Security | Virtual Private Network Resource

Telecommuting With a VPN

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Virtual private networks, VPNs, made the dreams of many former cubicle dwellers come true. Many companies will permit their office workers to do their work from their homes through a VPN.

The benefits to the company are enormous. There is relatively little cost to setting up a VPN as compared to setting someone up with an office. For businesses that allow many workers to telecommute, the company can rent less office space. That means the company is able to save money on overhead for the entire length of the employee’s tenure there.

Another benefit is that many telecommuting employees, and their employers, report that they are more productive as telecommuters. While many people fear that workers will goof off, watch movies with the xvid codec from xvid or download music and not really work, the truth is that most employees spend more time working because they aren’t distracted by co-workers stopping by, office birthday parties, and other common workplace happenings.

The key to success when using a VPN to keep up with telecommuting employees is to keep decent tabs on everyone. Make sure that employees are doing a reasonable amount of work. Check in from time to time using chatting software. Review your employee’s performance often to find any problems.

You also should have employees come together face-to-face a few times. When people don’t feel part of a group, they often have less loyalty than they would otherwise. You should strive to have a monthly dinner or a quarterly picnic so that your employees still get to know each other.

Using a VPN, though, can mean huge benefits for your company. Employees need to call out less because they can work from home when they are slightly sick or when a child is ill. Employees also feel more rested because they don’t have commutes, and their paychecks stretch farther without the costs of office work.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet, Networks Tagged With: Business, Security, Telecommuting, Virtual private network

Using the Cloud for Personal Purposes

With the immense popularity of Microsoft’s Take Me to the Cloud line of commercials, more people are aware of the idea of this idea that the home desktop is usable in remote locations. This system, called a virtual private network, is a way that you can access your information from a remote location anytime you need it.

The VPN is primarily a business need. Many companies need to send out employees to remote locations, either to work with clients or to make presentations. Access to the company’s information while on location is invaluable to these employees.

The VPN can benefit people for personal reasons, too, though. One of the benefits is that you can save video that you would like to see on your home computer and then watch it using software like vlc media player while you are waiting somewhere else. You also can work on projects, like cropping pictures of the kids to print for your scrapbook and share and swap files using Ares. Being able to spend your time this way makes getting stuck waiting a little more pleasant.

Also many people use their cache to save passwords and other information, rarely committing this information to memory. That can be an inconvenience when you need to refill a prescription but do not know your pharmacy password, for instance. Simply log onto the VPN and find all of your information just as if you were at home. In a world with too much information to remember, the VPN can help make managing your personal life a bit easier.

SSo while a personal VPN account may seem like a luxury that has no practical purpose, consider all of the times that you could use a laptop, or even coffee shop terminal, to access your information from your personal computer. You will have fewer headaches and less worry about forgetting vital information while you’re gone.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet Tagged With: Internet access, OpenVPN, Security, Virtual private network, VPN

How Virtual Private Networks Can Help Companies That Provide Pet Insurance

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Virtual Private Networks (VPN) help computer users to connect with others by using a network connection that is considered private and/or secure, but is still available from a public network, such as the Internet. A company that has branches in different parts of the country or even the world may utilize virtual private networks so that their employees have access to the servers at any of the company’s locations. This can include those who work for the company through telecommuting, as well as those who are able to access the Internet from their mobile devices. This allows for work to continue even if an employee is not at a “brick and mortar” office.

Virtual private networks operate by using local area network (LAN) to communicate either directly with users or between other LANs. Security is maintained by either requiring a user to have software on any remote personal computers or other devices in order to access the network, or by having the connection originate from an encrypted area somewhere within the browser. The security measures are constantly checked and updated for the highest possible security.

For example, a VPN can be used to allow communications between companies that offer pet insurance. This can be especially helpful if a particular insurance company underwrites the policies, but allows other insurance companies or independent agents to sell the insurance. The agents can communicate with each other and the home office through a VPN with confidence, knowing that any sensitive information that is being shared will be protected.

Further, the different branches or agencies can keep up with what is happening all over the company. If they desire, the agents can hold contests to see which branch can do the most business in a certain time span. The results can be disseminated through the VPN, thus keeping everything “in house.”

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: Business, Security, Virtual private network

How VPNs Increase Worker Productivity

VPNs, or virtual private networks, are a way to allow people from different locations to access the same information using local and wide area networks but securely. These employees can log onto information from the home office while they are out at regional job sites. One significant benefit of using VPNs for your company’s needs is that it can increase worker productivity.

Workers sometimes are too sick to come to work but not really too sick to do anything. They simply cannot be in their office all day, or they are contagious and should not be there. Using VPN services will allow these workers to work from home so that they are not missing an entire day of work but also are not likely to get anyone else sick.

