What Is A Company VPN?

A company VPN is a virtual private network that is designed for the protection of corporate users and data of companies rather than that of individuals as is the case with normal VPNs, which which are typically used to watch Netflix, book holidays and protect everyday personal data.

With the traditional 9-to-5 office model giving way to the flexibility of remote work, reliance on technological devices like laptops and computers has become the new norm. Alas, for all the benefits this has brought, integration of the working world and the virtual realm has also brought about significant security concerns.

Enter the company VPN, short for Virtual Private Network. With the workplace transitioning into the digital sphere, the VPN for businesses has emerged as a vital tool for ensuring secure connections and safeguarding sensitive information.

 

What Is A Corporate VPN?

 

To understand the concept of a company VPN or business VPN, it’s essential to first grasp the fundamentals of what a VPN is.

Virtual Private Networks, more commonly known as VPNs, can be used to give internet users a private and protected internet connection. By concealing users’ IP addresses and encrypting data transmission, this shielded connection ensures a safe browsing experience, maintaining privacy and anonymity across users’ online activities.

Unsurprisingly, a business or company VPN is therefore a VPN specifically tailored to facilitate secure and private communication within a corporate environment.

Corp VPNs empower employees to remotely and securely access company resources such as files, applications, and other databases over the web. This can enable seamless collaboration and productivity regardless of where employees may be.

 

 

Why Are Company VPNs Important?

 

Corp VPNs play a crucial role in safeguarding the security and privacy of organisations.

These VPNs can extend a company’s private network over a public network, thereby ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of company data. This is instrumental in allowing employees to access company resources securely, even when working remotely, without compromising confidentiality or data integrity.

Additionally, company VPNs help enforce corporate policies and regulatory compliance by controlling access to sensitive information and monitoring user activity within the corporate network.

 

What Is The Difference Between a VPN And a Company VPN?

 

Here are some core differences between a VPN and a company VPN:

 

Uses

 

A standard VPN may be used for a variety of reasons. Individuals typically rely on them to safeguard their online privacy, security, and anonymity. Whereas a company VPN is specifically tailored to meet the security and connectivity needs of an organisation. By allowing employees to securely access company resources even when working remotely, organisations can ensure seamless collaboration and productivity.

 

Additional Benefits

 

In addition to these core VPN uses, standard VPNs may be employed to access geo-restricted content, enhance streaming and gaming experiences, protect against malware and hackers, and safeguard sensitive information such as passwords and financial details.

 

 

Are Company VPNs Safe?

 

As with any technology, the safety of VPNs is not a blanket guarantee as vulnerabilities may exist. Thus, the safety of VPNs hinges on numerous factors. VPNs that prioritise strong encryption protocols to protect data transmission and implement robust authentication mechanisms to verify user identity are likely to offer higher levels of security.

Ultimately, selecting a VPN that prioritises integrity and robust security measures is crucial. Equally important is the ongoing maintenance and proper configuration of the VPN, which includes, for instance, ensuring regular updates are carried out.

However, there are additional concerns that crop up regarding the safety of company VPNs. These arise from the fear that companies might be able to monitor user activity through these VPN networks. Delve into this below.

 

Can A Company Track You With A VPN?

 

There’s no one answer to the question of whether companies use VPNs to track the online movements of their employees. It will all depend on the policies of that specific company. However, it’s important to note that companies may well be able to monitor employee online activity while they’re logged onto a company VPN.

The degree of monitoring will vary. With certain company VPN configurations, employers may have visibility into employees’ internet usage and activities while they are logged onto the corporate network. However, this visibility may not extend to details such as internet browsing history or the entirety of online activities.

This may sound unfair and even intrusive, but its primary purpose is often to ensure the security of corporate networks and to mitigate potential cyber threats, fraud, or other irregular activities. Ultimately, it serves as a means for companies to uphold network integrity and protect sensitive company data.

VPNs for business should also be chosen with the utmost care to ensure you pick a VPN that is suitable for your business.

 

 

When Should I Use A Company VPN?

 

Let’s take a deeper dive into the various uses of company VPNs:

 

Remote Work

 

In an age where remote work is becoming increasingly important, using a company VPN ensures secure connections to your corporate network. So, whether you’re working from your local coworking space or working while travelling the globe, your company data can stay protected.

 

Company Devices

 

When using company devices, such as company-given laptops, phones or computers, it may be a company requirement that employees operate on VPNs for companies.

 

Unsecured Networks & Cyber Security

 

It is especially important to utilise company VPNs when working using public Wi-Fi or other unsecured network connections. Failure to do so may leave your company data vulnerable to criminal and cybersecurity threats.

 

Company Collaboration

Company VPNs can be used to facilitate seamless communication and file sharing between colleagues and clients alike.

 

Accessing Company Resources

 

Whenever you need to access company files, applications, and other data, it is important to use a company VPN to ensure security and confidentiality.

 

Ensuring Compliance

Some organisations may enforce the use of corporate VPNs to ensure compliance requirements are upheld on a company-wide basis

 

The Importance of a Company VPN

 

Corporate VPNs should be used whenever there’s a requirement to access company resources online. This practice not only safeguards sensitive corporate data but also upholds network integrity, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and facilitates seamless company-wide communication, enhances overall company productivity as a result.