As more companies have adopted flexible and remote working models, protecting business data and systems from emerging cyber threats is increasingly important. However, setting up robust security without the right expertise can be challenging for small businesses.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a key tool for SMB cybersecurity, strengthening protections against threats. This blog explains how VPNs work for businesses and what to look for in a provider.
Here are the main steps to consider when setting up a VPN for your small business:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are tools that securely route traffic through third-party private servers before sending that traffic onward to its final destination.
Data passed from clients to VPNs is encrypted at the source. A VPN server then transmits that data via “tunnels,” which use cutting-edge protocols to ensure that unwrapping data packets during transmission is difficult, if not impossible.
At the same time, VPN servers anonymize the source of the data they process. They do this by assigning a completely new IP address to each packet – usually, an IP address from a different global location. A business VPN anonymizes data in transition.
The anonymized data is then re-routed to the original destination with the content included. But there’s no way to tell where the data originated.
The combination of anonymization, tunneling, and encryption presents a significant barrier for hackers, competitors, and states. Malicious actors will find it harder to intercept and identify sensitive data, while legitimate users can work securely and smoothly.
VPNs offer flexible cybersecurity in a dangerous world, which should concern every business larger than a lemonade stand.
How does a business VPN bolster your protection against data theft and malware? Firstly, it's a valuable tool in locking down central network resources and connections between a small business network and the wider web. A well-designed VPN solution will place an encrypted tunnel between internal resources and external threats, blocking access to any corporate data.
VPNs are also a vital part of secure remote working. According to Gallup, around 45% of American employees work remotely on a full or part-time basis. These workers require secure connections between their laptops or tablets and centralized business servers.
Without encryption and anonymization, it’s much easier for attackers to mount credential theft or man-in-the-middle attacks.
Business VPNs provide a mixture of central and remote-work solutions. They allow network managers to monitor user activity and ensure that everyone is connecting securely. They can assist with load balancing and filtering social media usage during working hours. And they can even be helpful when carrying out anonymous marketing or competitor research.
VPNs also have a crucial role in ensuring businesses are compliant with relevant data security regulations. Recent years have seen governments take action to enforce stricter rules in response to an epidemic of data thefts. Virtual Private Networks can be part of compliance strategies from credit card processing to managing healthcare portfolios.
These are strong reasons to set up a VPN for your business. But it’s also important to note that not all VPNs are equal. Some offer exceptional security for businesses. Others make unjustified claims. So let’s run through the core factors to consider when setting up a business VPN that won’t let you down.
There are three main varieties of VPN configuration, and each one has its role to play in business security:
Fixed VPNs – Fixed IP addresses tend to cover connections that remain constant. ISPs often provide them as part of off-the-shelf corporate internet connections. They are the least flexible type but are simple to use when installed.
Router VPNs – Integrated VPNs within router infrastructure or servers - a more flexible solution and one that works well when technicians need to maintain a changing network layout.
VPN services – VPNs are provided as a cloud-based service completely separate from your business infrastructure. Services create tunnels, encrypt traffic, and randomize IP addresses.
Third-party VPN providers are becoming viable options for small businesses that want to keep costs low. They often provide affordable deals, but relatively few offer services tailored to businesses. So what should you look for when picking a VPN to lock down your data?
That may seem like many variables, but VPN websites cover most of these issues. If any information is lacking or providers are unclear about privacy and the identity of their owners, put them on the discard pile. A simple tick box exercise will quickly isolate providers who offer your business the best fit.
There are several vital things to think about when configuring a business VPN. The process varies from company to company, but these factors tend to apply whatever the situation:
When you set up a VPN, start sketching out your security needs and which devices will require the VPN client installed. How many devices need to be covered by VPN encryption? Is remote access a significant consideration? What kind of connection speeds are tolerable? All VPNs will entail some loss of speed, and you may want to compromise here if they include other useful features.
Bring time into the picture here as well. Do you intend to expand your operations in the future? Will you need a secure connection for different workplaces, armies of remote workers, or partners located worldwide? All of this feeds into the procurement process.
As we’ve seen, there’s a lot of variability between Virtual Private Network providers, and not all business VPNs will suit your business. Find a third-party provider with a strong reputation, good support, products that fit your workforce, and prices that match your budget.
Operating systems are also an important consideration. Most popular business VPNs offer Windows clients, but fewer are capable of serving Linux users. Apple OS is widely covered, but a few providers are Windows only. Don’t get caught out.