VPNs also make sense for parents of small children, who often have to be out because their children are sick or because work is closed for a bad weather day or winter break. Using a VPN allows these employees to connect to work without physically being there.

Another issue for many companies is that they need to send workers out in the field. By using a virtual private network, those employees can enter any information they gather on site rather than waiting until they return to enter the data. This option allows for the company to use that information earlier and frees the workers from needing to block out time for electronic paperwork.

Overall using a VPN system will allow your workers to access the company’s information from anywhere. While some employees may enjoy the relative freedom of not connecting, the company’s bottom line can see great benefit from using this technology. Plus the idea of needing to be at the office is quickly becoming pass in the corporate world, and VPNs make that possible.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet Tagged With: OpenVPN, Security, Virtual private network

Setting Up VPN For Your Office

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While using a virtual private network, or VPN, sounds like a complicated, techie concept, the process of using one is simple and requires virtually no technical knowledge. The installation may require the use of a tech support worker, but beyond that, there is no need for on-going technical support for most systems. The tech support worker will help set up the modem with the appropriate settings, for a hardware VPN, or this person can install and set-up the appropriate program for the software VPN.

After set-up, the tech support or sales person should give you, the consumer, a basic introduction to the system. You should understand whether you need to sign in, how to set up passwords, and how to troubleshoot some basic problems. Beyond that basic introduction, however, there should be little need for interaction with someone from the company.

Once you have the system set-up, have a meeting with your employees that will give them the basics of the system. Explain that the VPN is a way that they can access their computer’s information from other terminals. It is as if you are borrowing another machine to use as a proxy for your desktop. Provide the same basic introduction to your employees. Few of them should need or want anything beyond the most basic information.

If you are a small company without a dedicated technology department, consider assigning one employee who is particularly savvy to learn more about the VPN. This person should become the go-to person if you do encounter any problems. Let everyone know that this person is the point of contact for the VPN. Having one person knowledgeable about the system will make any troubleshooting that needs to be done more streamlined.

Once you get past these initial introductory meetings, you are set to use VPN freely.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet Tagged With: Security, Virtual private network

4 Questions for VPN Providers

When you are considering a VPN, or virtual private network, for your company’s internet connections, consider these three questions before committing to a specific company. Taking the time to do your research now will benefit you later.

First how secure is the system. Various VPN providers have differing security protocols. Some provide top-notch security that will make it difficult for anyone to get into the network. These systems cost more money, of course. Moving downward, there are some options that probably aren’t needed for most people. You will need to find the security protocols that are right for your system.

The second question for you to ask is how the traffic is tunneled to your network. Because VPNs are not regulated, there are various traffic flow methods that company employ. The tunneling method used can effect speed, so be sure to ask for details.
Also find out about how the VPN is accessed. Do you simply need internet service? Will you be able to use your laptop? Or will the network be connected to certain computers, such as terminals at the client or satellite office end? Either option is fine; deciding is more a matter of knowing your company’s needs.

Knowing how VPN set-ups work is a tedious, technical job, but it pays for you to read up on the networks first before you commit to a specific provider. Ask these questions and see where the responses go. Representatives from a quality company will have no problem walking you through the answers to each question, giving you responses that you understand and that help you feel more comfortable.

Keep in mind that your company’s integrity is on the line, and in an electronic world, allowing access to this information could be devastating. You need to choose a VPN provider with solid, excellent safeguarding abilities.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet Tagged With: Internet access, Security, Virtual private network

What You Can Do With a Virtual Private Network

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Having a virtual private network, or VPN, is one of the best ways for a company to allow people to work from their Los Angeles apartments. They’ll still be employees and not independent contractors, so no one’s status has to change. The company can also save a lot of money, because it doesn’t need as much overhead. The office can be smaller and the bills can be lower, because most of the employees will be at-home workers. That will also allow them to stay at home with sick children, tend to elderly relatives, or do other things that they couldn’t otherwise do – as long as they get their work done.

Setting up a VPN might sound very daunting, but it’s really not all that difficult. There are companies that can help you, of course, or you can tackle it yourself. It’s completely up to you how you want to do things, so don’t assume that you have to do it a specific way. As long as your employees can work from their homes and access what they need from your servers, you’ll be fine and your employees will enjoy the freedom that they have when they can be home and still get their work done.

A lot of independent contractors work that way from their Los Angeles apartments, but employees can do it, too. The only concern is that they will waste work time doing things like looking for Los Angeles apartments for their upcoming move, or searching around to see what movies are playing on the weekend. Of course, employees can do that when they work at a business location, too, so there really isn’t that much more temptation at home. The main thing is that the employees meet their deadlines, however they choose to structure their days.

Filed Under: Computer, Hardware, Internet Tagged With: Internet access, Internet service provider, IPsec, Los Angeles, Security, United States, Virtual private network, Wi-Fi

Is a Local Area Network (LAN) as safe as you think?

