What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private connection between your device and the rest of the internet. Modern organizations require employees to access confidential enterprise data over the internet, for example, while working remotely or while uploading files to a cloud server. Data transfer over the internet creates risks for unauthorized data access as it travels over the network. Employees' private data, like passwords and credit card information, is also at risk. A VPN establishes a private network connection between devices over the internet, allowing users to securely and anonymously transmit data over public networks. It masks user IP addresses and encrypts data, making it unreadable to anyone unauthorized to receive it.
What are the benefits of a VPN?
VPN services are primarily used to securely transmit data over the internet. The three main functions of VPNs are:
Privacy
Without a virtual private network, users' personal data, like passwords, credit card information, and browsing history, can be recorded and sold by third parties. VPNs use encryption to keep this confidential information private, especially when connecting over public wi-fi networks.
Anonymity
Any IP address contains information about the user's location and browsing activity. All websites on the Internet track this data using cookies and similar technology. They can identify users whenever they visit them. A VPN connection conceals the user's IP address, enabling them to remain anonymous online.
Security
A VPN service uses cryptography to protect an internet connection from unauthorized access. It can also act as a shutdown mechanism, terminating pre-selected programs in case of suspicious internet activity. This decreases the likelihood of data being compromised. These features enable companies to provide remote access to authorized users across their business networks.
Cost-efficiency
VPNs are a cost-effective, high-speed, and secure way to connect remote users to the office network. Because VPN connections are typically established over the public internet, they can be less expensive and offer higher bandwidth as compared to dedicated wide-area network (WAN) links or long-distance, remote-dial links.
What are enterprise use cases of a VPN?
A VPN plays a key role in an organization's network security.
Quickly scale remote access
In enterprise environments, VPNs allow organizations to rapidly provide secure access to employees, contractors, and partners. Whether it's a sudden shift to remote work or the need to support a globally distributed workforce, VPNs can scale without requiring physical infrastructure changes. This ensures that users can access corporate resources from any location while maintaining strict security standards.
Integrate with mobile authentication systems
VPNs can be seamlessly integrated with enterprise-grade mobile authentication systems, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) or biometrics. This enables businesses to implement robust identity verification policies, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive resources. It also enhances user experience by enabling secure access through familiar mobile devices and enterprise identity providers.
Control application migrations
VPNs provide a secure and reliable communication channel when migrating applications between environments, such as from on-premises data centers to the cloud. Enterprises can maintain access control and data integrity during the transition phase, reducing the risk of sensitive data breaches or service disruptions. VPNs also simplify hybrid deployments by enabling secure interaction between legacy and cloud-native systems.
Secure communication between remote locations
Enterprises with multiple offices or remote facilities rely on VPNs to establish encrypted communication links between locations. This interconnectivity enables secure data transfer, collaboration, and access to centralized systems without the need for expensive leased lines or Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). VPNs help maintain confidentiality and compliance across geographically distributed networks.
What are the use cases for a personal VPN?
Individuals can purchase a VPN outside of their organization for personal use. The following are some reasons to do so.
For safe public internet access
Virtual private networks make on-the-go web activity safer for everyone. People today are accustomed to reading news articles at the café, checking email at the supermarket, or logging into their bank accounts on mobile devices. This type of internet connection is vulnerable because web activity is conducted over public Wi-Fi. Using VPN services when connecting to unsecured public wi-fi hotspots keeps both your data and device safe.
To keep your search history private
Internet service providers and web browsers track search history for marketing purposes. For example, looking for articles on leaking water taps can result in targeted ads from local plumbers. Your VPN connection will protect you from data misuse.
For accessing streaming services globally
When you travel outside your home country, your paid streaming services may not be available due to contractual terms and regulations. Your VPN connection will enable you to change your IP address to one from a different country and provide access to your favorite shows from anywhere.
For protecting your identity
By keeping you anonymous, VPN services protect you from digital surveillance. They prevent your comments and conversations on the Internet from being tracked and safeguard your right to freedom of speech, provided that you do not use your real identity on social media platforms.
How do VPNs work?
A virtual private network essentially creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your local machine and another VPN server at a location that may be thousands of miles away. The VPN connection redirects data packets from your machine to the remote server before sending them to third parties over the internet.
The VPN hides your data, making it unreadable and only decodable at the other end. This prevents personal data misuse, even if your network connection were to be compromised. Network traffic is no longer vulnerable to attack, and your internet connection is secure.
