From Siloed to Streamlined: Unifying Disparate Corporate Systems with a Secure and Scalable Corporate VPN

Should you take on corporate VPN for your organization?

If you’re looking for better security, data integration, expanding into international markets, and system consolidation – then you definitely should. In this post, you’ll learn everything about corporate VPN and whether you should use it.

What is a Corporate VPN? 

A corporate VPN allows organizations to provide employees with a secure, end-to-end encrypted connection to cloud resources on a company network. A corporate VPN connects remote workers and fosters a cohesive environment.

The strength of a corporate VPN solution lies in its encryption capabilities, providing a reliable creation of a connective network between employees’ devices, wherever they may be. The corporate VPN can ensure that every data transfer and communication occurs within a secure digital space.

Standard VPN vs. Corporate VPN

Standard VPNs, while effective for individual use, fall short of addressing the complex needs of modern businesses. They lack a strong data integration capability, giving rise to siloed systems rather than solving them. Because of this, system consolidation becomes highly problematic in an organization, so proper resource management cannot be carried out effectively.

In contrast, corporate VPNs are designed with the specific needs of businesses in mind. Therefore, they will have better encryption and identity access management to secure sensitive corporate data.

Plus, corporate VPNs grant controlled access to network resources and largely reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

Why Should You Use a Corporate VPN?

Corporate VPNs have evolved to serve modern businesses’ complex security and operational needs. Here is why incorporating a corporate VPN is taken as a critical move for any organization:

• Better Security: Corporate VPNs provide high-end encryption and strong identity access management to keep the cyber threat away.
• Data Integration: The corporate VPNs assist in integrating data for seamless communication between various systems, keeping the conversation safe.
• Breaking Barriers of Siloed Systems: Corporate VPNs promote interconnectivity, breaking barriers in siloed systems and creating room for collaborative ventures and information sharing.
• Consolidation of Systems: They present effective system consolidation of disparate systems for proper resource management and to enhance business devoid of hitches.

A corporate may see the adoption of a VPN as a strategic decision to turn its disunited, vulnerable organizational network infrastructure into a unified and secure one.

How Does a Corporate VPN Work?

A corporate VPN employs a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), a suite of protocols designed to secure network communications by authenticating and encrypting data at the IP Packet Layer. This technology is essential for overcoming isolated systems and enabling data integration, which supports system consolidation.

Designating Virtual Tunneled Connections

The process begins with designating virtual tunneled connections between network resources and an external device and user using IPSec. This requires two main components: 

• Perimeter 81’s VPN client software
• A secure network access gateway.

A crucial aspect of VPN tunneling is the negotiation of Security Associations (SA) between the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) management protocol and the IPSec protocol, establishing an authenticated communication channel among network resources, users, and their devices.

Negotiation of Security Associations (SA)

In the IPSec VPN mutual negotiation, keys for end-to-end encryption are exchanged in two stages. The first stage involves device users establishing a secure channel for negotiating the IPSec SA. 

Subsequently, in the second stage, users and devices negotiate the IPSec SA to authenticate the traffic flowing through the tunnel.

Authenticating Traffic

IP traffic moves between the two components, passing from the client to the Perimeter 81 private gateway and back, forming an IPSec tunnel and a secure VPN communications tunnel. The data within this private tunnel, whether it traverses public or private networks, remains encrypted, thereby maintaining privacy and security.

The Most Common Challenges with Corporate VPN

Here are some common challenges for a Corporate VPN:

• Data Integration Difficulties: Integrating a corporate VPN with existing systems can be challenging, especially when dealing with legacy systems or siloed data structures.
  • Solution: Employ middleware solutions or API integrations to facilitate seamless data flow between the VPN and existing systems. Regularly update legacy systems and encourage a more integrated IT environment to reduce compatibility issues.
• Managing Siloed Systems: A corporate VPN must effectively bridge disparate systems, which can be difficult without proper planning and execution.
  • Solution: Implement a unified communication protocol across all systems. Use VPN solutions that offer extensive compatibility and customization options to integrate diverse systems efficiently.
• Complex System Consolidation: Consolidating various systems under a single VPN can lead to network management and user access control complexities.
  • Solution: Adopt a centralized network management approach. Use VPNs with robust management interfaces allowing simplified control over user access and network configurations.
• Finding a Suitable VPN Alternative: Businesses often struggle to find a VPN alternative that aligns perfectly with their specific needs, especially when seeking a balance between security and usability.
  • Solution: Conduct thorough market research to identify VPN solutions tailored to your industry’s requirements. Consider custom VPN solutions or those offering extensive customization to meet unique business needs.
• Adapting to Business VPN Requirements: Corporate VPNs need to be adaptable to changing business requirements, which can pose significant challenges in scalability and customization.
  • Solution: Choose scalable VPN solutions that can grow with your business. Look for providers that offer flexible service plans and customization options to adapt to evolving business needs.

5 Tips for Using Corporate VPN

To maximize a corporate VPN’s benefits fully, it must be implemented and managed strategically.

• Prioritize Security Protocols: Ensure that all connections through the VPN are encrypted and secure, reinforcing your network’s defense against potential cyber threats.
• Regularly Update and Maintain: Keep your VPN solution updated to leverage the latest security features and maintain optimal performance.
• Train Your Team: Train your employees on the need to use the VPN and how to make secure connections, especially in a remote place.
• Limit Access Until Security Verification: Restrict full network access until the client computer complies with network policies, including strong antispam, antivirus, and firewall protection​​.
• Implement Activity Management Protocols: Control the websites accessible through your VPN to prevent exposure to malware and enhance productivity​​.

Keeping all these tips in mind, companies can better the usefulness of their corporate VPN, ensuring operations are free from violation.

Supercharge Cybersecurity with Perimeter 81

Enhance your organization’s security with new corporate VPN solutions from Perimeter 81. Our team will help you set up your network, users, and resources as thoroughly and easily as ever. Plus, as a bonus, you’ll receive an Amazon Gift Card just for joining us.

Experience Perimeter 81 and improve your network security and performance. Request a demo today and get closer to a safer and more efficient digital experience.

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