DriveLock Blog | IT Sicherheit und Cyber Security

The importance of VPNs for secure business

Written by DriveLock | Mar 13, 2025 8:46:49 AM

One of the key technologies that plays a decisive role in this is the Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs have become an indispensable tool in corporate security, enabling employees to access company resources securely, regardless of their location.

CONTENT
  1. WHAT IS VPN?
  2. 6 TYPES OF VPN
  3. HOW DOES VPN WORK?
  4. SECURE YOUR COMPANY'S DATA WITH VPN
  5. HOW CAN YOU PROTECT THE VPN CONNECTION IN YOUR COMPANY?


Whether you're an IT administrator looking for ways to improve the security of your company network or a business owner looking to take advantage of remote working, this post will give you an understanding of why VPNs are essential and how they can help protect the integrity and confidentiality of your company data.

In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the importance of VPNs for businesses. We will explore how VPNs work, the benefits they offer and why they have become an integral part of organizations' IT infrastructure. We will also discuss the different types of VPNs and best practices for their implementation and management in organizations.

A. What is VPN?


A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a technology that enables a secure connection via a public network, such as the Internet.

When you normally use the internet, you connect directly to websites or services. Your connection is potentially vulnerable to surveillance or attacks from third parties. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server before it accesses the internet. This hides your IP address and makes it harder for third parties to track your online activity.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an effective tool for increasing privacy and security online by masking the IP address and improving data encryption. This is particularly important when employees access sensitive company data to ensure that it is protected from cyber threats from the darknet.

VPN in companies


In companies, VPN is often used to provide a secure and encrypted connection for employees who need to access the company network from remote locations.

This allows employees to securely access sensitive data and resources whether they are in the office, at home or on the move. By using a VPN, companies can also ensure that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access, as all traffic between the employee device and the corporate network is encrypted.

In addition, VPNs can help organizations bypass geographic restrictions and allow remote workers to access regional resources.

VPN connection vs proxy server


A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a user's device and the internet, forwarding requests and responses while providing features such as anonymity, content filtering and caching to improve performance and security. In contrast, a virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between a user's device and a remote server, ensuring privacy and protection from eavesdropping, especially over public networks.

While both proxy servers and VPNs can help users bypass geographic restrictions and maintain their privacy, VPNs offer stronger encryption and security features. Together, these technologies can significantly improve online privacy, security and access to restricted content.

B. 6 types of VPN


Understanding the different types of VPNs available is crucial to choosing the right option to meet specific needs. Let's take a look at the different types of VPNs and their unique features to gain insight into how each type addresses different use cases and security concerns.

  1. Remote Access VPN:
    This type of VPN allows users to securely access the corporate network from remote locations. Remote access VPNs are often used by employees who are working from home or traveling. They provide a secure connection over the internet to the corporate network by using encrypted tunnel connections.

  2. Site-to-Site VPN:
    This type of VPN connects two or more physical networks, such as connecting company sites or branch offices over the Internet. Site-to-site VPNs are often used in large companies or organizations to enable secure communication between different locations.

  3. SSL VPN:
    SSL (Secure Socket Layer) VPNs use the SSL protocol standard to establish a secure connection between a user device and a VPN gateway. They are often used for secure access to corporate applications and resources via a web browser. SSL VPNs are particularly useful for remote access from mobile devices and often offer a user-friendly interface.

  4. IPsec VPN:
    IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) VPNs are VPNs operating at the network protocol level that establish a secure connection between network devices, such as routers or firewalls. They offer strong encryption and authentication and are widely used in corporate networks and for site-to-site communication.

  5. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) / Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) VPN:
    This type of VPN combines the advantages of L2TP and IPsec to provide a secure connection. L2TP/IPsec VPNs are particularly robust and offer strong encryption and authentication. They are often used in corporate environments.

  6. PPTP VPN:
    PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) was one of the first VPN protocols to be developed. It offers easy setup and is integrated into many operating systems. However, PPTP is now considered less secure compared to other VPN protocols due to some known security vulnerabilities.

C. How does VPN work?


Understanding how virtual private networks (VPNs) work is important to understand their importance in today's digital landscape. At its core, a VPN acts as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, protecting your data from prying eyes and potential threats.

  • Establishing a connection: The user starts a VPN connection, either by using special VPN software or an app on their device. This software then establishes a connection to the VPN server.

  • Authentication and encryption: Once the connection is established, the user device and the VPN server authenticate each other to ensure that they are trustworthy. A secure encryption layer is then set up to ensure that all transmitted data is protected during transportation.

  • Data encryption and Tunneling: All data exchanged between the user device and the VPN server is encrypted. This means that even if someone intercepts the traffic, they will not be able to read or understand the information as it is encrypted. This encrypted data is then transmitted to the VPN server via a secure “tunnel” connection.

  • Forwarding to the destination: Once the data has reached the VPN server, it is usually forwarded to the original destination on the Internet, be it a website, a service or another network device.

  • IP address manipulation: The VPN server that the user has selected determines the virtual IP address that is seen by websites and services. For example, if the VPN server is located in another country, the IP address of the user device will appear as if it is actually in that location.

So not only does a VPN connection provide privacy and security, it also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that would not normally be available.

How to check if VPN is working?

Implementing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a fundamental step in enhancing an organization's cybersecurity posture, especially for IT specialists in healthcare, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount. However, merely deploying a VPN client does not guarantee its effectiveness. It is crucial to verify that the VPN is functioning correctly to ensure your internet traffic is truly encrypted and your IP address is concealed. 

