Business Insights

Difference between VPNs for businesses and consumers

By the Enterprise League editorial teamPublished

Many web users are familiar with VPN (Virtual Private Network) software and some of its perks. The primary goal of these tools is to change your location, encrypt your web traffic, and bypass geographical restrictions. In short, you have digital privacy and data protection against various online threats.

Naturally, online businesses can benefit from VPN services as well. However, there are some critical differences between VPNs for businesses and consumers. In this article, we’ll cover the common differences and outline the main perks of virtual private networks.

Common VPN service features

You’re likely only familiar with consumer VPNs like NordVPN if you’ve never encountered one at work or school. These services have different features than business-oriented services. But first, let’s overview what common features these services have.

Encryption

Encryption is arguably the most defining feature of any VPN service. It masks your online activities and makes them unreadable to unwelcome outsiders. However, not all encryption is created equal. The most secure VPNs utilize the substantial AES-256 standard to make your activities virtually uncrackable.

True location masking

VPN services redirect your web connection through remote servers. This process hides your actual whereabouts and makes it appear that you’re connecting from wherever the server is. Naturally, your initial IP address is also hidden.

DNS leak protection

A good provider will also mask your DNS requests and prevent leaking issues.

VPN kill switch

You should enable this feature if you want your internet connection to shut down whenever the VPN connection is disabled. This prevents accidental location exposure should the virtual private network encounter issues while establishing a connection.

Fast tunneling protocols

A VPN’s tunneling protocol determines upload and download speeds plus the overall security of the VPN tunnel.

Protection against intrusions

Enabling a VPN makes your connection secure against outside intrusions from malicious hackers. You’ll be utterly immune to DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-service) or man-in-the-middle attacks, data theft, surveillance, and online censorship.

Apps for desktop and mobile devices

A high-quality product should be easy to use regardless of your technical aptitude. The most user-friendly approach is offering fully-featured dedicated apps that are understandable and convenient to install.
These features are present in practically every worthwhile VPN service to ensure airtight security. However, a virtual private network isn’t your only tool for complete cybersecurity.

Business-specific features

Generally speaking, online businesses’ VPN services must be flexible to fit any company’s needs. This is typically done by granting IT administrators a control panel for customizing the organization’s security policy. Besides that, here’s what else you should expect from a worthwhile VPN for your company.

Centralized settings

Your company’s IT team will need an all-in-one control panel for setting up all the necessary security features. Unsurprisingly, administrators will likely use the same dashboard to keep track of user activity. 

Account management

It should be convenient to add new users, remove old ones, and configure their permissions.

Static IP address

Using a static IP address is the best way to ensure easy access to shared company resources and prevent unauthorized connections. However, global companies will benefit from a worldwide server fleet to provide excellent connectivity to employees worldwide.

2FA

Two-factor authentication is an essential component of protecting user accounts and preventing breaches.

Biometric authentication

Some organizations may implement biometric authentication (face recognition, fingerprint scanning) as an additional security measure. Naturally, whether you require all these security features depends on your company’s threat model and potential attackers.

Consumer-specific features

Now for a glance at what consumer-centered VPNs usually include. Unsurprisingly, many of these perks are absent from business-oriented options because they’re unrelated to company security. 

Unlocking geographically-restricted content

The most popular VPN use case is changing your location to access region-exclusive or business movies and TV shows on popular streaming services like Netflix.

Apps for home entertainment devices

Customers may want to take advantage of the previously-mentioned perk on various devices like TVs or gaming consoles. 

Router configuration

The best way to secure your home network is to install the VPN directly on your router. 

Tools for bypassing censorship

 A VPN is a perfect way to bypass mass online censorship and avoid surveillance in authoritarian countries.

Antivirus capabilities

Security-focused VPNs can replace your antivirus software and cover its responsibilities, i.e., scan your device and prevent virus-infected files from entering your system.

Personal password management

Nowadays, it’s paramount to use strong and unique passwords on your numerous web accounts. A password manager makes it easy to do so without hindering convenience.

Data breach monitoring

Typically, you won’t be notified when a data breach occurs that affects you. Meanwhile, a well-equipped VPN service can keep an eye out for you and tell you what to do if you’re a data leak victim.

Of course, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg regarding the boons you may find with regular VPN services. Many providers appeal to varying types of users and offer specialized packages for fulfilling their needs. 

Conclusion

The main goal of VPN services is to enforce security guidelines and prevent intrusions from malicious threats. They do so through multiple features and allow administrators to customize the finer details. 

Contrarily, consumer VPNs usually focus on digital anonymity, removal of geographical restrictions, and protection against cyber threats. Plus, they offer easy-to-use apps to appeal to as many people as possible.  Ultimately, your protection needs will guide your purchase decisions. Just don’t mix up business and consumer products when making a final decision. 

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