The Value of VPNs in the Age of Remote Working

Recently, the global landscape of work underwent significant changes. Although remote work arrangements were not an alien concept, the pandemic catapulted it and made it extremely relevant. At present, it is impossible to imagine the corporate world without remote workers.

The pandemic-induced lockdowns showed people that work life can continue even when offices are shut. After all, remote working offers excellent flexibility and improved work-life balance.

Also, businesses enjoy access to a wider talent pool because they can hire talented resources from across the globe. Geographical limitations are a thing of the past. Today, you can open your company in the UK and have different teams working out of the USA, Brazil, Africa, Singapore, and/or India.

Yes, remote work arrangements sound lovely for both employers and employees. But it isn’t devoid of challenges and obstacles. Data protection and cybersecurity are two areas that present a challenge to companies and remote workers.

Fortunately, it is not something that cannot be handled, and VPNs swoop in like the prince charming on a white horse. VPNs have emerged as a critical tool that ensures security and efficiency, regardless of the work location. Continue reading to know the value of VPNs in today’s age of remote working.

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Understanding VPNs

A virtual private network or VPN acts as a secure tunnel between the Internet and your device. It encrypts all of your online traffic so it becomes incomprehensible to anyone trying to intercept your data. This data includes information like your login credentials, browsing history, and other data received or transmitted while connected to the Internet.

Some of the popular VPNs are the Surfshark app, NordVPN and ExpressVPN. More information about them is given below.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Vpn for Remote Work?

● Improved Security

The number one benefit of using a VPN for remote work is security because it encrypts all of your online traffic and makes your data incomprehensible for anyone trying to intercept it.

Improved security is particularly important for remote work because many workers prefer working on the go. This means connecting to public Wi-Fi networks that are often unsecured. These networks are hotspots for potential data breaches.

Thanks to VPN, your data remains confidential even when you are connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Besides your private information, sensitive company information is also safeguarded. You can even connect to your company’s network from your remote location without a second thought.

● Secure Access to Company Resources

Many companies use internal networks to store confidential data and applications that are important to daily operations. When working remotely, you may need to access these resources.

This is where VPN comes in handy. It facilitates secure access to these internal networks so that remote workers can seamlessly perform their tasks and collaborate with their team members. So, you can do all this while maintaining the same level of security as if you are physically present in the office.

● Access Content By Overcoming Geographical Restrictions

Certain online resources and websites might be geographically restricted due to regional regulations or licensing agreements. By using a VPN, you can easily bypass these restrictions.

A VPN allows you to change your current location to another server, and this is extremely beneficial when you need to access work-related platforms or resources that are restricted in your country.

● Augmented Anonymity and Privacy

Online privacy is a growing concern, and this is where VPNs come to the rescue. It masks IP addresses so that devices are not identifiable when connected to the Internet. Thanks to this, your online activities will be hidden and won’t be monitored by the government, your ISP or your company.

● Boosted Work Productivity

Remote employees can enjoy improved work efficiency and productivity using a VPN. This is because VPNs allow you to establish reliable and secure connections so you don’t experience disruptions and can finish your tasks in peace.

How Do You Choose a Vpn for Remote Work?

There are myriad VPN providers available. Hence, choosing one is overwhelming. Some key factors you must consider are given below:

Security features – The VPN you choose must offer robust security features and encryption protocols, including kill switches and 2FA.
Server network – The server network must be diverse as this will allow you to easily connect to servers in various locations according to your work requirements.
Connection speed – Connection speeds must be reliable and consistent so you don’t experience disruptions.
Logging policy – Choose a VPN with a transparent and clear no-logging policy so your data and activity won’t be stored or tracked by the provider.
Budget – Various VPN options exist, but you must stay clear about free VPNs. However, when it comes to choosing paid VPNs, you must consider your budget.

Top 3 Vpns for Remote Workers

There are several VPN providers at your disposal. But if an extensive server network, robust security, and no-logging policy are a priority, here are the top 3 picks for remote workers:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is well-known for its high-end security features, including a no-logs policy and military-grade encryption. It offers an extensive server network across 60+ countries, making it ideal for overcoming geographical restrictions and accessing global resources.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is popular because of its blazing-fast connection speeds. It is the perfect choice for file downloads, video conferencing, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. It has a straightforward interface and intuitive applications for different devices. It focuses on privacy with a strict no-logs policy.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark stands out because it is a budget-friendly option but doesn’t make any compromises on security and server networks. It allows users to connect unlimited devices simultaneously and is equipped with strong encryption protocols and a strict no-logs policy.

Summing Up

Remote work is only set to grow by leaps and bounds. As such, you must quickly add a VPN to your arsenal of tools. The value of VPNs cannot be harped enough. They not only maintain your privacy and security but allow you to anonymously connect to the Internet and bypass geo-restrictions.