To effectively check if your VPN is working as intended, IT professionals should perform several key tests:

  • IP Address Verification: The most immediate check is to confirm that your public IP address has changed to that of the VPN server. Before connecting to your VPN, note your current IP address using a service like "What is My IP Address." After activating the VPN and connecting to a server, recheck your IP address. If it displays an IP address corresponding to the VPN server's location and not your actual location, the VPN is successfully masking your IP.

  • DNS Leak Test: A DNS (Domain Name System) leak occurs when your device's DNS requests bypass the encrypted VPN tunnel and are sent directly to your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) DNS servers. This can expose your Browse activity, even if your IP address appears to be hidden by the VPN. Websites like dnsleaktest.com or browserleaks.com/dns can perform this test. If the results show DNS servers belonging to your ISP rather than your VPN provider, a DNS leak is present, indicating a critical security vulnerability.

  • WebRTC Leak Test: WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology enabling real-time communication directly between browsers. While beneficial, it can inadvertently reveal your true IP address, even when a VPN is active. This is because WebRTC can make STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) requests that bypass the VPN tunnel. Utilize online tools such as browserleaks.com/webrtc to test for WebRTC leaks. If your actual public IP address is displayed, it signifies a WebRTC leak that needs to be addressed, often by adjusting browser settings or using a VPN with built-in WebRTC leak protection.

  • Geolocation Test (Optional for Specific Use Cases): For organizations or individuals who rely on geo-restricted content or services, a simple test is to try accessing a website or streaming service that is typically blocked in your physical location but accessible from your chosen VPN server's region. If you can access the content, it further confirms the VPN is effectively spoofing your location.

D. Secure your company's data with VPN


VPNs offer a variety of benefits for organizations that want to protect their sensitive data and enable seamless communication between employees regardless of their location. Below are some of the key benefits of using a VPN for businesses of all sizes:

Advantages

  • Increased security: VPNs establish a secure, encrypted connection over the Internet and effectively protect sensitive company data from potential threats such as hackers, malware and unauthorized access.

  • Remote access to company resources: VPNs allow employees to securely access company networks, servers and resources from anywhere in the world.

  • Protection of confidential information: VPNs provide an additional layer of defense by encrypting data transmissions to protect sensitive information from interception or eavesdropping.

  • Cost-effective solution: Implementing a VPN solution is often more cost-effective than alternative methods of ensuring network security. By using existing internet connections, companies can achieve robust security without incurring significant additional costs.

Challenges

  • Scalability: As the number of users and devices increases, the VPN infrastructure can become overloaded, which can lead to performance issues. Effective scaling therefore requires careful planning and regular updates of VPN servers and resources.

  • Configuration complexity: Setting up and configuring a VPN can be complex, especially for companies with extensive networks and specific requirements. Integrating VPNs into existing IT infrastructures often requires specialist knowledge and can be time-consuming.

  • Security risks: Although VPNs are designed to increase security, they can also pose potential security risks. Vulnerabilities in the VPN software or improperly configured VPN gateways can lead to data breaches or even cyberattacks.

  • User acceptance and training: The introduction of VPNs in a company often requires user training and awareness. Some employees may have difficulty familiarizing themselves with the use of VPN clients and applications, which can affect the acceptance and effectiveness of the VPN.

  • Compatibility and interoperability: Compatibility of VPNs with different devices, operating systems and network technologies can be a challenge. Organizations need to ensure that their VPN solution is compatible with their employees' various systems to ensure seamless connectivity.

 

E. How can you protect the VPN connection in your company?


Even in an increasingly connected world, virtual private networks (VPNs) are a critical tool for organizations to securely transfer sensitive data and enable remote access to their networks. However, with the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks, it is essential that companies adequately protect their VPN infrastructure.

  • Use strong authentication: Ensure users are using strong, unique passwords and consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.

  • Regular updates: Keep all VPN components, including software and firmware, up to date to close security gaps and fix vulnerabilities

  • .Encryption: Use strong encryption protocols such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for transmitting data over the VPN to ensure that sensitive information is protected during transmission.

  • Access control: Limit access to the VPN to authorized users and devices only. Implement robust access control policies to ensure that only authorized individuals can access the network.

  • Firewalls: Configure firewalls to inspect incoming and outgoing VPN traffic and block unwanted traffic. This helps to protect the network from malicious attacks.

  • Protect VPN gateways: Secure the VPN gateways themselves by restricting physical access, using strong passwords and conducting regular security audits

  • .Train employees: Educate your employees on best security practices when using VPNs, such as avoiding phishing emails and protecting their credentials.

  • Disaster recovery and planning: Develop a disaster recovery plan in case the VPN is compromised or goes down to quickly resume business operations.

  • External security audit: Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the VPN and across the network.

At a time when the digital landscape is constantly changing and cyber threats are omnipresent, securing the corporate VPN is critical. By implementing security best practices such as strong authentication, regular updates, encryption and monitoring, organizations can ensure their VPN is robust enough to protect sensitive data while enabling secure remote access.

By continuously monitoring, adapting and improving these measures, companies can not only ensure the security of their network, but also strengthen the trust of their customers and partners. Ultimately, a well-secured VPN is not just a technological tool, but an indispensable part of a holistic approach to security for modern businesses.