Why Have VPNs Become So Important To Corporations? – Forbes

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become popular, particularly with businesses, because they provide advanced security without compromising convenience. They are easy to set up and use and are one of the most affordable cybersecurity options available today. A business VPN is part of almost every enterprises IT infrastructure. But how did their rise to prominence occur?

How did VPNs become popular?

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of cyberattacks on companies. And the cybercrime business is only getting larger -- it's expected to cost the world $6 trillion by 2021, according to The Herjavic Group.

A recent Verizon report claimed that nearly 43% of small businesses were targeted through cyberattacks. The report was based on research conducted in over 86 countries worldwide, and its findings have led to a surge in demand for stronger security solutions like VPN services.

How does a VPN work?

The purpose of a business VPN is to provide end-to-end encryption for every device in your companys network, which means no snoops, hackers or even your internet service provider can see your location or data. This provides a private, secure connection to the internet no matter where you are.

Today, VPNs provide advanced security solutions to over 26% of internet users across the world, according to audience analytics firm GlobalWebIndex.

Why do businesses today use VPN services?

The way companies do business has changed considerably over the last 15 years. Desktop computers have given way to laptops, iPads and other mobile devices. There's more flexibility with remote working options and bring your own device (BYOD) policies -- all of which have resulted in the need for more digital security and, subsequently, the growth of the business VPN market.

The threat of cyberattacks alone has led many organizations to use secure and advanced solutions like VPNs to keep their data protected. VPNs help companies encrypt data and scan devices for malware to prevent hacking threats. Data shows the global VPN market was valued at $15 billion in 2016 and is projected to grow by 18% before 2022. Two of the most critical drivers of this growth are security and privacy.

Slow speeds have traditionally been a weakness for VPN services across the world, but advancements to VPN technology, such as layer 2 tunneling protocols (L2TP) and virtual private LAN service (VPLS), have helped overcome many restrictions, including internet speed. These new technologies use point-to-point topology and are building even more confidence in the VPN market by offering improved encryption and more security options.

Many tech giants have already started offering proprietary VPN services. McAfee recently acquired TunnelBear VPN, and Symantec started Norton Wi-Fi VPN. Facebook has also set its sights on reintroducing a VPN service, but the social media giant has been criticized for the way it handles data of the terminated Facebook Onavo VPN.

Are VPNs worth the money?

If you're looking to cut costs for your business, it may be tempting to avoid paying for a VPN. But if your security fails, you could end up paying a significantly higher price. Insurance carrier Hiscox says that businesses of all sizes lose up to $200,000 on average in the event of a data breach.

When it comes time to get a VPN, don't skimp out. Contrary to what you may think, VPNs are not expensive. In fact, they're some of the most cost-effective services around and don't require a big IT budget.

Protecting your data and keeping your servers safe is a huge priority and promotes confidence in your business. Plenty of cloud VPN providers are available without any major installations needed on your servers or from your team.

If you're ready to regain control of your online activities, it's important to find a business VPN that suits your needs. Now is not the time to claim ignorance; it's time to act. Secure your company for the future by protecting all of your crucial business data and servers with a strong business VPN service.

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Why Have VPNs Become So Important To Corporations? - Forbes