What is VPN? The Importance of VPN for remote workers and businesses

• March 30, 2023June 8, 2023

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that eliminates the security problems that may occur when connecting to a network over the internet. Data sent over the Internet is encrypted and a “virtual” network is created between the sender and the receiver. In this way, users can browse the internet anonymously, encrypting internet traffic and protect their online activities.

 Importance of VPN for Businesses and Remote workers

Today, with the rapid development of technology, the way of working remotely has also become very popular. While many employers allow their employees to work from home, many jobs can be done from home. However, remote workers have some concerns about internet security. At this point, the use of VPN (Virtual Private Network) becomes very important.

VPN allows them to securely connect to corporate networks. In this way, those who work from home or in a cafe can meet their business needs such as file sharing, video conferencing or e-mail by connecting to the same network while doing their work in a different way than in the office. Moreover by encrypting internet traffic It secures the internet connections of home workers and thus prevents sensitive data from being intercepted or changed by unauthorized persons.

For example,

VPN prevents this attack by encrypting internet traffic against MITM (man in the middle) attacks for data monitoring, modification and data stealing by hijacking the communication between two devices in a network.

Especially if you want to sit and work in a cafe and to a public WiFi network if you are connecting. VPN plays a very important role for your security. If you are not using a VPN, a hacker can monitor your internet traffic. Which sites you visit, your login information on the sites, your card information and many sensitive data can be accessed. This data may also be sensitive data about the company you work for. A hacker can get your company or you big financial losses by getting this kind of data.

What are the advantages of using a VPN?

Security: VPN, by encrypting internet traffic prevents users' private information from being captured by third parties. between the VPN and the servers you communicate with. encryption of trafficallows you to browse the internet securely, protecting your sensitive data.

Security: VPN helps internet users keep their activities private. Internet service provider, government, or other third parties have a hard time monitoring where VPN users are browsing or what they are doing. In this way, internet users can hide their private lives.

Bypass local restrictions: Some countries or websites may block access from a certain geographic area by applying regional restrictions. By using VPN, users can bypass regional restrictions and surf the internet freely.

Secure file sharing: A VPN provides a secure environment for file sharing. File sharing helps protect files from unauthorized access when encrypted over VPN.

Remote access: VPN provides remote access. Users who want to connect remotely to access the work or school network can securely connect to the network using a VPN. This is especially important for those who work from home.

Increasing internet speed: Some VPNs can optimize to increase internet speed. In this way, users can have a faster internet experience.

Types of VPNs?

PPTP VPN: PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is a VPN protocol used to establish private network connectivity over the internet. This protocol provides encrypted transmission of data using a tunnel created between a server and a client. PPTP is widely used because it is easy to use, fast and compatible with a wide range of devices. However, PPTP has some vulnerabilities and therefore more secure alternatives may be preferred.

Site-to-Site VPN: Site-to-Site VPN is a type of VPN used to establish a secure connection between two or more networks. A tunnel is created between two different local networks.

Data is transmitted securely over the tunnel. Site-to-Site VPNs allow companies to connect between different offices or remote workers. It also allows different organizations to collaborate by creating a private connection. Site-to-Site VPN is divided into 2 in itself.

Intranet-based VPN is when several offices or remote employees of the same company connect with Site-to-Site VPN.

Extranet-based VPN is called 'Site-to-Site VPN', which different companies use to connect their offices.

L2TP VPN: Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is an extension of Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and is used by internet service providers (ISPs) to enable virtual private networks (VPNs). using for. L2TP, tunnel through encrypt traffic requires an encryption protocol. However, using pure L2TP is not secure and is recommended for use with IPSec.

IPSec VPN: IPSec VPN is a type of VPN used for the security of data sent over the internet. The IPSec protocol is used to establish encrypted connections between devices and to secure data. IPSec VPN is typically used for remote access or site-to-site VPN connections and is used to decrypt IP packets. by encrypting and it works by validating.

SSL VPN: secure and over an insecure network such as the Internet. encrypted It is a virtual private network created using the SSL protocol to provide a connection. SSL VPNs are commonly used in situations that require remote access, such as remote workers or users in different locations. SSL VPN provides users with access to remote network resources via a web-based interface and is easier to set up and configure compared to more traditional VPNs.

MPLS VPN: MPLS VPN is a virtual private network service that enables organizations with multiple locations to securely and seamlessly exchange data between different locations over the MPLS backbone. This service is a VPN infrastructure using multi-protocol tag switching techniques and includes a suite of different MPLS-based VPN technologies. It also allows customers to access separate networks and use private IP addresses.

How does VPN work?

