What is a Virtual Private Network?
A virtual private network or VPN, is a private network extended over a public network. It is secured with a unique key only sharable between two consenting parties. This makes sending an receiving data across shared or public networks more secure.
The invention of VPN is revolutionary particularly now that advancement in technology allows for branched and distributed networks. This means that geographically distributed office seem as though they are physically connected within one large office space.
How does it work?
It works by taking traffic and routing it through different servers before passing this connection on to the intended recipient. A typical use case for a VPN is a business with offices in various locations across the country or town to work seamlessly. With advancement in technology and the ubiquity of the Internet, connectivity between offices is now not only affordable but also easily available. Staff can now securely share content and access files without the fear of information theft. VPNs has also made it possible for staff to work remotely on sensitive systems including Finance and Human Resources.
COVID-19 and the associated public health intervention measures undertaken to contain the pandemic has given rise to unprecedented socio-economic disruptions. Governments have issued ‘stay-at-home’ orders, borders and learning institutions have been shut and movement seriously curtailed in an effort to defeat the pandemic. This unforeseen trauma has called for immediate and innovative technological solutions such VPNs to keep businesses alive and restore some semblance of normalcy.
Summation
Clearly, a Virtual Private Network is a way to experience privacy and security in an otherwise open and insecure internet environment. In these tough times, a VPN is a cost effective way of enabling staff to work privately and remotely. Another very important benefit of a VPN is to prevent unauthorized data collection over the Internet. VPN users stop this type of data collection from happening by masking their original IP address to boost their privacy. By using a VPN and keeping your employees off public networks, you are taking a big step in decreasing the likelihood your company being targeted by hackers.
How to get a VPN
DewCIS Solutions Ltd has been at the forefront of running VPN servers in Kenya and have the necessary resources and technical know how to assist in virtual private network implementation and support. We have implemented and supported the airline travel industry with VPN services for over 10 years.
