How does VPN support Remote Access Work?

Today with digitization, businesses have become more dynamic. The approach towards work and working culture has shifted from a traditional viewpoint to a more performance-based outlook. Thus, when Covid-19, took the entire world by storm, most IT companies moved their working model to Work from Home. Fortunately, most companies had a preparedness to deploy the new model immediately, and thus although the world stopped, work continued in the safety of our homes.

Thus, the two elements that made remote working possibly even in such difficult times are the Internet and the VPN service. Overnight millions of employees across the globe signed up for remote working where with the help of the Internet, they were remotely connecting to their corporate network through some cloud-based apps. This step somewhere played a vital role in running the economy. However, with so many users accessing essential systems remotely, the threat of security breaches is also considerable risk. A small mistake can result in substantial corporate loss. So, what is the solution?

Security teams and employees working from home can ensure that they minimize the risk but following some significant steps.

1. Multi-factor Authentication

Passwords are easy to crack; thus, your device needs to be protected by multi-factor authentication. This means that the user can enter the network only after locking in two or more pieces of information that validates the authentication process. Having a biometric method for logging is most preferred.

• Configure your home systems

Your home system might not have enough software or settings to support such an elongated work-from-home scenario. Thus, ask your IT team to preconfigure your order to enable you to work from home seamlessly. The best option would be to get an official laptop with all the corporate security protocols well installed.

• Take regular backups

Work from home is not like working from the office; here, you are at the mercy of your internet provider; additionally, the IT team might not be so readily available as it was while working at the office. Thus, we advise you to prepare a back option for your data, so that in situations, like system crash, network issue, or connectivity failure, your data will be safe and available.

• Ensure your VPN software is updated

Last, but most importantly, have your VPN up and running. VPN or Virtual Private Network is your ultimate gateway to security. The VPN server should be equipped to handle the load of users connecting to the work network and keep the data secured and private. Employees must log in to the VPN with their credentials before sharing any data or connecting to the office network.

These four checks can keep your work-from-home experience safe and enjoyable. However, about the VPN, a few things must be kept in mind.

• Use only a company approved VPN.

Please do not use a Public or free VPN service. Your company has invested in purchasing a reliable and robust VPN server through which you can connect to your office network. The purchased VPN software will provide double encryption to your data, browsing history, and saving it from any phishing attacks.

• Avoid using office VPNs for personal video streaming.

Remember, just like you, there are thousands of employees of your company, using the VPN server. Thus, to ensure that each one works with the same amount of security, it is advised to limit the use of VPN to not more than 12 hours. Some organizations configure the server to work only for 10-12 hours; this is done to maintain the efficiency of the server. Therefore, use it efficiently and sensitively.

The Final Word:

Working-from-home is not easy; there are enough distractions that can reduce our efficiency. Thus, being IT equipped comes as a great relief, especially having a VPN, to know more about how a VPN can help you work better read more here. The Coronavirus is here to stay for a bit longer, but let not our work suffer, let’s encash on the power of digitization and follow the digital hygiene to ensure a safe and fruitful work-from-home period.