Working remotely has become a new norm, as more people than ever before are able to work from home, in coffee shops, or in other remote locations. According to a study published by Global Workplace Analytics, a staggering 82% of US workers would prefer to work remotely at least once a week. That translates to over 133 million Americans hoping to work remotely in some capacity.
With that said, the prevalence of remote work also increases the risk of data breaches and other challenges for businesses. This is significant since most remote workers don’t have access to the same level of cybersecurity measures they would in a typical office setting.
This is where a good VPN for remote workers comes in. The focus of this quick guide is, VPNs are crucial tools to help keep your data safe, specifically in a remote work environment.
What exactly is a VPN?
A VPN is a tool that allows you to create a secure and private connection between your device and the Internet. It does this by creating an encrypted tunnel that routes your online activity through a secure server. This “tunnel” ensures that your online activity, browsing data, and personal information all remain private and secure.
A VPN works like drawing the curtains or lowering the blinds in the windows of your home. A nosey neighbor might try to peek through from the outside, but without access to the controls (encryption in a VPN’s case), they won’t be able to see into the privacy of your home.
A VPN essentially works the same way, so that you’re free to work, communicate and browse without fearing someone snooping on your sensitive data.
Why use a VPN for remote work?
Now that you understand what a VPN is and how it works, let’s look at why it’s so essential for remote work.
People use a VPN for remote work for many reasons, but they essentially boil down to the following:
- Secure connection
- Access to blocked websites
- Protection against cyberattacks
- Remote system access
We’ll discuss each of these points in more detail below.
Secure connection
One of the most significant benefits of using a VPN for remote work is that it creates a secure and private connection to the Internet. Your online traffic, passwords, emails, and other sensitive data, are all encrypted so no unauthorized third parties can intercept or access it.
Not many people realize this, but it’s possible for others to peek into your online activities if you connect to a network without data encryption. This is particularly true for ISPs and government agencies with the resources to monitor internet traffic.
Don’t believe it? Well, consider the Snowden leaks and the NSA spying scandal, when the US National Security Agency was revealed to be conducting a massive surveillance program. The federal agency had already collected millions of Americans’ online data without their knowledge or consent.
And while you may have no qualms about the government collecting your data, trusting their intentions, what about the other malicious actors out there? The NSA scandal just proves what’s possible, and that’s why it’s so important to protect your data with a secure VPN connection.
Access to Blocked Websites
It’s not unusual for companies and countries to restrict access to certain websites or online services. That’s why many remote workers use a VPN connection when they want to unblock geo-restricted content without having to jump through hoops or get permission from the IT department.
Protection Against Cyber Attacks
A VPN shields your data from cyberattacks and hackers. Such malicious actors can use malware and other malicious tools to intercept your online activities and steal confidential information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and bank accounts.
Remote Systems Access
With a VPN, you can securely access remote systems, such as servers or databases, without being in the office. This is especially important for IT professionals who need to maintain the company’s IT systems while working remotely.
Using a VPN at work
Of course, VPNs aren’t just for remote workers — they’re also helpful for employees who work on-site. As more and more companies are forced to transition to remote work, having a secure VPN connection is becoming increasingly important.
This way, your company can keep its confidential data safe while helping you stay productive even when working from home. With a VPN, you can share sensitive documents with colleagues, access the company network securely, and even set up additional virtual private networks to keep confidential information safe and secure.
Why use a VPN at home?
Likewise, a VPN can be used at home since the benefits mentioned above are not only limited to remote workers. Using a VPN connection at home, you can protect your data from cyber thieves and hackers by encrypting your internet traffic. And since most public Wi-Fi networks are unencrypted, having a secure VPN connection will help keep your data safe even when you’re out in public or traveling.
Plus, you can access geo-restricted content and services, such as streaming platforms or audio streaming services. This way, you get access to content and services that you normally wouldn’t be able to access without a VPN.
Which VPN should you use to work from home?
Now that we’ve established the significance of VPNs for remote work, we’d be remiss not to point out that VPNs are not all created equal. If you’re looking to use one for remote work, then there are a few essential things to consider before making a purchase:
- Encryption protocols — a good VPN should offer 256AES encryption at a minimum.
- Bandwidth — your VPN should offer unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t have to worry about being throttled or limited when working remotely.
- Connection speed — your VPN should provide fast connection speeds for a seamless online experience.
- Multi-device support — the best VPNs offer multi-device compatibility, so you can connect multiple devices simultaneously without purchasing additional licenses.
- Server options — it would be best to look for a VPN with servers in a variety of locations to access content worldwide.
As a rule of thumb, stay away from free VPNs. Most are too slow or limit your bandwidth, so you can’t do meaningful work. Even worse are free VPNs that collect and sell your data to third parties. Investing in a premium VPN will secure your data and provide the performance you need for remote work.
Are you looking for a VPN that has all the qualities mentioned above?
If you need a VPN for remote work that will allow you to secure your data, access geo-restricted content and services, and protect yourself against hackers, you should consider ClearVPN.
ClearVPN is a premium VPN that provides fast and secure connection speeds, unlimited bandwidth, multi-device support, servers in different locations, and 256AES encryption for maximum security — everything you need for a seamless remote work experience.
Plus, it’s easy to get started, and you can have it up and running in minutes. Just go to the ClearVPN website, and click on the “Download for free” button to get the ball rolling. Then just open the app and choose from 3 different modes that are available. Smart Connection – for a secure connection, Location Changer – for changing your location, Streaming Access – to get access to streaming services that are blocked or not available in your region. 
FAQs
Why do remote workers need a VPN?
Remote workers need a VPN to guarantee a secure internet connection for their online activities, protect themselves against cyberattacks, and access restricted websites and resources.
Can I use a free VPN for remote work?
Free VPNs are not recommended for remote work as they are generally slow and unreliable. We recommend budgeting for a premium VPN that will provide the security and performance that remote workers need.
Do I need to install a VPN on all my devices?
While it’s not necessary to install a VPN on all your devices, it’s always recommended. That way, you can ensure your connection is secure regardless of which device you’re using.
A premium VPN like ClearVPN can be installed on Windows, macOS, Android & iOS devices so you can protect all your devices simultaneously. Plus, you can use the same account across multiple devices at no additional cost.
Is VPN legal for remote work?
VPNs are legal in most countries. However, certain countries may have restrictions — so it’s important to check your local laws before using a VPN for remote work.
Download and try out the ClearVPN app and discover how easy and pleasant VPN service can be!