Virtual Private Networks can help with your cybersecurity
Online privacy and security are essential—and easier to attain than you might think. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps protect your data and maintain anonymity while browsing or working online.
What is a VPN?
When you go online, your computer or phone usually connects directly to a website. But with a VPN, your connection first goes through a secure code process—like traveling through a secret underground tunnel—before reaching the website.
What Does a VPN Do?
A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet, helping to prevent criminals from tracking your activities or stealing your passwords.
A VPN also hides your IP address and your real geographic location, letting you browse the internet as if you’re somewhere else. This means you could access websites blocked in your region, and it also allows remote employees to connect safely to work resources. When you’re connecting to public wifi or another unsecured network, a VPN helps shield your data as well as your device. You don’t want anyone intercepting your credit card number or planting malware on your phone!
The more secure your individual devices, the less of a target your business becomes for hackers. Plus, if you want to keep your technology stack working, cybersecurity is a business priority. Put simply, if you want your sh*t to work, you have to protect your ecosystem.
How do you use a VPN?
You install a VPN just like any other app or software on your device. Once it’s installed (Stratti can help!), you open the app and log in. From there, you’ll see a list of server locations—these are physical servers run by the VPN provider in different cities or countries. You choose one to connect to (for example, a server in San Francisco or London), and the VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and that server.
Once connected, all your internet activity is routed through that server, and you can browse the internet as usual.
Company Access vs. General Internet Use
Not all VPNs are used in the same way.
Company Network Access
Many companies, including Stratti, use a VPN as a private tunnel to their internal network. This enables our employees to securely access company files and critical applications, such as Microsoft 365, avoiding the potential threats posed by public networks. This type of VPN is specifically designed for secure access to internal resources, ensuring your work data remains protected. Away from the office and still need to access email and company files? Keep reading.
General Internet Browsing
If you need a VPN for general browsing —to mask your public IP address for privacy, enhance security on public Wi-Fi, or access geo-restricted content—we recommend a third-party product like NordVPN. These services are designed to provide secure and efficient browsing while using the internet for personal use.
Who Needs a VPN?
At the risk of sounding a little obvious: everyone! Whether you’re working from home, at the airport, or traveling frequently, a VPN can make things more straightforward and secure.
Even if you’re not traveling for work or a full-time remote employee, you might find yourself bringing your computer and phone with you to access work materials on the go. Even for small tasks like sending emails or Teams messages, a VPN is critical to getting them done safely.
Enhance your security and privacy wherever you go! Don’t know where to start? Drop us a message any time.
