Can I Use a VPN at Work?

Many companies allow remote work or personal devices in the office. While Wi-Fi hotspots are provided, using a VPN can protect your browsing history from your employer. Using personal or company devices exposes you to cyber threats. A VPN helps secure sensitive data and reduce risks. It can also bypass company censorship, granting access to blocked sites.

 

What Is a VPN, And Why Is It Essential For Work?

 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates anonymity and security for users when using the internet. They do this by creating a secure connection between the user’s device and the internet. Effectively, your data is rerouted through a VPN server and an encrypted tunnel that keeps your IP address hidden and also protects your data from unwanted eyes.

Having a VPN for work is great because it protects the company you work for and enhances your privacy. For remote workers, a VPN is a must, and for office workers, VPNs are great if you are using public Wi-Fi or want to protect your privacy.

 

 

How To Use a VPN On a Work Computer?

 

If your office uses a corporate VPN, you just need to be added as a user to gain access. For Windows users, you can add yourself as a new connection in your Control Panel under Network and Sharing. People who work on Macs will need to go into System Preferences, and then Network. At that point, you will be able to enter your office’s IP address.

Remote workers, however, will have to set up their own VPN from scratch. This means purchasing a subscription plan with a provider that suits you and setting it up yourself.

 

Reasons To Use A VPN At Work

 

Here are the most common reasons for using a VPN for work:

 

Bypass Web Filtering

 

If your network administrator imposes strict internet filters, a VPN can help you get around them. While certain websites are off-limits for a reason and should be respected, it could potentially help to bypass social media restrictions to take a quick break and watch a video on social media before you jump back in.

 

Online Privacy

 

Using a VPN for work can help keep your online activities private from prying eyes, such as a boss or even potential hackers.

 

Safety When Working Remotely

 

Sometimes you will need to work from home, go on a business trip, or simply want to have a change of scenery for an hour. By using a VPN when you are at home, you will protect sensitive work data and maintain your privacy. Additionally, public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously unsafe, and VPNs will be the best practice to protect your company as well as yourself.

 

Protect Business Communications

 

VPNs will help ensure the protection of sensitive and confidential business communications and decrease the chances of costly and embarrassing leaks.

 

Does Using a Work VPN Expose My Home Network to My Employer?

 

No. Your VPN exists to create a tunnel for you, not for the network you are using. Although your employer may ask you to use a business VPN while at work, this is not the same as your usual private VPN. 

Your network will also not show up on your work’s network. Beyond this, it would be incredibly unethical for your employers to try and access your home network. 

Employers are forbidden from accessing employees’ computers and phones without legitimate reasons to do so. Legitimate reasons include:

• A security breach
• Suspected fraud
• Suspected illegal activity

However, some employers might abuse this rule and monitor for activity that goes against company policy, like downloading BitTorrent files or mining Bitcoin. Unencrypted messages are also likely to be seen by an employer who chooses to snoop, along with any other information you transmit encrypted. This can include medical records and card numbers.

 

 

Is Using a VPN At Work Against Company Policy?

 

Sometimes, but not often. While some employers do not allow employees to use private VPNs in the office, as they can be used to access restricted websites, many places do not have rules about this.

Using a private VPN on a work computer might be seen as risky, as your traffic will not be monitored by IT. This could put your company’s network at risk, depending on what you are using this VPN to do.

However, working without a VPN can be incredibly risky. Not only could your personal data be at risk, but also your company’s. This is why most companies do not prohibit VPN use in the office, and many even encourage it.

 

Does A VPN Protect You On Work WiFi?

 

Yes. Your VPN will keep you safe when using any sort of public WiFi network, which is usually at a higher risk of cyberattacks. This means you can work from stations and coffee shops without worrying about getting your information stolen.

VPNs will encrypt your internet traffic. This means that even on public WiFi networks, your connection will be secure throughout. 

 

Should Remote Workers Use VPNs? 

 

Remote workers should consider using remote access VPNs when working. A remote VPN allows remote workers to securely access their company’s apps and data which is stored in office computers. 

This is done by encrypting all the traffic that these users send and receive. Remote VPNs link remote users to these host computers via the internet, using remote access software that is installed on both the host and the remote computers. This process is easy to set up and does not require additional hardware. 

The remote access VPN then creates a pathway between the company’s network and the computer or device belonging to the remote worker. All the traffic on this pathway is encrypted, meaning the remote worker can use company apps and data securely, even in public. 

 

Best Practices For VPN Use

 

There are a few things you can do to make sure you are using a VPN for work responsibly:

• Work Guidelines: Ensure you adhere to your company’s guidelines regarding internet use and VPNs.
• Use Personal and Work VPNs Responsibly: If you have access to both, use your company VPN for work and your personal VPN for private browsing.
• Separate Business and Personal Affairs: Make sure to use different devices for your personal online activities to avoid any data exposure.
• Updates: Stay up to date with any changes your company makes to their work guidelines.
• Reliable VPN Provider: Choose a VPN provider that is trustworthy and that will actually secure your business data.

 

 

Do You Need A VPN To Keep Your Data Protected?

 

Using a VPN at work is an effective way to keep work data protected and maintain your privacy. A VPN is especially important when you are connecting to unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. Although a VPN is a very good line of defence and keeps your online data secure, best practices such as changing your password regularly and staying cautious about the websites you visit can make a huge difference.