Running a small business is no easy feat. There is an ongoing list of things to do, emails to answer, and calls to make. Though it’s easy to get overwhelmed, you must make your company’s online security a top priority.
With online protection, you might face cyberattacks that cost you time and money you don’t have to spare. Thankfully, there is a nice, simple solution for preventing such attacks: A VPN for your business.
What Exactly is a VPN, and How Does It Work?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a type of technology that provides a private and secure network for its users. You connect to the VPN’s server, which then hides your actual IP address. It also provides a secure tunnel through which you can communicate with others and browse the Internet. The tunnel is invisible to others, so your activity and communication are, too.
Benefits of a VPN for Small Businesses
Most small businesses operate mostly online. And since cybercriminals become wiser by the day, online security risks increase. Having a VPN should not just be an option for small businesses. It should be a necessity for several reasons- the most important of which are below.
Online Security
It’s common to think that large corporations are hackers’ targets and that your small business is safe, but it’s not actually true. Almost 50% of all cyberattacks target small businesses because they tend to have less security than large corporations. This makes them an easier target.
Though there is always some level of risk when you do anything online, you can lower that risk. If you are using a VPN, you are keeping your online activity in a protected tunnel and preventing viruses and data leaks.
Secure Communication
One very effective way a VPN keeps you, your employees and all of your data secure by identifying and blocking phishing emails and malicious websites. Cybercriminals have become very efficient at mimicking legitimate websites and emails, making it very easy to find yourself on malicious websites. A VPN can protect you from these things.
Multiple Connections and Devices
Keeping your team connected and secure is important, and that’s why using the right VPN is excellent for small businesses. Some allow you to connect multiple devices at once, so whether your team is working together or separately, each member can do it safely. You can use your VPN on any device you use to connect to the Internet, so you’re secure no matter what you work from.
Remote Access
Most small business owners and employees work wherever they go: The office, the library, the coffee shop, their couch, or a hotel on the other side of the world. With a VPN, you can take your security with you anywhere you go – as can your employees.
Whoever you give the login information to, can access the VPN. This means that even though your remote team is spread worldwide, you can all access the VPN. You can all securely communicate, send files to one another, and more without worrying that it will be compromised.
Geoblocking
For small business owners that travel to other countries, a VPN is essential. In many places around the world, you can be blocked from accessing any website content that the country you are in does not want you accessing. This may mean that you cannot get on websites that you need to access to work or communicate with your team.
A VPN helps you get around geo-restrictions. All that is required is to connect to a server located in your home country. Then, you can access any content or communication tools that you normally do.
Affordability
When you run a business- whether it’s just you or you employ many people- your budget is important. Without sticking to your budget, you can quickly go into debt or even out of business.
Fortunately, buying a VPN is an affordable way to secure your business and prevent data breaches. You gain high-quality protection at costs low enough that they will not break your bank account.
If you oversee a small business, obtaining a VPN should be at the top of your task list. Doing so is an essential and significant step towards protecting you, your company, and your customers.
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