VPN: The Complete Cybersecurity Solution For Startups

Digital technology has made life easier in several ways, but it has also been extensively used for criminal activities, especially in recent times. Wherever there is the Internet, there is always the risk of cyber-crime. In the last few years, there has been a spurt in the number of threats to digital technology. There is massive reliance on technology at the moment, with every individual and business using digital technology and Internet to communicate, engage, or conduct their operations.

The Internet is Vital

It is hard to imagine a business that functions without the Internet. Even a small local business with less than 100 customers will be using the Internet every day for various purposes. 

On the downside, because of massive Internet usage, a huge volume of data is transmitted every day over the networks. Once something is transmitted across the Internet, it becomes susceptible to cyber threats. There are millions of identity theft cases reported annually, and it can affect a new startup at any time.

From emails to cloud storage, all of these technological conveniences can be easily hacked into for stealing data. These instances have been rising at an alarming rate, and startups are concerned about the safety of their data.

VPN to the Rescue

Virtual Private Networks have become so popular for a reason. Whenever there is the risk of cybercrime or Internet censorship, VPNs come into play.

VPNs are used all over the world these days for everything from anonymous browsing to bypassing Internet censorship. Cybersecurity experts believe that VPNs can be of much benefit to small startups that don’t have the budget for high-end security solutions.

VPN services are affordable, come in different plans for individuals or businesses, and can be used on any kind of device.

A VPN is an application that has to be downloaded and installed on the device, after being purchased for a monthly plan. Once the VPN is installed and activated, it creates an encrypted connection between the device and the remote private network. This means that only devices and networks with the special key can decode and read the information.

Even if a hacker manages to intercept the network, the data will appear as incomprehensible gibberish to them because they don’t have the special key code. A VPN is a cost-effective solution to secure data. Besides, it also allows the user remote access, censorship bypassing, and removing geo blocks.

A VPN offers complete privacy to freely access the Internet freely without being tracked or having data stolen (we have seen the movie Blackhat – we know all about this!). A VPN network encrypts the data before it passes through the network, eliminating chances of attacks and making online activities safer. We don’t want the Die Hard 4 situation becoming a reality. No Fire Sale here!

When using a VPN, your Internet activity cannot be tracked by anyone, not even by your internet service provider. With a VPN, your original IP address is hidden from identity thieves and hackers. Because VPNs provide such privacy and security to Internet users, it has been a sore point for those seeking to censor Internet or track user activities.

Why Startups Should Use VPNs

Startups are the most vulnerable to online attacks, according to a recent study. It has been found that 43 percent of all online data thefts happen with small businesses.

This is because small businesses lack sophisticated security solutions and become easy targets for cybercriminals. With each attack, the business loses private information and even suffers financial losses. VPNs are essential because on an unsecured network hackers can see everything that you do on the Internet.

They can see your employee’s login credentials, and also your bank account details. Even if the whole company isn’t affected, individual employees can be easily targeted.

VPNs became popular ever since employees started working remotely. With the Internet of Things (IoT) connecting various ordinary devices like the light bulb and the coffee maker to the Internet, an unsecured network means a huge risk.

It is far easier for hackers to simply access devices through unsecured networks. When your network is unsecured and intercepted by a hacker, your data could be compromised, or the device could get infected, and erase all of your files.

You could also end up downloading a ransomware, where the hacker threatens to delete all your files if you don’t pay a ransom. In short, all types of threats are possible on an unsecured network. VPNs can be the end to such concerns.

Which VPN to choose?

In order to save money, a lot of people prefer to use free VPNs. But it must be noted that free VPNs do not provide the same tunneling protocols or privacy standards as a paid VPN. Most free VPNs are ad-supported, so your data could well be sold to third parties.

Remember that even though no one else gets to see the data transmitted through the network, the VPN server gets to see everything. Therefore, the VPN provider should be respected and honorable. This applies to both individuals and businesses.

For the best data protection and privacy, always choose a fantastic paid VPN provider, and get the maximum peace of mind. If it is run by someone as almost as noble as Brandon Burlsworth then you are in good hands!