VPN continues to be a buzzword these days, especially as more and more people use remote devices to get business work done. Gone are the days when we would all power-down our computers at 5:00 p.m., not to think about work again until the next morning after we had clocked in. Now we all check various email accounts before going to bed, often sending work replies regardless of the time.

The virtual private network was created by a Microsoft worker in 1996; there has always been a need to keep data secure and private. Although created originally for business use, it was less than a decade before VPNs were being set up for private citizens as another layer of security for their everyday internet interactions. Now the generic definition of VPN is that it is a private connection between many people and devices across the internet, a literal internet inside the Internet. So–what could go wrong with that?

At Aptica, when we are asked about adding VPN services, our first look will be at Why? For this specific business, would adding this service fulfill a need, or is it possibly just a want? And of course, these opening questions are all tied to the business’ bottom line because the cost of implementing VPN connections can be significant. First, does your company supply the outside devices that would be connected to the company network? Do you own all the mobile phones, tablets and laptops that your employees would be using? If you don’t, then realize that the same connection that gives your employees access to your company data is also a part of a device that holds social media apps, gaming apps, email accounts, and messaging channels. That problem is self-explanatory.

If you do own the devices your employees use to connect with company network, then VPNs can make great sense. Aptica can monitor those phones, tablets, laptops, and home office desktops. Should someone leave a phone in a taxi, or have a tablet stolen from a table in a coffee shop, that device can be wiped as soon as the loss is reported. A VPN is only an added safety feature if it can be monitored and controlled by the business.

You as the business owner already have a full plate working to keep your company growing and thriving. How can you also have time to keep one eye on your company network, your employees, and all their devices? You can learn about current ways to ensure your data security, but please learn about it from an IT specialist (like Aptica) before you spend a penny on implementation.