{"id":93801,"date":"2020-06-09T03:01:22","date_gmt":"2020-06-09T10:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theavtimes.com\/?p=93801"},"modified":"2021-01-28T05:33:03","modified_gmt":"2021-01-28T13:33:03","slug":"how-a-vpn-can-protect-your-personal-and-work-data","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theavtimes.com\/2020\/06\/09\/how-a-vpn-can-protect-your-personal-and-work-data\/","title":{"rendered":"How a VPN Can Protect Your Personal and Work Data"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Christopher Nichols<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A VPN is useful in protecting your personal and work data in a variety of ways. With so many people working from home, many companies are being targeted, increasing the likelihood of security breaches. If you have a VPN, you\u2019ll be able to work from home safely without worry, especially as business operations are taking place. This is very important, as an employer\u2019s first requirement is to ensure everything coming back and forth on their servers is protected. It\u2019s important to know and understand the company you\u2019re getting the VPN from.<\/p>\n

What exactly is a VPN?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Virtual Private Network, or VPN is a software or service that encrypts data to prevent hackers or cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information. In a nutshell, a VPN works as a buffer to prevent internet service providers (ISP), hackers and other information that is usually accessible on public or unprotected networks from being compromised. This ensures that all company-based messages, documents, downloads and any financial information being transferred are private. Another good thing about a VPN is that it can be used from desktop and any mobile device.<\/p>\n

There are two types of VPN services: a single VPN server or a third-party subscription service. If the company provides the VPN, it\u2019s important to follow all IT protocols. This may mean working on the company\u2019s computer to do their work and use a personal computer for all other activities. In all fairness, this the best solution to ensure their information is not compromised. If the company has not provided a secure VPN server<\/a>, acquiring one to use not only protects your employer, but personal data as well.<\/p>\n

Whether using a\u00a0US VPN<\/a>\u00a0or one with a server base elsewhere, it\u2019s important to make sure the company is trustworthy. What does that mean? A good VPN company will have no-log policies in place to ensure your information and internet activities remain private. If law enforcement tries to get information from the VPN company, there won\u2019t be any records to produce. It\u2019s very important to look at their Terms of Service to make sure this is a good fit.<\/p>\n

Protecting personal data<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s good to use a company-provided VPN to protect their information while working, but what happens when using a personal computer? The process is the same as if working on work documents. Your personal information like credit card information, passcodes and other data being sent over a network will be hidden. In fact, the VPN changes your IP address to give the illusion of being somewhere else instead of at your home site or at home with a mobile device.<\/p>\n

What can a hacker do with your personal data?<\/p>\n

One of the main reasons hackers try to find out passwords and other information is to get financial or personal identifiers that can help them to either steal money from your bank account, use your credit card accounts to get items sent to them or worse. When hackers have your personal identifiers, they can easily falsify documents that could cost you time, money and peace of mind.<\/p>\n

If any personal or financial information is stored into a gaming system, using a VPN makes sense. Additionally, VPNs work well in this capacity, because it allows the person to remain anonymous along with their location. A VPN also works well in getting into previously blocked areas to play games that may not be accessible in the US or the person\u2019s home country. This also applies to Netflix and other streaming services.<\/p>\n

Public WI-Fi Connections<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A VPN is\u00a0especially useful<\/a>\u00a0when having to access sensitive data on a public Wi-Fi network. These networks are notorious for extracting information to unsuspecting users in cafes, airports and anywhere they use public Wi-Fi. Although many mobile phone companies are now providing free Wi-Fi hotspots, the chances of your phone or information being compromised is huge. Use a VPN whenever you can to ensure this doesn\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n

Being mobile while at work is almost a necessity.\u00a0Knowing you have the ability to work without worry can increase productivity. All it takes is enabling the VPN client software to get to work \u2013 from anywhere.<\/p>\n

Which VPN service should be used?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The VPN service should be a reputable one. It\u2019s important to note not all VPN services are alike. Free VPN services don\u2019t offer as much protection, and if the goal is to ensure protection for work and personal use, this won\u2019t work. There are many affordable commercial\u00a0VPN services<\/a>\u00a0on the market:<\/p>\n