SMB Cyber Security – What is a VPN Good For? Can a VPN be Traced?

Overall, the business world has become more aware of better cyber security. The expanded remote access workforce has compelled businesses to address their cyber vulnerabilities amid a growing cyberattack landscape. Hackers continue to devise new ways to gain access to networks. As a result, Virtual Private Networks or VPNs are used more than ever to protect sensitive or personal data from breaches by cybercriminals.

Before deciding whether your small to midsized business needs a VPN, it is worth understanding how not having one leaves your network vulnerable to data breaches. Here is what happens when you connect to the internet without using a VPN:

• You Enter a Url Into Your Browser Window – When you enter a Url for a website, your Internet Service Provider or ISP tells your router to direct your traffic to that website. Your ISP's IP address number assigned to you is a unique digital set of credentials. It is possible that those credentials might also contain valuable personal information such as your email, IP address and phone number.
• Most Websites Use Cookies – Legitimate websites deliver cookies to your computer to gain additional information about you and observe your buying trends to customize advertisements for products and services based on your user data. Many websites also sell your “mini-profile” to third parties who will use them for their own marketing. Unfortunately, once the data has been shared with third parties, you no longer have control over what happens to that private information.

When using a VPN:

• You Connect to the VPN Provider’s Server – Your data is encrypted and then sent to the VPN server.
• The VPN Server Encrypts Your Data – Once the VPN server receives your data, it encrypts it again.
• Your IP Address is Hidden – When you log on to your VPN connection, your Internet Service Provider’s IP address is obscured. This is because VPNs use “tunneling technology” to create your personal private internet connection within an internet connection. As a result, the VPN server location can literally be anywhere in the world, thereby making it significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to identify your location or hijack your data.

The VPN servers do not store your private or identifying data. The net result of using a VPN is the addition of a powerful layer of cyber security to reduce the risk of being hacked.

Can a VPN be Traced?

With enough time and resources, the most prolific hackers can eventually breach most cyber protections. However, as is the case with any business, some projects just aren’t worth pursuing. Tracking, identifying and breaching a VPN connection is not cost-effective for hackers. The process entails combing through massive amounts of data to find and breach your connection. Therefore, in addition to a VPN’s intrinsic ability to hide your connection, hackers are discouraged and won’t waste their time on attacks unless they are searching for something specific and valuable.

VPNs for Small Businesses

For SMBs working on a tight profit margin, VPNs offer an economical and cost-effective layer of robust device security.

In addition to the privacy and security benefits afforded by a VPN, other features include:

• Mobility for Secure Remote Access – Your VPN goes where you go. Anywhere you can get a WiFi signal, you can access your VPN.
• Secure File Sharing – Remote work has also generated a greater need for sharing files without risking a data breach. VPNs have created a much safer file-sharing platform.
• Virtual Anonymity – Hiding your IP Address, identity and location is a critical component of working securely online. Using a VPN connection, no one will know where you are or what you’ve been doing.
• A Backdoor Pass – Because VPN servers can be located in any country, they make it possible to get around blocks to restricted websites and filters. This “pass” will expand your online access to blacked-out events and discounts restricted in many countries.
• Secure Streaming – Outsiders will not be able to access your browser history and any internet activity you wish to remain private.
• Stronger Overall Security – VPNs significantly reduce the risk of a network data breach.

Most small to midsized businesses are very budget-conscious. The good news is that remote-access VPNs are very cost-effective solutions that deliver a higher level of cyber security without sacrificing performance. Many VPN solutions for SMBs are reasonably priced. By employing IT professionals to evaluate your business and assess its cyber threat vulnerabilities, you will be able to find the best VPN package for your company's size and business functions.

Digiguard Cyber Security Can Lock Down Your Network

It is clear that a VPN is a crucial security layer for your business. Digiguard Cyber Security specializes in SMB cyber security, including VPN solutions. With Digiguard Cyber Security providing your small business with its own secure, accessible and affordable virtual private network setup and other cyber security components, your company will be armed and ready to work and share data in the current mobile work environment.

Contact DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) or visit www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com to start protecting your company's data, wherever you work.