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As life and work slowly return to normal in a post-Covid world, many people are still working from home or in a hybrid flow where they’re sometimes in the office and sometimes at home. As such, technology continues to evolve to support the work-from-home lifestyle with things like video chat software and online communication platforms.
But how do you access the internet servers and network of your corporate office safely and securely without being there in person? Luckily, remote access VPNs are here to help.
What Is a VPN?
First, it’s important to understand what a VPN is. The term VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Every time you use the Internet on your device, it has to connect to a network to work. With a VPN, this network connection is encrypted, meaning no one else can see what you’re doing online.
Picture your device at one end of a long tunnel. At the other end is a server that allows you to connect to the Internet.
You send out and receive data through that tunnel as you interact with the Internet, and a VPN will encrypt all of that traffic, masking your activity and browsing history. Because this tunnel is essentially private, it also allows you to bypass any firewalls and restrictions placed upon you by the regular network you’d otherwise be surfing through.
VPNs also hide your IP address and location from prying eyes by connecting you to a remote server owned by a VPN provider rather than the nearest server. Many good VPN providers also allow you to pick which country your VPN routes through.
The Definition of a Remote Access VPN
Now that you know what a VPN is, let’s move into remote access VPNs. Remote access VPNs are VPNs designed specifically to connect remote workers with the corporate servers of the companies they work for.
Just like a regular VPN does, it will establish a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the corporate server, no matter where you are actually located. Corporations and companies will work with VPN providers to set up this connection in advance. The VPN provider will go in and set it all up, including clarifying who has access to the servers.
Any remote VPN setup will include additional layers of security and privacy to help ensure the connection remains secure and has a defense system to protect itself from potential threats. Security features like multi-factor authentication may be employed, and you’ll have to adhere to those when logging on.
The whole idea of a remote access VPN is to make it feel like you are protected and able to work in the corporate network as though you are physically in the office. A remote access VPN is meant to reduce barriers between working from home and working in the office so remote workers can complete their tasks without jeopardizing the company’s cybersecurity.
Why Should You Get a Remote Access VPN?
It’s important to note that remote access VPNs are designed for corporate use, so if you’re not involved in corporate business-related work, a regular VPN should be just fine to fulfill your privacy needs. But for businesses, remote access VPNs can offer a variety of benefits that make them well worth the investment.
Security and Privacy
The main perk of using a remote access VPN is its security and privacy benefits. It helps to protect and secure your corporate network and reduces the risk of a data breach or other issues by encrypting all traffic that flows within the company.
Facilitate a Work-From-Home Workflow
Whether your company has chosen to implement a remote workflow or your employees prefer to stay home, using a remote access VPN allows them the flexibility to do so while not compromising security.
Cost-Effective Expansion
With the security of remote access VPNs allowing for high-quality work to be done, more remote employees can be hired without the need to expand infrastructure.
What Are Some Drawbacks to Remote Access VPNs?
No technology is ever perfect, and remote access VPNs do come with their fair share of risks. Before investing in any new system, it’s good to evaluate both the benefits and drawbacks before using it to do business.
Faulty Installation and Security Risks
The main purpose of a VPN is to boost security, but depending on the VPN provider, the type of package purchased, and the skill of the person installing it, any number of digital vulnerabilities could be left unchecked.
Hackers and cybercriminals know to target VPNs and might seek them out to test their strength. Once malware makes it through a VPN’s network, the VPN can inadvertently serve as a conduit for the virus, helping to infect your device.
Lag Times and Bandwidth Restrictions
Many regular VPNs can experience slow lag times and loading issues as they work to route your data through their remote servers. Remote access VPNs can experience similar issues, especially if handling large numbers of people across a limited network at once.
What Are Good VPNs?
For remote access VPNs, you’re better off looking at VPNs designed for business use. These will be the most secure and capable providers ready to handle sensitive business information and workflow. When deciding which provider is best for you, consider various factors like cost, network speed, antivirus protections, user-friendly interface, and more.
Here are some top picks:
- Burner VPN
- NordVPN
- TunnelBear VPN
- ExpressVPN
- Mullvad VPN
Burner VPN is a secure and fast VPN solution that prioritizes your online privacy and security. It uses secure protocols, such as Wireguard, which provide fast speeds and strong security, as well as IKEv2, which is natively supported on iOS.
In terms of security, Burner VPN has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that your online activity is never tracked or recorded. Your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through secure VPN servers, making it difficult for anyone to monitor your online behavior.
And setting it up couldn’t be easier — or more secure.
First, make sure you've upgraded from a Standard line to Premium. Once upgraded, simply follow the steps below:
- Open the Burner app.
- Tap VPN at the bottom of the inbox.
- Tap the middle start button to connect! That's all!
Setting up Burner VPN is simple. Just tap the VPN power button and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through the setup process, which may involve installing a VPN profile or configuration.
Remote Access VPNs: What To Remember
The key thing to remember about remote-access VPNs is that they allow you to connect to the corporate network of the company you work for while you’re working from home. If you combine the use of a private, secure VPN with other cybersecurity best practices like using strong passwords, Burner’s second phone number app, and reporting spam, you’re well on your way to living the digital sweet life from the comfort of home.
Sources:
Is Using A VPN Safe? What You Need To Know | Forbes Advisor
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) | NCSC.GOV.UK
What is a VPN? Why Should I Use a VPN? | Microsoft Azure
