VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are tools for creating a secure tunnel between a device and a remote network. They are increasingly used in the professional world, particularly to protect sensitive corporate data.
The benefits of VPN for businesses
There are many benefits to VPNs, beyond simply protecting confidential information.
• Enhanced data security
VPNs make it possible to manage a device’s Internet traffic via an encrypted tunnel, masking the IP address and encrypting the data entered. They offer additional protection against security threats such as data interception or man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Secured remote access
Today’s businesses often have geographically dispersed teams, working remotely/teleworking or traveling. VPNs provide a secure means of accessing the organization’s internal resources, ensuring that employees can work efficiently without compromising information security.
• Protection against cyber attacks
According to the 2023 Cost of Cybercrime Report by IBM Security, the average American company experienced 271 cyber attacks. This is up from 263 attacks in 2022. The total number of cyber attacks against American companies in 2023 was 45.8 million. This is up from 43.2 million attacks in 2022. The report found that cyber attacks cost American businesses an average of $2.7 million per attack in 2023.
By using a VPN, companies can strengthen their business by ensuring encrypted and secure communication.
• Confidentiality of communications
VPNs enable organizations to protect both internal and external communications. By encrypting data exchanges, companies can prevent the leakage of sensitive information and ensure that only authorized parties have access to confidential information.
• Cost optimisation
By consolidating communications within a virtual private network, businesses can reduce the costs associated with multiple security solutions (dedicated private networks, point-to-point connections, firewalls, etc.). They offer a centralized approach to data, which can translate into significant savings over the long term.
Configuring a VPN using an MDM solution
Managing and configuring one or more VPNs can quickly become complex for businesses. To help, they can implement a mobile device management (MDM) solution.
MDM solutions allow companies to control and secure professional mobile devices. The TinyMDM solution, among the many features it offers, enables a VPN to be configured on these devices. This means that businesses can automatically deploy VPN configurations on employees’ devices, as well as controlling access authorisations.
When installing a VPN through MDM software, it is essential to understand the importance of managed configurations to ensure optimal usage. A managed configuration enables the preparation of application settings before its actual installation on a device. Among the most widely used Android VPNs, several have a managed configuration:
- FortiClient VPN
- Cisco
- Palo Alto Networks
- GlobalProtect
- F5
- Fortinet
- Check Point Software Technologies
- Juniper Networks Pulse Secure
- Citrix
- SonicWall
In order for the VPN connection to be maintained continuously, it is necessary for it to have the ‘always-on’ permission. This permission ensures continuous protection of your internet traffic, even in situations where the connection might be temporarily interrupted (device in standby, network change, etc.). Here are some examples of Android VPNs with this feature:
- VPN lat
- Privado
- Secure VPN
The use of virtual private networks is proving to be an essential tool for strengthening the security of organizations in the current context of increasing cyber threats. The benefits are multiple, provided they are managed and configured in the right way. MDM solutions such as TinyMDM can be put in place to achieve this.
9th of January 2024