Ruthie Toce
March 27, 2019
What Is A VPN?
Virtual Private Network
Every business wants to protect their data and client information. For the reason, they have their own networks that require special set-up or credentials to access. However, more and more people work from home or travel a lot and still need access to their company’s network. That is where a VPN comes in handy. A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that offers a secure connection from one network to another.
Work from anywhere
If your company is set up with a VPN, and you have a company-owned laptop, you can work anywhere so long as you have an internet connection. Once connected, the VPN will give you access to secure company data and shared drives through an encrypted tunnel that connects you back to your company’s network. This connection allows you to safely access your work files as if you were sitting at your desk and plugged directly into the network’s servers. A VPN is perfect for those of you who travel a lot, work a hybrid schedule split between the office and home, or who want to catch up on some meeting notes from your favorite coffee shop.
Now, to connect to your company network through a VPN you’ll need software installed on your computer to establish and maintain that secure connection. There are several programs that can be used depending on your company’s infrastructure. Some of our clients use Cisco AnyConnect for their VPN connection when working outside of the office.
What to do when VPN isn't an option
Keep in mind that a VPN may not always an option. Some places such as airports and courtrooms block ports that allow VPN access for security purposes, which can be annoying for busy travelers or attorneys mid-trial. In these instances, we recommend downloading the files you need and saving them locally to your machine’s desktop. If you know you’ll have internet access, you could also store files in the cloud, such as a OneDrive account. If there won’t be any internet, it is best to pull those files onto an external hard drive.
Setting up a VPN connection is a great way to stay connected to work when you’re on the go. If you enjoyed this article, check out some of these other resources::