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It’s one of the most asked questions when it comes to transporting data, especially through the internet. It’s not really that expensive to construct a LAN, but connecting to another LAN, in a safe and private manner is time consuming and expensive. So, how can a individual, business, or corporation, create these connections to another LAN without leasing (public) internet lines?

Bridges are built to connect LAN’s to each other. It is like using a “leased” line, but with much more security and is certainly more dependable and reliable. Now, if two businesses need to connect over a large distance, the cost could be too great to generate this length of secured line.

But let’s discuss the value of using a VPN with-in a smaller geographical network connection. This VPN is a secure, dependable, fast, and able to expand as your business grows. Each remote office or location is able to send or receive data back and forth and know that it’s a safe path. The name for the growth is ”Scalability”. If a VPN is properly configured, some of the technology and terms recognized would be: Encryption, Firewall, AAA Server, and IP Sec. Let’s talk about each one for a brief moment.

“Encryption”is where all of the data sent from one computer to another or vice versa, is encoded into a manner that is only readable by the other computer.

“Firewall” is your safeguard barrier or a wall between your private network and the Internet. They can be configured to restrict ports, what types of data are allowed to pass through the Firewall.

“AAA Server”stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting. Basically, the AAA Server checks who you are, what you’re allowed to do, and what you actually can do. This is perfect for auditing the use of the PC on the network and provides a greater secure entry into the VPN.

The IP Sec is the Internet Protocol Security gives an enhanced level of security to provide a better encrypted algorithm and more detailed authentication.

VPN’s are a smart, safe, and more secure way of connecting people, PC’s, and businesses together.

Filed Under: Local Networks, Networks Tagged With: Firewalls, Internet Protocol, Local area network, Personal computer, Products, RADIUS, Security, Virtual private network

How Customer Service Companies Can Benefit From a Virtual Private Network

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As the work from home trend grows more and more companies that provide customer service are hiring home workers. This enables the company to cut some of its overhead. Not only does the company not have to house a representative, but typically the customer service operator is responsible for their own computer and phone system. Additionally, a home worker is typically paid a lower hourly wage than an in-house worker and may not have company-provided benefits. However, if the company doesn’t run on a virtual private network (VPN) hiring home workers to answer their customer’s calls is impossible.

A virtual private network allows workers to connect to the company’s specific systems regardless of where they are working at. The VPN enables a home worker to establish a secure connection from the comfort of their own home. Not only does the customer service representative have access to the company’s computer programs, but the VPN also helps keep their client’s personal information secure.

Since a virtual private network provide a secure connection to company specific programs, there is no need to worry about the type of information access by home workers. It’s extremely difficult for someone to hack into a secure company system and obtain customer information. This means not only is the company paying less to hire a home worker, but the home worker is able to fully function just as a regular employee would.

The home worker benefits from the relationship as well because they are able to work from their house. Lower wages are justifiable because there is no need for a home worker to commute to and from work, or spend excessive amounts of money on lunch. All in all, both the customer service representative and the call center benefit immensely just by adding a virtual private network.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: Business, Call centre, Company, Customer service, Employment, Security, Telecommuting, Virtual private network

What is a VPN, are there different types and what is each type of VPN?

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A VPN is a”Virtual Private Network”. It is a user to Local Area Connection (LAN) connecting a company (employee) for example to network and then to the internet.

The most commonly used type of VPN is (1) Remote-Access which is a dial-up network. This is most often used by a business connecting many of its employees to the network. Now, if a business is fairly large, they may elect to set up through an Enterprise Service Provider (ESP) which will allow remote users to connect to the network thru loaded software on each PC.

The next type of VPN is a Site To Site VPN. With this type of Virtual Private Network, equipment that is specifically dedicated to a business with a pretty strong encryption is implemented so remote sites can say, over the internet, can connect to each other’s PC. Two different Site To Site VPN’s exist. The first is a “Intranet”based network with is used when a business has as little as one remote location or numerous remote locations where they can join into a single Private Network. This type also allows for a “Local Area Network” (LAN) to connect to another LAN. The second option of a Site To Site network is the “Extranet” based network. Say that you’re business goes into a partnership with another company or is bought out by a larger company; Your business needs to share important information or data to the other business in a speedy and secure manner. This is where an Extranet will work for you. A VPN is created to connect various Local Area Networks together with-in an environment shared by the various LAN’s.

One advantage of a VPN is that your information or date can be encrypted or secure so that only those on your network can see or have access. Otherwise, pushing it through the internet without this layer of security, would not only be dangerous but most likely hazardous to your business.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: Data, Encryption, IPsec, Local area network, Networks, Remote access, Security, Virtual private network