Key components in a VPN setup include:
VPN client
The VPN client is the software installed on a user’s device, such as a laptop, phone, or tablet, that initiates a secure connection to the VPN server. It encrypts the user's internet traffic and handles the authentication process. The client ensures data privacy by routing traffic through a secure tunnel, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping. The client also selects which VPN protocol to use based on compatibility and security requirements.
VPN server
The VPN server is the destination endpoint that receives the client’s encrypted traffic. It decrypts the data, enforces access control policies, and routes the traffic to the appropriate internal resources or internet destinations. The server works in tandem with the client using VPN protocols to establish and maintain a secure connection.
When you go online, this VPN server becomes the source of all your data. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other third parties can no longer see the contents of your internet traffic.
VPN protocols
VPN protocols define how data is securely transmitted between the client and the server. Common protocols include OpenVPN, IPsec, L2TP, WireGuard, and IKEv2. These protocols determine the level of encryption, connection speed, and reliability. The choice of protocol impacts security posture and user experience, with some protocols optimized for mobile use and others for high-throughput enterprise environments.
VPN protocols like IPSec scramble your data before sending it through the data tunnel. IPsec is a protocol suite for securing Internet Protocol (IP) communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet of a data stream.
What are the types of enterprise VPNs?
There are three main types of enterprise VPN solutions
Site-to-site VPN
A site-to-site VPN acts as an internal private network for companies with multiple geographically separated locations. It seamlessly and securely connects different intranets, enabling employees to share resources across multiple internal networks.AWS Site-to-Site VPN is a fully-managed VPN service that creates a secure connection between the office network and AWS resources using IP Security (IPSec) tunnels. For globally distributed applications, this option provides outstanding performance. It can be upgraded to intelligently route VPN traffic to the geographically closest AWS network endpoint. It also connects a company’s data centers and branch offices to cloud-based applications and services without exposing confidential data.
Client VPN or open VPN
In Client VPN, the network administrator is responsible for setting up and configuring the VPN service. The configuration file is then distributed to the clients, or end-users, who need access. The client can then establish a VPN connection from their local computer or mobile device to the company network. AWS Client VPN is a fully managed remote access VPN solution that employees can use to securely access resources within both AWS and on-premise business networks. Fully elastic, it automatically scales up or down in response to demand.
SSL VPN
Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) provides secure remote access via a web portal and an SSL-secured tunnel between a private device and the office network. For large-sized remote teams, it can become expensive to supply every member with a company device. In this case, SSL VPN becomes a cost-effective option.
How to set up a VPN?
There are two common ways to access VPN services for individuals:
Use a VPN provider
You can choose a VPN service that can be accessed either from your browser or by downloading an app or software to your device. These are subscription-based services that typically charge on a per-device basis. Hence, they can be quite expensive to set up. Additionally, each device must be configured individually.
Use a VPN router
This involves either purchasing a router with a VPN connection pre-installed or installing VPN software on your home router. The advantage of this approach is that every device accessing the internet via this router is automatically protected.
How to choose the best VPN provider?
With numerous options available, selecting the ideal VPN service can be a challenging task. Use the checklist below to assess the different VPN providers and make the best choice for you:
Logging policies
The best VPN providers have minimal or no-logging policies to prevent data breaches from their end.
Updated software
The best VPN connections use the latest tunneling protocol. The OpenVPN protocol provides more robust security than other protocols. It is open source software that is compatible with all major operating systems.
Bandwidth limit
All services have data usage limitations. You will need to choose a VPN provider that meets your data needs within your budget.
VPN server locations
You have to ensure that your VPN provider has a server located in the country where you require private internet access.
How to choose between paid vs. free VPNs?
Free VPNs are useful if you are on a limited budget. However, it is important to note that the primary source of revenue for free VPN providers is advertising. You can expect targeted advertising, data logging, and selling policies to be hidden in the terms and conditions.
Most free VPNs:
- Do not offer the most up-to-date VPN protocols
- Do not offer quality technical support
- Have low bandwidth and slower speed for free users
- Have a higher disconnection fee
- Have a limited geographical distribution of VPN servers
How can AWS support your VPN requirements?
AWS VPN offers two valuable services:
AWS Site-to-Site VPN enables you to securely connect your on-premises network or branch office site to your Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC). It creates encrypted connections between your locations (such as data centers and remote offices) and your AWS resources.
AWS Client VPN enables secure connections between users and AWS or on-premises networks. It is used by your remote workforce to securely access resources both on AWS and within your on-premises networks.
Get started with VPN technology on AWS by creating a free AWS account today.