In today’s day and age, cybersecurity is more of a concern than ever. On average, a cyberattack happens every 39 seconds, with a single data breach in the U.S. costing approximately $9.44 million.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is by using a cloud VPN. This solution creates a secure, private “tunnel” over you and your device as you access the internet. By doing so, you’ll enjoy benefits like extra security and even expanded access to certain applications.
Take a look at the benefits of cloud VPN tunnels that you need to know.
A cloud virtual private network (VPN) is a technology solution that allows you to safely access your organization’s private network, using your device and the internet through a secure “tunnel.” Traditional VPNs are hosted on a local network.
This is where a cloud VPN differs by instead offering a global solution ideal for remote workers. Also called VPNaaS (VPN as a service), a cloud VPN tunnel uses a VPN in your organization’s cloud infrastructure for a safe connection wherever you are.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions ensure that every device has strict access policies and tight security controls. The idea behind this rigorous security is to prevent as many cyberattacks as possible. ZTNA is also highly flexible, allowing users access according to defined roles.
While a VPN and ZTNA are similar in many ways, these two solutions have differences, too. A VPN has low visibility while ZTNA offers full visibility across environments. You can benefit from centralized management and more cost-effective, agentless access with a ZTNA solution.
At its most basic level, a cloud VPN tunnel lets you and your team safely connect to your network no matter where in the world you are. But there’s a little more to it than that. Take a look at these top benefits you can enjoy by using a cloud VPN.
Not all platforms and applications can be accessed in all countries — and if your team is distributed across the world, that can quickly become a problem. For example, Skype is blocked in most Central and South American countries. A VPN can mask your true location to open up access to platforms that might otherwise be closed to you.
The same principle is true for VoIP services — Voice Over Internet Protocol providers, like RingCentral or Aircall, that replace traditional business phone lines. By using a cloud VPN tunnel, you can access VoIP apps in countries where they’re blocked.
84% of Americans work remotely at least once a month. What’s more, 90% use their personal devices for work. This creates vulnerabilities that make you more susceptible to cyberattacks. A cloud VPN tunnel is the safest and smartest way for team members to access your network and encrypt their online traffic.
Another benefit of a cloud VPN is to ensure your business and product are easily available worldwide. Strategically use a VPN to hide your location so you can check to make sure everything is running smoothly in international markets.
A VPN makes it easy to assign static IP addresses and automatically whitelist IPs. This way, you’ll ensure only trusted sources have access. Plus, the ability to whitelist and segment employee access helps save time and increase productivity.
One final benefit you may not be aware of: You can use your cloud VPN to show different website content to users in different locations. The best language and phrasing, currency, and imagery can vary widely for audiences in different countries. Increase your conversion rate by providing a customized user experience for each person.
Ready to get started? Here are a few key pieces of information you should know before setting up a cloud VPN.
There are multiple types of cloud VPNs. For example, a site-to-site VPN uses a specific encryption method to create the tunnel that provides you with a safe connection. It’s deployed on-premise but connects to the cloud.
For secure remote access, VPN as a Service (VPNaaS) is best for remote workers, connecting their devices to the cloud application they’re using.
VPNs use certain protocols to inform how they create your secure connection. Most cloud VPNs offer the following:
Cloud VPN tunneling works by creating a private connection (referred to as the “tunnel”) between two computers or devices. Since the cryptographic key for this connection is kept private with limited access, no third parties can read or view the traffic in the tunnel.
Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind as you search for the best cloud VPN tunnel service for your organization.
An uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA) guarantees that you will experience a certain amount or percentage of uptime each year that you work with a VPN service. This is important because downtime has major ramifications for your business.
98% of organizations say that a single hour of downtime costs them over $100,000. By choosing a service with a strong uptime SLA, you can feel confident that your provider is committed to keeping things up, running, and available.
Measured in bits per second (bps), your network bandwidth measures your network’s capacity and its data transfer rate. A high network bandwidth means you’ll be able to transfer more data more quickly, plus enjoy benefits like quicker downloads and faster application performance — all things that are essential in the workplace.
Look for a VPN service that will increase your network bandwidth, not hurt it.
Setting up a cloud VPN tunnel is often more effective than deploying an on-site VPN. Usually, you can expect an on-premise VPN to cost more upfront. If a cloud VPN tunnel is packaged as a service, however, you’ll owe ongoing monthly or yearly payments.
A cloud VPN is likely a better fit for most companies’ budgets.
If you’re looking for extra security while your employees handle company data and browse the internet, a cloud VPN is a must. By working with a cloud VPN tunnel service, you’ll be able to access more applications, boosting employee productivity; enjoy stronger levels of cybersecurity; and even beat the competition with a higher conversion rate.Get started with Perimeter81. Our cloud VPN provides companies around the globe with fast, private access to their corporate cloud-based resources. With this modern, cloud-first solution, you’ll enjoy a better (and safer!) user experience with a scalable, global reach. Request a demo today.
