What is a Remote Access VPN?

Hybrid and remote work have now firmly established themselves in the work patterns of companies all over the world. Many businesses turned to remote access VPNs to enable telework for their employees, whether as a permanent solution or a quick fix during the first covid lockdown.

What is a Remote Access VPN?

A remote access virtual private network (VPN) enables users to connect to a private network remotely using a VPN. Employees who need to access their company’s network from off-site locations or people who want to securely connect to a private network from a public area frequently use this kind of VPN.

Different types of remote access VPNs exist, each using its own protocols to encrypt and tunnel data sent over the internet. This prevents unauthorized users from connecting to private networks. Once connected, users have full access to all of your network’s resources, just as if they are connected on-premises.

How does it work?

A remote access VPN allows devices in different remote locations to access a private network, like that of a company or a government agency. Like any VPN, remote access VPNs connect clients (applications installed on your phone or computer, for example) to servers.

Many organizations maintain an intranet, an internal network that lets trusted users access files, programs, messages, and private resources. If all of its intended users are in the same location, it is relatively easy to regulate who can connect to an intranet. The network access server can be made accessible only to people connected to a specific internet gateway, for example.

However, with remote workers becoming increasingly normalized, many organizations need ways to give secure access to users in a variety of locations. A remote access VPN facilitates this – an intranet can be made accessible only through a specific server, to which the organization’s VPN client software connects.

To maintain synergy, an organization can have all remote employees install a VPN client on their devices, while also configuring their office routers to send and receive data through the same server. For added security, the client can establish an encrypted VPN tunnel between its device and the server.

The real-life benefits of using Remote Access VPN

For businesses, a Remote Access VPN is a game-changer. It ensures that employees can work from any location without compromising the company’s data security. This flexibility boosts productivity, as teams can collaborate and access vital resources anytime, anywhere.

For users, it offers peace of mind, knowing that their online activities are private and shielded from potential threats, even when accessing public Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, it facilitates seamless access to office files and tools, enhancing the overall work experience.

• Secure remote work – With a Remote Access VPN, employees can seamlessly work from anywhere, ensuring they remain connected to essential company tools and databases. This guarantees a consistent work environment while maintaining a top-notch security standard.
• Access control – VPNs empower businesses to set access boundaries. By stipulating who accesses what, companies can offer tailored access to partners and vendors, ensuring data is shared with only those deemed trustworthy.
• Regulatory compliance – Remote Access VPNs are more than just security tools; they are compliance enablers. Companies can confidently uphold stringent industry regulations, ensuring data handling meets set guidelines and standards.
• Data encryption – As users connect remotely, a VPN acts as a protective shield, encrypting data in transit. This safeguard ensures that company secrets and sensitive details remain secure, even on public networks.

When is a Remote Access VPN needed?

A remote access VPN is an adequate means of securing branch or remote employees on a smaller scale. When the odd employee or two needed to be out of the office to work remotely, companies could leverage a VPN service to deploy VPN client software that would let a remote user establish a secure connection from an endpoint sitting outside the network perimeter.

Back when everyone went to the office, companies would even employ site-to-site VPNs as a means of connecting two networks, such as a corporate network and a branch office network. In this way, VPNs can serve a variety of use cases, particularly as they pertain to keeping remote and branch office users away from internet traffic. As the remote workforce has taken shape, however, more and more companies are realizing that VPNs aren’t as secure as they need to be.

How would a Remote Access VPN be useful to me and my business?

Using a remote access VPN provides several advantages for businesses. The most important benefit though is data security. When an offsite employee sends data through a VPN, it is encrypted, so even if a hacker can intercept that data, they won’t be able to use it. This is particularly important if an employee accesses their company’s network using public Wi-Fi while traveling because traffic sent over these networks is usually not encrypted.

Another advantage of remote access VPNs is that they provide companies with an affordable way to secure data sent by offsite employees. The initial investment needed to set up a remote access VPN is minimal and they can easily be scaled as a company grows and this is especially true if a VPN service provider is used.

Since remote access VPNs are affordable and secure, organizations can feel more comfortable with letting their employees work from home or while traveling. Employees who can work where and when they want also tend to be happier as well as more productive.

Conclusion

Remote access VPNs are a vital tool for enabling secure remote work. By encrypting data and providing secure access to company resources, they protect sensitive information and help maintain productivity. But make sure it is the right tool for the job!