VPN software has been prevalent in the digital market for decades now, however for most SMEs, the use of a virtual private network gained immense popularity more recently. Based on a recent report, hackers are using the coronavirus pandemic to spread malware on a colossal scale.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are now often working from home, and it has become the new norm for many organisations. This has highlighted the advantages of using a VPN service on home networks to avoid security breaches.
Using a VPN connection to encrypt online data is crucial to safeguard confidential information. and if users have to work on company-specific platforms, and are using their home network, the risk of getting hacked increases.
Here are some of the benefits of using a VPN while working from home.
1. Mask your real IP from hackers
Users can mask their actual IP address while they surf online to ensure their data is safe from malware attacks.
All consumer-specific information is viewable to third parties as they track a users’ ISP. Surprisingly, users can hide their data by altering their location with the VPN server. This way, hackers will not be able to see any of the users’ online activities. Instead, they can only see encrypted statistics that will protect the users’ online identity.
2. Increased productivity during work from home
Home networks are susceptible to cyber-attacks, which have increased 37% during the COVID-19 outbreak, limiting users from utilising the internet to its full potential.
However, a VPN will safeguard online privacy and remove the barriers that fall under the radar of limited bandwidth issues and low connection speeds.
Considering the need for people to converse with their team members abroad, a VPN will provide a seamless connection. It is possible to use a server based on where you want to collaborate. Using country-specific servers will give the fastest speed so that discussions can be conducted during meetings without any interruptions.
3. Online anonymity / bypass geo-restrictions
With a VPN, users can log in to any website and application without any fear of being traced because the connection will provide full-fledged anonymity.
Sites that allow people to access from a particular country will block IP instantly. In that case, using VPN software will enable access to those websites by using a server in that location. For Example, you can only access the streaming platform BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Therefore, to get permission to access such sites, users need to use a virtual private network. It will bypass the local content restrictions and allow users to access it anonymously.
4. Protect multiple devices at home
Users have a range of different devices at home, but protecting all connected systems remains a daunting task. With a single VPN connection, users do not need to install multiple software to protect each device being used.
By subscribing once to a VPN software, users are able to safeguard all their devices, be it laptop, tablet, Apple TV, or any other connected device . Multiple platforms can be protected via a single VPN account.
5. Secure your public Wi-Fi connection
When working remotely and facing issues with the home network, users may then have to access public Wi-Fi. But, this poses a problem as, when a public network is used it is not a safe option and it puts online identities on risk.
Accessing free Wi-Fi exposes online privacy to various unwanted threats, causing serious dangers afterwards. TYour digital footprint can be tracked and hostile actors can keep a check on the activities users are performing. Public Wi-Fi will also make confidential information vulnerable to hackers.
Public Wi-Fi problems can be circumvented by using a VPN connection. It will protect data in real-time with its strict zero-logs policy and high-tech encryption features.
6. P2P file sharing facility on digital platforms
Digital media sharing is arduous when users are operating from home. Using a VPN software allows users to leverage P2P file-sharing protocols that will help in sharing massive files without any hassle.
Besides that, people using platforms such as the Zoom conference to collaborate and share files with their team members reported a threat to their online privacy. The video conferencing and media sharing service are not encrypted with security protocols, which can leads to violation of user rights.
It avoids bandwidth and file downloading issues because of the speed-optimised servers. Even connecting with your team members in different locations, users can share data in the fastest way possible.
7. Overcome price discrimination issues
Another advantage of using a VPN is on high-end commodities. Most companies charge prices based on the geo-locations of consumers. Online stores are more likely to display different rates to customers specific to their location. Hence, using a VPN will enable users to eliminate this price discrimination by changing their IP to the online store location and take advantage of discounted services.
Final Words
In a nutshell, a VPN connection will protect privacy from being threatened. While it also boosts business productivity when surfing online. Research VPNs and the security features they offer, then choose a VPN service that fulfils your security needs.
Contributed by Amtul Rafay, Cybersecurity writer.
