Why Set Up a Virtual Private Network for Remote Employees?

Summary:

• How VPNs work
• Why VPNs are an essential part of protecting data when remote employees access your network
• VPNs as a cost-effective solution for remote network protection
• What features to look for in a VPN

People can now work from virtually anywhere, but public WiFi is unprotected. When your team logs in from home offices, cafes, airports, train stations and remote co-working spaces, securing their connection to company resources is essential. If you’re looking for ways to protect sensitive business data while keeping your remote workforce productive, it’s time to set up a VPN.

What is a Virtual Private Network?

A virtual private network creates a buffer between your employees and potential cyber threats. But beyond security, it helps ensure seamless access to files, applications and collaboration tools from virtually anywhere. Setting up a VPN may sound cumbersome, but with the right approach, it can become one of the most effective security tools available. Let’s explore VPN benefits, challenges and best practices.

How Does a VPN Work?

A VPN creates an encrypted “tunnel” between a user’s device and your company’s network. This tunnel shields all internet traffic from unauthorized access. It is your own private network within a network. When remote employees connect via a VPN, their data travels securely, even on unsecured public WiFi. Whether your employee is accessing a financial report from a hotel room or uploading project files from a café, a VPN ensures no one can eavesdrop on the exchange. It’s like giving every team member a private, locked channel to your digital office.

Why Is Virtual Private Network Security Important for Remote Work?

The more dispersed your workforce becomes, the greater your attack surface grows. Each laptop, phone or tablet connected to your network represents a potentially vulnerable entry point for hackers. VPNs are a critical component of virtual private network security because they encrypt sensitive data in transit, hide IP addresses, prevent third parties from intercepting communications and support compliance with industry regulations, such as HIPAA. Cybercriminals actively target remote workers because they often use unsecured networks. Working without a VPN could expose your company’s client and employee data, internal communications, financial account information and strategic plans. Therefore, VPNs are an invaluable part of your SMB’s device security.

Q: Why should businesses set up a virtual private network for remote employees?

A: To protect sensitive company data when employees connect from external sites through public WiFi.

What Are the Business Benefits of Setting Up a VPN?

When you set up a VPN, you protect your business and empower your team. VPNs improve efficiency and ensure consistency, no matter where your employees are when they log on. Here’s how your business can benefit from VPNs:

• Productivity Boosts – Employees can safely access essential systems or software from any location
• Enabling flexible work policies – VPNs make hybrid and remote work policies easier to implement without compromising security
• Supporting global hiring – You can hire top talent from anywhere without needing to open physical offices in every location
• Ensuring client trust – Clients expect you to protect their data. VPNs help you meet those expectations by securing communications and preventing data leaks

If your team accesses internal resources like customer relationship management systems (CRMs), accounting software or proprietary tools, a VPN helps maintain consistent, secure remote access.

What Happens If You Don’t Use a VPN?

Operating without a VPN opens the door to unnecessary risks. Unprotected connections can lead to serious consequences, including data breaches, financial theft, loss of client trust, regulatory penalties and operational downtime. These risks grow exponentially with each remote worker you hire. Choosing to delay or ignore secure remote access solutions could ultimately cost you more than your investment in a VPN.

Q: What risk does public WiFi pose to remote workers?

A: Public WiFi is often unprotected, making it easier for hackers to intercept company data.

Is It Difficult to Set Up a Virtual Private Network?

Setting up a VPN doesn’t have to be a complicated or resource-intensive task. Many modern VPN providers offer cloud-based solutions that are easy to deploy and scale with your business.

Here are a few tips to simplify the process:

• Choose a reputable VPN provider that specializes in business-grade security
• Make sure the solution supports all operating systems your team uses (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
• Opt for features like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and automatic updates
• Train your team on proper VPN usage and best practices
• Monitor VPN performance and access logs regularly for unusual activity

You can work with your IT team or a trusted managed security service provider (MSSP) to get things running smoothly. Once your VPN is in place, you’ll have a reliable foundation for safe remote access.

What Features Should You Look for in a VPN for Remote Teams?

Not all VPNs are created equal. To get the most out of your investment, look for solutions that prioritize virtual private network security and user experience.

Key features to consider:

• AES-256 encryption – Represents the industry standard for secure communications
• Split tunneling – Allows you to route some traffic through the VPN and some through the internet
• No-logs policy – Ensures the VPN provider does not store browsing data
• Scalability – Makes it easy to add or remove users as your team grows
• Always-on VPN – Keeps your team protected by default

A strong VPN setup is about more than just connecting to a server — it’s about giving your team dependable, secure remote access that doesn’t disrupt their workflow or compromise their data and communications.

Q: Is a VPN an expensive security solution?

A: No, setting up a virtual private network is a cost-effective way to safeguard remote connections. There are free VPNs, but they may come with risks. Choose an affordable business-grade VPN.

How Does a VPN Fit into a Broader Security Strategy?

While VPNs are powerful, they are just one part of a complete cyber security plan. Think of a VPN as your front-line defense, providing the infrastructure for secure communication. However, you’ll still need to implement additional security measures.

These may include:

• Endpoint protection for laptops and mobile devices
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Regular software updates and patch management
• Employee security awareness training
• Data backup and recovery systems

Secure remote access solutions work best when integrated into a layered security approach. Combining a VPN with other tools helps create a resilient, secure IT environment for both your clients and your team.

When Is the Right Time to Implement a VPN?

If you’ve already embraced remote work in any form — even occasionally — the time to install a virtual private network is now. VPNs aren’t just for large corporations. Even the smallest business with one remote employee can benefit from secure connectivity. Consider implementing a VPN if your company or any of your employees access internal resources remotely, work with sensitive client data subject to regulations or have concerns about phishing and other potential cyberattacks. Delaying implementation increases your exposure to threats and limits your ability to respond to them effectively.

How Do You Get Your Team on Board?

Technology adoption only works when your people understand the “why” behind it. Start by explaining how VPNs protect not only the company’s data but also their personal information contained in human resource and payroll files. Highlight how secure remote access solutions make their jobs easier, not harder.

Be sure to:

• Provide easy-to-follow instructions for connecting to the VPN
• Offer security awareness training sessions or short how-to videos
• Create a helpdesk resource or contact point for VPN support
• Encourage consistent usage through policy and reminders

A smooth onboarding process will help employees embrace the change and build good security habits over time.

Q: Why is secure remote access important in today’s work environment?

A: Because employees work from various locations, secure remote access technology helps prevent data breaches and cyberattacks.

Ready to Set Up a Virtual Private Network?

Whether you’re managing a hybrid team or operating a fully remote company, VPNs are a smart investment. When you set up a VPN, you can drastically improve network security, enable secure outside access and show your clients that you take their data seriously. With flexible and scalable secure remote access solutions available, there’s no reason to leave your business exposed. Protect your people, secure your data and ensure your operations stay strong no matter where your team logs in from.

Contact your small business cyber security provider to select and install an appropriate VPN solution on all network-connected devices.