Choose a payment package when you find a provider that satisfies your requirements. Many VPNs offer free trials with full functionality (although sometimes core features are limited). So you may be able to try various options before making any financial commitments.
Before adding VPN protection to any business environment, creating conditions that avoid device or software conflicts is essential. The first step is to remove any legacy VPNs from office and remote working systems. Older VPNs can continue to operate in the background, so carry out a deep clean to root them out.
Check router compatibility as well. A VPN router provides a simple way to add third-party VPN connectivity for all devices on the business network. Still, it may be necessary to opt for router-installed VPNs in some cases—especially in contexts where remote working is relatively rare. A VPN router could be ideal if multiple employees share the same physical workspace.
The next stage is installing the VPN software when you have prepped your network in the form of a central VPN management tool and independent clients for every connected device.
Head to the website of your preferred VPN and pick the right operating system. Click the download link, and the process should unfold automatically. There may also be VPN software for mobile devices. Inform remote workers that they must install these clients if they intend to connect to central resources via their tablets or phones.
Choose security parameters that suit your network infrastructure when installing the VPN client and management tools. Now, fire up the VPN client and create a test connection. Choose a server, connect, and access business resources as usual.
Establishing the connection should take seconds, and connection speeds should almost match performance without a VPN. If you don’t have access to centralized network monitoring tools, you can test speeds reliably via apps like Speedtest.
Additionally, check that the VPN server is anonymizing your IP address successfully. Again, tools like NordVPN’s IP Address Checker are available to help. Your address should reflect the VPN server, not your work address. If you see your original location, it’s time to contact support.
Don’t be afraid to contact your VPN’s support team. If they specialize in business users, they should be ready to onboard companies and set up a VPN quickly. Most providers also maintain extensive documentation centers with FAQs for new users.
At this stage, you will also have the ability to fine-tune your connection via specific VPN protocols. Protocols apply encryption standards to data transmitted via VPN tunnels, and they come in varying forms.
Try various VPN protocols before expanding coverage across your entire network. You may find that some protocols boost speed reliably, while others are fast but intermittent. If connections regularly drop, change protocol or contact your VPN provider to find a stable configuration.
After that, the setup should be complete. Start sharing download links with employees, setting up workgroups, and monitoring VPN traffic.
A business VPN provides important real-world benefits beyond simply being an optional add-on. If your organization faces challenges like remote work requirements, regulatory compliance needs, or securing sensitive data transfers, implementing a business VPN makes perfect sense:
VPN encryption can conceal sensitive client and corporate data as it passes over your network and into the wider internet. Setting up a VPN router is the first line of defense when denying hackers access to customer records and an intelligent move when data thefts are rising.
Many businesses also provide public Wi-Fi network connectivity to customers. Those customers don’t want to find that their connection is compromised. A VPN can shield customers while ensuring VPN security for their work and play.
Much of the work we do online is private. Whether planning new projects, discussing HR issues, or carrying out market research, a VPN will ensure anonymity and prevent corporate espionage or snooping from criminals.
While VPN technology can’t do much about phishing, it can prevent man-in-the-middle attacks which often lead to network infiltration. A VPN provider offers malware protection to prevent unauthorized access.
Business VPNs are essential to facilitating safe remote work. Give employees the freedom to work from home, meet compliance goals, and essential lockdown data at every stage. With the Always On VPN feature, you can further enhance this security. If the VPN connection drops, it automatically disconnects the user, adding an additional layer of protection against potential cyber threats.
If any of the above situations applies to your business, it’s time to set up a VPN for business. When doing so, it’s vital to work with experts who can provide tailored advice and supply the tools required to implement a watertight VPN.
NordLayer can do that and more. Our suite of business security services includes WireGuard-based internet protocol security. Combine this with identity and access management portals, multi-factor authentication, and network segmentation systems to create fully-secured networks that are virtually impregnable.
Get in touch with our team and discuss your options. Whether you sell real estate, manage healthcare, or manage logistics, we can devise solutions to make your business safer.
Agnė Srėbaliūtė
Senior Creative Copywriter
Agne is a writer with over 15 years of experience in PR, SEO, and creative writing. With a love for playing with words and meanings, she creates unique content. Introverted and often lost in thought, Agne balances her passion for the tech world with hiking adventures across various countries. She appreciates the IT field for its endless learning opportunities.
Subscribe to our blog updates for in-depth perspectives on cybersecurity.
