The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has caught the world unprepared for a pandemic. The novel coronavirus has disrupted life as we know it in nearly every country in the world. Besides the tremendous impact on global healthcare and the economy, it is also changing the way businesses and employees operate every day.
Many employees work from home due to the quarantine and social distancing measures. While working from home has its perks, it also comes with serious risks. One of them is poor online security.
If you work from home or you’re planning to start, make sure to install a virtual private network to protect your data and online connections. Here are five reasons why you should use a VPN when working from home.
Pro tip: When using a virtual private network, connect to a server closest to your actual location. It ensures the fastest internet speed. For instance, if you work from home in Warsaw, connect to a server in Poland, preferably in Warsaw. If you are in the UK, choose a UK VPN server for the best results.
1. VPN Secures Your Data in Transit
A virtual private network is not only a tool you need to secure your remote work. It comes in handy whenever you use a device connected to the internet. The encryption protects confidential files, financial information, and login credentials in transit.
A secure and encrypted connection covers all your online activities and personal data. It makes them invisible to governments, internet service providers, and hackers. Like file encryption safeguards your data on hard drives, a VPN keeps it private and secure when you send or receive it online.
2. It Allows Safe Access to Business Resources
The current situation puts hundreds of employees in a position they weren’t trained for. It can cause some severe damage to companies across the world. People who are not used to working remotely are more likely to make mistakes. It only takes one compromised device to breach the system and access confidential data.
A VPN reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Employers can use a VPN to make business platforms and resources available only to devices connected to the network. It protects both the employee and the corporation.
3. VPN Can Protect the Entire Household
An investment in a VPN can go way beyond benefiting a single user. In fact, a single VPN subscription can cover the entire household. Most VPNs allow you to use the same account for up to six or eight devices.
Moreover, you can also install a VPN on your router. Then connections of all devices connected to the WiFi network in your household are encrypted. Thus, the entire family, including anyone who comes to visit, benefits from your small but significant investment.
4. Gain Extra Benefits
The benefits of a virtual private network cover more than security and privacy. For one, it allows you to unblock geo-restricted content. Online streaming services often restrict content to specific areas for different reasons.
For example, some Polish series or websites may not be available in the UK. But after connecting to the right VPN server, you can bypass these limitations and access content that was not available before.
Thus, a VPN not only helps you to secure the connections but also to gain more entertainment during the quarantine period.
5. It Is Affordable
There are plenty of free VPN solutions out there. But it is always a better idea to invest in paid versions, which are also very affordable. Free VPNs sometimes log users’ data and use it to secure profits. Besides, free solutions are slower and less reliable than the paid ones.
Therefore, if you’re looking for quality and full online security, make sure to opt for one of the reliable paid plans. In the end, a VPN subscription plan still costs less than a daily commute that you’d have to invest in if you weren’t working from home.
Make The Most Out of Working Remotely
Working remotely is going to be a new experience for thousands of employees around the world. Even though it may be challenging at first, there are ways to make the best out of this situation.
For instance, dedicate a specific area for work only. Also, schedule a time during the day when you are going to be focused and productive. And stick to that schedule to increase productivity. And consider using a VPN to boost online security.
If you are a business owner, opt for a business-grade VPN that enables remote access to your online platforms. Otherwise, get a VPN for personal use and take advantage of it to protect both corporate and personal data. Make sure to choose a VPN server that is close to your real location to avoid connectivity issues and lagging.