Many cybercriminals took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic and exploited the shift to remote working. In comparison to the time before the pandemic, the number of reported cybercrimes has risen. Many smaller businesses lack the IT expertise necessary to implement effective online security measures.
To prevent cyberattacks, businesses that conduct transactions online must have robust network security. A virtual private network (VPN) can help organizations avoid being hacked. The VPN for Windows has been around for some time now. It’s now easier than ever for a business to set up software for a VPN Windows.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail how to set up VPNs for small businesses.
Table of Contents
What Is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
By connecting to a VPN, you can create your own private network on a public network. When you send an online message, it first goes through a virtual private network (VPN) server.
Using VPN for Small Businesses
When setting up VPNs for businesses, several considerations must be made, and each business’s procedure is unique. If you’re running a small business or don’t have an IT department, the best option is to use a third-party VPN service. If you’d like to know how to set up a VPN, follow the steps below.
1. Conduct Initial Prep
The first step in setting up a virtual private network is to determine your requirements and collect the necessary components:
- How many devices is the VPN required for? What kind?
- Do you use a specific operating system on your computer(s)?
- Do you require a VPN to secure remote workers?
- What kind of VPN protocol are you looking for?
- Will you need to increase the speed of your internet connection?
Finding a VPN provider that can meet your requirements is made easier with this evaluation. Endpoint security software is another service provided by some VPN providers. A router, a server, and VPN-specific software are all necessary components of a VPN setup. As a customer of a VPN vendor, you’ll get the VPN servers and software.
For setting up a company IT network in a shared space, like an office, a VPN router is best. With a VPN router, multiple employees can access and use the router’s internet connection.
2. Employ VPN Protocols
VPN protocols, for the layman, can be a source of confusion. Because different VPN protocol options are offered by different vendors, this attribute may influence your choice of provider.
Using VPN protocols, you can regulate the flow of information between your device and the VPN server. They are in control of things like your connection speed and the encryption level applied to your data.
There are a variety of VPN protocols, each with its particular advantages and disadvantages. If there’s a specific protocol you’re looking for but don’t see listed, make sure to check with the VPN provider first.
3. Setup the VPN Software
If your company’s needs have been determined, choose a VPN service that can meet them. For small businesses, look for providers that offer plans that are tailored to your needs.
To use a virtual private network, you’ll need to install a client on your computer or mobile device. As a result, this software provides access to the provider’s servers so you can conduct your online activities securely. Other features, such as an ad blocker, are available from some vendors.
Your administrator VPN settings can be set during the initial installation of the plan, as well. The VPN provider’s software will guide you through the process of configuring the settings that will be shared by all connected devices.
4. Perform Tests and Troubleshooting
Make sure to test your new VPN on a few devices before making it available to all of your employees. There’s a chance that the VPN software will conflict with something else you’re already using, so make sure everything works before rollout.
If problems occur, check to see if you’re running the most recent version of any software you’re using. Update all software applications to the latest versions. You can also experiment with different VPN protocols to see if that helps.
5. Conduct the Launch
Install the VPN on your team’s computers once you’ve resolved any setup issues. The VPN provider usually provides a link for staff to download the VPN software client.
After you’ve launched your VPN, you should fine-tune it. The default VPN server can be specified. Servers located close to your location tend to be faster. If your VPN provider offers a kill switch, you may want to take advantage of it. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch will immediately disconnect you from the internet.
Conclusion
Having a properly set-up VPN is critical in today’s remote working environment, where there is an increased focus on security. The above-mentioned steps will ease this process.
