If you run a small business, you might be part of the 82% who think hackers will never target you. Unfortunately, such a lax approach to cybersecurity can (and almost certainly will) cost you.
Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself, your employees, and your business. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of them.
Why Does My Small Business Need a VPN?
There are several good reasons for investing in a VPN service that your employees can use. Let’s take a quick look at them.
1. Keeping Sensitive Information Private While Employees Are Away From the Office
No matter your business size, you have information that needs to be protected. This could include your internal documentation, business records, and/or any customer information you’ve collected.
It’s fairly easy to protect this information while everyone is in the office. But what happens when one of your employees needs to travel for business? Or when you need to rely on remote workers, whether short-term or long-term?
Just as important, what about any customer information your business gathers and stores? Something as simple as accessing the internal company FAQ via an unsecured network can create an opening for a data breach.
This is where a reliable VPN comes in. The VPN service will encrypt all online traffic coming and going from any device connected to its servers, protecting all of the information being accessed and discussed.
2. Staying Secure While Abroad
Let’s imagine your employee needs to research and purchase something for the business.
If they try to do so while abroad (perhaps meeting with a supplier), they’re going to get search results for the country they’re in! This includes any local product limitations, prices, and shipping costs.
Can you say “logistical nightmare”?
But if they can change their IP address by connecting to a VPN server in their home country, they can place the order as they normally would from the office. They’ll see your local sites, products, prices, and shipping costs.
Perhaps even more important, a VPN might be necessary for enjoying basic access to the internet. If you’re on a business trip to China, for example, you’ll need a reliable VPN to do something as basic as accessing your WhatsApp and Skype to stay in communication.
3. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Let’s face it – starting and maintaining a business is an expensive affair. You can’t always afford to get office supplies like computers and work cellphones.
This is where a good Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy comes into play, allowing your employees to continue using their own laptops and smartphones. Some of them might even prefer this – and you might agree with them on that!
But when you implement a BYOD policy, you give up some of the control you have over cybersecurity.
This is why it’s vital you educate your employees on good cybersecurity practices, such as creating secure passwords and recognizing a phishing email.
And making sure each device has your small business VPN installed will ensure, whether in the office, on public WiFi at the corner cafe, or at home, your employees always have access to a safe, secure connection.
How Do I Choose the Right VPN for My Small Business?
Choosing the wrong VPN is just as bad as not using a VPN at all.
Many of the VPN services out there are unreliable, even fake. And unfortunately, many VPN review sites promote these dangerous services in exchange for money.
When comparing VPNs and choosing the right one for your small business, ask yourself:
- Is it affordable?
- Is it easy to set up and use?
- Does the provider offer 24/7 live chat support?
- Is it compatible with all the device types and operating systems used by your employees?
- Can you upgrade to protect more devices as your small business grows?
- Does it use 256-bit AES encryption and secure VPN protocols?
- Does it offer access to VPN servers in all the locations you need?
- What kind of VPN speed can you expect?
Conclusion
While there are still many VPN providers who meet the criteria set out in the previous section, we feel one rises above them all: Perimeter 81. Perimeter 81 are a VPN for business and network security provider making it perfect for IT Managers, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs, Compliance Managers from companies of all sizes and verticals.
Whilst it isn’t without its issues, its customer service offers 24/7 support with immediate, 1-day email response for any questions. And one of the greatest things about them is all you need to do is reach out, and they will do all the difficult, technical work for you.
This way, you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Visit Perimeter 81 today.
