A virtual private network (VPN) provides businesses with the ability to create a secure and private connection between work computers and the internet. This can be particularly important when using public networks, such as Wi-Fi at airports or hotels, by encrypting details of the origin, destination, and interaction.
While complete anonymity on the internet is challenging, using a VPN can conceal a significant part of your internet usage. This helps protect the data of your organization and clients, especially when security is compromised by outdated hardware or software.
With the increasing adoption of VPN services and growing competition, it’s crucial for businesses to evaluate VPNs based on essential features. The ‘SSL VPN Market’ research report by Brand Essence Market Research valued the SSL VPN market at USD 3.59 billion in 2018 and projected it would reach USD 5.96 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The industry is well on its way to achieving that goal.
1. Enterprise Support and Plan
When selecting a VPN service, ensure it is designed for businesses rather than private users. Business-specific plans allow for seamless integration with your workspace and provide IT departments with the ability to manage all VPN connections. This includes the flexibility to grant or restrict data access to different employee categories, ensuring data safety. Individual plans do not offer this level of control. Additionally, business plans often include anti-malware features and a centralized billing system tailored for corporate needs.
2. Encryption Protocol
A reliable VPN should be transparent about its encryption protocols. Ideally, VPN services should utilize the latest encryption measures to safeguard client data. Key features to look for include AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN functionality, and independent auditing by a trusted third party. VPNs that accept anonymous payments, incorporate open-source software, and disclose vulnerabilities are worth considering. Besides preventing IP and DNS leaks, a good VPN should offer protocols such as kill switches, split tunneling, and Tor compatibility.
3. Firewalls
Though not commonly found, a VPN service offering an additional firewall is an important feature. A firewall protects devices from potential hacker attacks and enhances the security of a VPN connection significantly. While a VPN without a firewall is not necessarily vulnerable, having this feature adds an extra layer of protection.
4. Fast Connectivity
While security is paramount, speed is also critical when choosing a VPN. High-quality data encryption requires a good internet speed. Slow connectivity can lead to downtime, glitches, and ultimately low conversion rates. Therefore, it’s essential to consider internet speed along with security when evaluating VPNs for your organization.
5. Multi-Platform Compatibility Apps
With the rise of remote work and the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, ensuring a VPN works across multiple platforms is crucial. Employees typically use several devices for work-related tasks. A VPN should offer cross-platform compatible apps for seamless integration, including laptops, smart TVs, PCs/Macs, and iOS/Android devices. If a specific platform is not available, configuration files and tutorials should be part of the package.
6. Privacy Policies
VPN logging policies can be vague. Ideally, a VPN should have a zero-logs policy, meaning no data is stored that could identify the user. However, this is a gray area, as some VPNs store logs of bandwidth usage and server load for optimization purposes, while others store data such as the origin IP address and DNS requests. It’s important to understand what data is stored under zero-logs or minimal-logs offerings. Bringing in a third party for evaluation is a good approach.
7. Server Location
The distance between the user and VPN servers affects efficiency. Companies with multiple global branches may prefer a VPN with servers worldwide to service their offices. Others might prefer servers close to their headquarters and data centers to reduce the risk of network failure. The right server location is crucial for optimal performance.
8. Technical Support
A VPN service provider’s role extends beyond providing a package. While companies have IT departments, VPN services must offer swift technical support when needed. VPN errors can severely impact a business’s operations, especially those relying on cloud services. Evaluate a VPN based on the quality and speed of its technical support.
9. Kill Switch
VPN server failures can occur, and in such cases, a kill switch is essential. This feature prevents any reconnection attempt to the internet until the VPN connection is restored. Services offering a kill switch should be prioritized in your selection process.
10. VPN Blocking Prevention
In some countries, using a VPN is not allowed. If you find yourself in such a country, choose a service that provides VPN blocking prevention. This feature allows the VPN connection to go into stealth mode, preventing it from being detected as a private connection. This way, you can still use a VPN despite any bans.
Conclusion
By considering these key features, businesses can evaluate potential VPN services effectively. Narrow down your options to a few that meet these criteria, and conduct thorough testing before making a final decision. This approach will ensure you select a VPN that offers robust security, fast connectivity, and comprehensive support for your business needs.
