The best things in life are free,” doesn’t apply when selecting the right VPN for your small or midsized business (SMB). Although cost control is essential, nothing is more important than safely securing your hard-earned business data. When selecting a company VPN, use caution. Business data is likely your company’s most valuable asset. In addition to being wary of VPNs that are offered for free, here are other red flags to watch for when selecting a VPN for business:

• Weak Encryption – The best VPNs have the best data encryption. AES-256, also known as “military-grade encryption,” is the industry standard. Strong data encryption is one of the most important features of a company VPN. Weak encryption will leave you open to potential data breaches
• Slow Download and Upload Speeds – Long waits for downloads and uploads can be frustrating. A quality VPN should not slow you down. You will need to test yours by using it for various online activities to ensure that your VPN is a business tool and not a business hindrance. Employees may be tempted to bypass a slow VPN with less secure workarounds
• No Money-Back Guarantee – A good VPN should offer a money-back guarantee, so you can test the service and see if it’s right for your business. A “free trial” is not the same as a free service. Many of the best VPNs offer free trials that, after the trial period, are charged at a monthly rate. Free trials are an excellent way for you to test the service before you need to pay for it
• No Verified Zero-Logs Policy – A zero-logs policy guarantees that none of your data or usage information is stored by your service provider. A verified zero-logs policy is when the provider hires an impartial third-party to test their zero-log claims

Q: Why is it important for a business to use a VPN?

A: A virtual private network (VPN) is crucial for businesses because it offers secure, encrypted communication between remote employees and the company’s network. This helps protect sensitive data from cyber threats, especially when employees access corporate resources from public WiFi or while working remotely. A VPN can also help maintain compliance with data protection regulations.

How To Choose a VPN for Business?

Consider a professional vulnerability assessment conducted by an IT security firm and ask yourself these important questions when figuring out how to choose a VPN for your small or midsized business:

• What Protocols Does It Support? – There are several protocols to choose from, and a good VPN service provider will support many of them and will help you decide what is best for your business’s needs. The industry-standard protocol is OpenVPN. Your service provider or IT specialist will be able to explain your options
• How Many Concurrent Connections Are Permitted? – To use multiple devices simultaneously, you will probably need to have at least two concurrent connections. The more devices your company uses to access the network at the same time, the more connections you will need
• How Many Servers Does the VPN Provider Use and Where Are They Located? – A good VPN service provider will use many servers located in several countries around the world
• Does the Provider Limit Bandwidth or Restrict Services? – Limiting bandwidth will slow down your workflow. Aside from providing secure remote-access connections, one of the top features of a VPN is allowing the user to get around restricted websites, filters and firewalls. Beware of VPNs with these limitations
• Does the VPN Service Provider Have a “Kill Switch?” – When a VPN connection fails, the provider must have a kill switch. A kill switch automatically locks down the user connection to ensure that the system doesn’t revert to an unsecure connection in a VPN failure event

Q: What features should a business look for when choosing a VPN?

A: When selecting a VPN for business, it’s essential to look for features like strong encryption standards (such as AES-256), a no-logs policy, high-speed servers and multi-device support. Additional business-specific features, such as centralized account management, dedicated IP addresses, scalability and 24/7 customer support, are also important. These ensure that the VPN meets both the security and operational needs of the company.

What Is the Top Reason to Install a Company VPN?

In recent years, businesses have increasingly relied upon secure remote-access network connections, and the FBI has reported a dramatic increase in related cyberattacks. Many companies are required by law to protect the personal and financial data they collect from clients. For medical and legal practices, safe and secure data is crucial to their reputation. Data breaches can put companies out of business and expose them to ongoing legal challenges.

Q: Are free VPNs safe for a company network? What are the risks?

A: Using a free VPN for business introduces risks such as potential data breaches, malware exposure and lack of control over how data is handled. Some free VPNs have been caught embedding spyware or leaking user IP addresses. In a business context, this can lead to the loss of intellectual property, compromised customer information and violations of compliance regulations, all of which can have legal and financial consequences. Many free VPNs make money by tracking user data and selling it to third parties, which completely undermines the purpose of using a VPN for privacy.

Is There a Way to Get Help Knowing How to Choose a VPN?

A VPN is a crucial security layer for your business, but choosing the right VPN for your company can be daunting. Are free VPNs safe? No, but a professional cyber security firm that specializes in cyber threat protection can help you find one that fits your needs. Recovering from a cyberattack is a long and expensive ordeal. Taking proactive steps to secure your business data and communications from cybercriminals is an excellent way to reduce business risk. Get in touch with us or contact a cyber security provider that can offer your small business its own secure and affordable virtual private network platform, so your company’s data will be safe.