What's That Term?: VPN
The IT industry is technical and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be impossible to understand. In conversations with our clients and end users, we try to break down IT lingo into easy to understand terminology. Our What’s That Term? Series offers definitions for some of the most common words and terms in today's technology vocabulary.
You’ve probably heard more about VPN’s in the last few months than ever before.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a connection method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks. Corporations have been using VPN’s for years to protect sensitive data. However, personal VPN use has gained popularity recently as more people become aware of the security risks posed by the internet and more of our previously in-person lives have transitioned to the digital space.
Let’s talk about what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is, why people use them, and why you keep hearing about them.
What is it?
A Virtual Private Network is a service that allows you to connect to the Internet via an encrypted tunnel to ensure your online privacy and protect your sensitive data. A VPN is commonly used to secure connection to public Wi-FI hotspot, hide IP address and make your browsing private.
When you connect to the internet with a VPN, the VPN app on your device (also called a VPN client) establishes a secure connection with a VPN server. Your traffic still passes through your ISP, but your ISP can no longer read it or see its final destination. The websites you visit can no longer see your original IP address, only the IP address of the VPN server, which is shared by many other users and changes regularly.
Consumers use VPNs to keep their online activity private and ensure access to sites and services that might otherwise be restricted.
Companies use VPNs to connect remote employees as if they were all using the same local network at a central office. Unlike commercial VPNs, however, corporate VPNs are meant to protect the privacy of the company and not necessarily the individual.
Why You’ve Heard It
As more of our everyday activities occur in the digital space, the need for online security and privacy becomes more important. When the coronavirus pandemic forced much of the world to shelter in place and work from home, the use of VPN software skyrocketed. In the U.S. alone, VPN usage increased 124% during the two weeks between March 8 and March 22, 2020.
In addition to using VPN’s for work purposes, many people have turned to this technology to get around geographical restrictions on information, news, and entertainment.
Our Advice
For our clients, we utilize Remote Desktop Gateway with duo factor authentication rather than a VPN for their remote work needs.
Remote Desktop Gateway is a Microsoft service that enables people to securely log into their company's computers from any Internet-connected device that's running a Remote Desktop client app. Users go to a login page, enter credentials, and get connected to the network through a firewall. Ultimately, this solution provides a more secure, reliable connection and reduces the reliance on a third-party VPN provider.
VPNs do have their place for personal use, however. Using a VPN can offer increased internet privacy and allow you to access content that otherwise may not be available in your geographic area. Only use a VPN on a personal device, and ensure your antivirus software is up to date.
Kotman Technology has been delivering comprehensive technology solutions to clients in California and Michigan for nearly two decades. With a customer retention of over 98%, we pride ourselves on being the last technology partner you'll ever need. Contact us today to experience the Kotman Difference.