1. The user's device makes a request to connect to the VPN provider (VPN server).
2. The VPN server authenticates the user and will be used to establish a secure connection. encryption sets keys.
3. User's internet traffic using VPN connection encrypted somehow redirected to the VPN server.
4. VPN server, user Encrypted traffic somehow directs it to the internet.
5. When internet traffic reaches its destination, the target server or device accepts the traffic as it comes from the VPN server and sees the VPN server's IP address instead of the user's real IP address.
6. Internet traffic, following the same path encrypted somehow returns to the user's device and is resolved on the device.

Thus, by using VPN, users internet trafficis encrypted and the IP address of the VPN server becomes visible instead of the real IP addresses. This allows users to connect to the internet in a more secure and private way.

Is VPN sufficient for internet security?

VPN is an important tool for internet security, but it is not enough on its own. VPN, internet traffic by encryptingcan increase your internet security by protecting against phishing attempts and hiding your IP address when you connect to the internet from a location not in your local network, but it is important for users to take other security measures when connecting to the internet. For example, it is important to use a strong password when connecting to the Internet, use antivirus software, visit trusted websites, use firewalls, and be wary of phishing e-mails.

What should we pay attention to when using a VPN? Which VPN apps should we use

Security: A VPN secures your internet connection. by encrypting secures your data. However, not every VPN offers the same level of security. In terms of security, VPNs that use strong protocols and do not log user data should be preferred.

Privacy Policies: A VPN provider should clearly state whether it records users' data, if so for how long, and with whom it shares the data. For your security, you should read their privacy policy before choosing a good VPN provider.

Server Location: Geolocation of VPN servers can affect user experience. Connecting to a nearby server may provide a faster connection. Also, if a VPN provider has widely deployed its servers around the world, it may become easier to access blocked content in different geographies.

Performance: VPN connection can often slow down your internet connection. Therefore, you should consider factors such as server load, protocol, encryption level, connection speed, and number of ports among the factors that can affect your VPN performance.

Note that you cannot be completely anonymous when using a VPN. Note that in some cases, you may be tracked by governments or VPN providers.

As for which VPN app to use, it all comes down to personal preference. Popular VPN providers include many options such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access (PIA), and Surfshark. However, when choosing a VPN provider, it's important to pay attention to the security, privacy, and performance factors mentioned above first.

Here are the starting prices of several VPN apps.

Private Internet Access: monthly fee 50 TL. It has the ability to connect to 10 devices.

CyberGhost VPN: monthly fee 50 TL. It has the ability to connect to 7 devices.

PrivateVPN: monthly fee 250 TL. It has the ability to connect to 10 devices.

NordVPN: monthly fee 100 TL. It has the ability to connect to 6 devices.

Surfshark: monthly fee 50 TL. It has the ability to connect to unlimited devices.

CactusVPN: monthly fee 80 TL. It has the ability to connect to unlimited devices.

ZenMate: Monthly fee 40 TL. It has the ability to connect to unlimited devices.

ExpressVPN: monthly fee 190 TL. It has the ability to connect to 5 devices.

Risks that can occur when using a VPN

Unsafe VPN providers: Some VPN providers may log user data or track users. Therefore, choosing a reliable VPN provider is crucial.

VPN disconnection: When the VPN connection is disconnected, your internet traffic can be sent unencrypted. Therefore, it is important to choose a provider that provides an uninterrupted VPN service.

Low speeds: VPN connection can slow down your internet connection speed. Some VPN providers provide faster connections, so choosing a fast VPN provider is important.

Malware: Some malware can infiltrate your computer using a VPN connection. If the purpose of using VPN is to surf the Internet safely, using antivirus programs may be more useful in terms of security in addition to using VPN.

Lack of transparency: Some VPN providers may not be transparent about their privacy policies and may log user data. Therefore, choosing a reliable and transparent VPN provider is crucial.

Differences between paid vpn and free vpn

Security: Generally, paid VPNs are more secure because they are more advanced. encryptionprotocolsThey offer IP address leak protection and other security features. Free VPNs often have fewer or no such features.

Speed: Paid VPNs are generally faster and provide higher bandwidth. Free VPNs can be slower due to limited bandwidth.

Data quota: Free VPNs often have a data quota limit, and once this limit is exceeded, the service may drop or operate at slower speeds. Paid VPNs usually don't have this limitation.

Number of servers and location: Paid VPNs usually offer more servers and servers in more geographic locations. This provides better speeds and better accessibility. Free VPNs may have fewer servers and locations.

Support: Paid VPNs usually offer 24/7 customer support. This type of support is less common with free VPNs.