Working from Home? Don’t Forget a VPN to Protect Your Data

Monica Morris • Apr 02, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has grounded businesses, stopped flights and forced people to stay home. These measures are adopted as a means to stop its spread and to minimize the health hazard associated with the disease. Due to the outbreak, a lot of businesses now ask their employees to work from home.

Despite this pandemic, cybercriminals have not relented in their attacks. In fact, this unprecedented social and economic upheaval may open up more vulnerabilities for them to exploit. This is because a lot of people are not used to working from home and don’t know the best way to stay safe while connected.

It is important to take the proper precautions when working from home in order to maintain a high level of security. Using a VPN when working from home can create a secure network connection.  In this article, we explain why you need a VPN to protect your data.

VPN Explained

VPN stands for a virtual private network. It helps with internet security by encrypting information between a source and the target destination. VPN prevents third parties from stealing your data or spying on your online activity as only authenticated devices are able to communicate and decode your data.

When you browse the internet or connect to a remote machine, your readable data can be intercepted by a third party such as your ISP, government, employer or cybercriminals even if you accessed the service with a password. With a VPN, intercepting your browsing data is useless as such data is unreadable due to encryption. A VPN can protect your data while you are connected on smartphones, PCs and other internet devices.

Why use a Virtual Private Network?

While you could get by without a virtual private network, you will be putting yourself and especially your company data at a great risk if you don’t use one.

The reasons for using a VPN include the following:

  1. Data Security

Your organizations and business data may be stolen if you work online. VPN allows you to connect to your workplace without the fear of eavesdropper monitoring your online activities. This is especially important for organizations who deal with financial and customer personal information. When working remotely, you authenticate your identity with provided credentials. An insecure communication channel may allow attackers to steal your credentials and impersonate you. 

  1. Privacy

VPN also provides privacy to employees working from home. While this is not limited to work-related issues, it helps to minimize phishing as cybercriminals will be unable to pinpoint your identity, location and device. This is made possible because a VPN goes through another machine before reaching the final target. Hence, you may appear to be from a different location and even seen to be using a different device all of which make it difficult to devise a phishing attack based on your personal information.

  1. Restricted Access

Some businesses block access to their system based on IP addresses which covers specific geographic areas. This is done to prevent spam or automated attacks. If you happen to live in such an area, you are out of luck as you will be unable to access your work servers from home or help clients with their IT challenges. With a VPN, you can bypass such restrictions and easily connect to target machines.

How to Choose a VPN?

There are so many VPN providers out there and it could be challenging to choose one to work with at home without knowing what’s important.

  1. Cost

The explosions of VPN providers means that many compete solely on price. If you are on a budget, you may select the best package within your budget. However, you should not sacrifice your device’s security for cost and must vet the provider you would like to use. Also check with your employer as they may have already connected with a managed IT service provider who can set up a VPN – this service could be part of a larger IT security plan.

  1. Cross-Platform Support

If your work will involve using both mobile and desktop devices, you need a VPN that supports both platforms so you don’t have to subscribe to two different plans. The more platforms a VPN supports, the better. You don’t want to buy a different VPN for your windows machine while subscribing to a different plan for your iPhone.

  1. Strong Encryption

Any VPN you choose must have a strong standard encryption algorithm such as the various implementations of Advanced Encryption Standard(AES). This makes the encrypted data practically unbreakable.

How to Use a VPN

Using a regular VPN is as simple as downloading the client, subscribing and connecting to its servers. For an enterprise VPN, the configuration will be different and you can get the guide from your employer or the VPN provider. After connection, you can then use any app on your devices and your transmitted data will be safe. 

As you work from home, a VPN is necessary to maintain data security. When available, activate the “kill switch” feature so that none of your data is accidentally transmitted unencrypted. While staying safe with VPN, don’t give up your credentials (PC, Business or VPN) to anyone that asked for them to avoid being hacked. Remember to stay safe! For help with building a secure network while working remotely, contact SDTEK today. 

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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