SMB Cyber Security: What is a VPN Good For?

Summary: What is a VPN good for, can a VPN be traced and what’s the best VPN for small business?

Why Do You Need a VPN for Small Business?

Overall, the business world has become more aware of cybersecurity. Remote access work has compelled businesses to address their cyber vulnerabilities amid a growing cyberattack landscape. Hackers continue to devise new ways to gain access to networks. As a result, companies have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs). What is a VPN good for? It protects sensitive or personal data from breaches by cybercriminals.

Q: What is a VPN and how does it help small businesses?

A: A Virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between a user’s device and the business network over the internet. For small businesses, VPNs help protect sensitive data, allow employees to access internal systems remotely and reduce the risk of cybercriminals intercepting communications or stealing confidential information.

How Do VPNs Work?

Before deciding whether your small or midsized business (SMB) needs a VPN, it is worth understanding how going without leaves your network vulnerable to data breaches. Here’s what happens when you connect to the internet without using a VPN:

You Enter a URL Into Your Browser Window – When you enter a URL for a website, your internet service provider (ISP) tells your router to direct your traffic to that website. Your ISP's assigns an IP address to you, which is a unique digital set of credentials. It is possible that those credentials might also contain valuable personal information such as your email, IP address and phone number
Most Websites Use Cookies – Legitimate websites place cookies on your computer to gain additional information about you and observe your browsing trends to customize advertisements for products and services based on your user data. Many websites also sell your “profile” to third parties, who will use them for their own marketing. Unfortunately, once the data has been shared with third parties, you no longer have control over what happens to that private information

When using a VPN:

You Connect to the VPN Provider’s Server – Your data is encrypted and then sent to the VPN server
The VPN Server Encrypts Your Data – Once the VPN server receives your data, it encrypts it again
Your IP Address is Hidden – When you log on to your VPN connection, your IP address is obscured. This is because VPNs use “tunneling technology” to create your personal private internet connection within an internet connection. As a result, the VPN server location can literally be anywhere in the world, thereby making it significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to identify your location or hijack your data

The VPN servers do not store your private or identifying data. The net result of using a VPN is the addition of a powerful layer of cybersecurity to reduce the risk of being hacked.

Q: How does a VPN protect business data?

A: A VPN protects business data by encrypting internet traffic between the user and the company network or VPN server. This encryption prevents unauthorized parties from reading or altering transmitted information. Even if attackers intercept the data, it appears as unreadable code, helping safeguard confidential company and customer information.

Can a VPN be Traced?

With enough time and resources, the most prolific hackers can eventually breach most cyber protections. However, as is the case for any business, some projects just aren’t worth pursuing. Tracking, identifying and breaching a VPN connection is not cost-effective for hackers. The process entails combing through massive amounts of data to find and breach your connection. Therefore, in addition to a VPN’s intrinsic ability to hide your connection, hackers are discouraged and won’t waste their time on attacks unless they are searching for something specific and valuable.

Q: Do small businesses need a VPN if they already use cloud services?

A: Yes, a VPN can still add security even when using cloud services. While cloud platforms often have built-in protections, a VPN secures the connection between employees’ devices and those services. This extra layer of encryption helps protect data when staff access cloud tools from remote locations or public networks.

VPNs for Small Businesses

For SMBs working on a tight profit margin, VPNs offer an economical and cost-effective layer of robust device security.

In addition to the privacy and security benefits afforded by a VPN, other features include:

Mobility for Secure Remote Access – Your VPN goes where you go. Anywhere you can get a WiFi signal, you can access your VPN
Secure File Sharing – Remote work has also generated a greater need for sharing files without risking a data breach. VPNs have created a much safer file-sharing platform
Virtual Anonymity – Hiding your IP Address, identity and location is a critical component of working securely online. Using a VPN connection, no one will know where you are or what you’ve been doing
A Backdoor Pass – Because VPN servers can be located in any country, they make it possible to get around blocks to restricted websites and filters. This “pass” will expand your online access to blacked-out events and discounts restricted in many countries
Secure Streaming – Outsiders will not be able to access your browser history and any internet activity you wish to remain private. Can a VPN be traced? It’s rare
Stronger Overall Security – VPNs significantly reduce the risk of a network data breach

Q: What should small businesses look for when choosing a VPN?

A: Small businesses should look for strong encryption, reliable performance and easy management when choosing a VPN. Features like multifactor authentication support, user access controls and compatibility with existing devices are important. A reputable provider with clear security practices and good technical support can also help maintain long-term protection.

How Do You Choose a VPN for your SMB?

Most small and midsized businesses are budget conscious. The good news is that remote-access VPNs are cost-effective solutions that deliver a higher level of cybersecurity without sacrificing performance. Many VPN solutions for SMBs are reasonably priced. By employing IT professionals to evaluate your business and assess its cyber threat vulnerabilities, you’ll be able to find the best VPN package for your company's size and business functions.

Connect with us if you’re looking for a New York City-area IT security provider or contact a small business IT security expert near you to learn more about a VPN for small business and getting strong network security protection for your company.