Do you want to browse safely and connect to cloud-based services like email and social networking while working remotely? Then you’re going to choose the best VPN service provider. Please read our comprehensive VPN reviews and ratings to find the right VPN company.
So you’ve just started your new business. Where’s your office? Chances are it’s everywhere. Since Wi-Fi is available in hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and airports, it’s easy and convenient to connect and get work done. But there’s a problem:Â Wi-Fi is a radio signal that can be intercepted.
Don’t think that no one’s interested in your data. Hackers make money grabbing and selling account information, passwords, and any other personal identifying information they can find. If you have an important client or customer, the more dedicated hackers may even try to use your connection to gain access to your client’s network.
“Small business users need VPNs to keep their network traffic private and safe from tampering,” advised Kurt Roemer, Citrix chief security strategist. AÂ VPNÂ (virtual private network) creates a private, secure network between your Wi-Fi connected mobile device, websites and anything else you connect. The word “virtual” is part of the name, because a VPN sets up a software-based secure network. “VPNs provide an essential layer of security protection,” said Kent Bloomstrand, Chief Technology Officer at CSID, the identity protection arm of the credit reporting company Experian.
Decide if you’re primarily connecting to your home network or to the cloud. If your primary goal is connecting to your home or office network, then you’re going to need a router or small server that can act as a VPN endpoint. Some of the higher-end consumer routers provide this, but not all. There are also programs you can run on both Macs and PCs to provide that connectivity, and some inexpensive home servers provide VPN capabilities.
Most people, however, are more likely to want to be able to browse safely and connect to cloud-based services like Email and social networking. If this describes you, you’re going to choose the right VPN service supplier.
Pick a provider that offers secure communications protocols. If you were building a real tunnel, would you want to make it from mud or steel-reinforced concrete? The answer is concrete, because it’s far more robust. As in a real tunnel, a VPN tunnel can be more or less secure, and that’s based on which security protocol is used.
There was a time when PPTP was popular, but it’s now very insecure. You don’t want to use it. Instead, look for providers who offer OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec. In general, OpenVPN is the best choice, but many smartphones don’t support it. So if you’re connecting via PC or Mac, you’ll want to use OpenVPN. If you’re connecting via a phone or tablet, look for L2TP/IPsec support. The best VPN suppliers will offer both.
Look for a VPN supplier that can protect your privacy. Secure VPNs allow people to search the web, and access websites anonymously, protecting their identities from those who might discriminate or otherwise attack them because of who or what they are. Look for a private VPN that doesn’t keep traffic logs, has an iron-clad privacy policy, and operates servers in countries outside the reach of oppressive regimes.
Make sure the VPN provider has capacity. If you’re using a fast and secure VPN for your new business, the last thing you want is to be cut off because you’ve used too much data. Read carefully through the terms of service to determine how much data your private VPN provider allows and whether or not your provider throttles bandwidth. If you can, find out how many proxy servers your VPN supplier has or whether it runs its network on a big public cloud like Amazon’s AWS. When it comes to scale, bigger is better.
Beware fake VPN services. When you select a VPN provider you’re trusting the company with your security. Scammers can prey on that trust. Like fake antivirus vendors, email messages, and app stores, there can also be fake VPN services, meant to grab your data as it passes through. That’s why it’s good to carefully read user reviews as well as reader comments.
Avoid free VPN services. As a small business owner counting your pennies, you might be tempted by free VPN offers, but avoid them. Top and most private VPN providers need to get the money to run their services from somewhere, and if it’s not from their users, you can be pretty sure they’re selling data about you to someone else. Most VPN services on a scale for a new business will cost roughly $10 a month. If you prepay for a year, you can usually shave a few dollars off your bill.
“Because of Wi-Fi’s fundamental lack of security and the numerous readily available hardware and software Wi-Fi penetration tools, data is only as secure as the VPN or lack of VPN it travels on,” said Robert Siciliano, security expert with Hotspot Shield VPN.
Ready to choose the best VPN service? Check out advanced comparison chart of best VPN providers and feel free to comment on your own experience!
How to Choose the Best VPN Service Provider
The emergence of new technologies has led to an over dependence on the internet. Today, almost everything runs on this platform. It has re-established new and simpler ways of getting things done. Life has definitely become easier with the internet and modern technologies. However, it is important to note that the internet has also helped transform the way thieves and fraudsters operate. They too have embraced modern technologies. Gone are the days when banks and businesses used to get robbed at gunpoint. The fraudsters have discovered new ways that are less risky, thanks to the internet.
The good thing is that modern technologies also offer a number of ways to safeguard yourself and your company from such fraudsters. One such way is using a private secure VPN. VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, is basically a process used to secure and safeguard privacy on private and public networks. A good and simple example is a home or an office Wi-Fi network. So, how to determine which VPN service would work best for you? First off, read the VPN reviews. And the second – the following factors will guide you through selecting the best VPN service provider.
First Know What It Is
You must remember that the right VPN service is a secure connection that protects your network from any form of hacking by unwanted websites. So, how does it work exactly? It is like a middleman in the transfer and communication flow of your internet service. The right proxy service will check out the integrity and security of the website before its transmission to your computer. This means that if there is a security threat from the website, it will not go through to your computer as the VPN service supplier will limit and block the connections.
Server Selections
The first step is identifying the server selections offered. The best VPN service basically works by re-routing your traffic to the VPN proxy server for security verification. It goes through the data to identify anything malicious before it is allowed to access your computer. Think of it as a peephole that allows you to see who is at your doorstep before you grant them access to enter. You will need your VPN service provider to have partner servers in destination countries where the information is hosted. If you really don’t want to crack your head, you can simply select the NL VPN network that will allow you to browse anonymously. However, it is important to note that this network is not the best out there and a little insecure.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth plays a big role in determining the cost of your VPN service. Depending on your daily tasks on the internet, you can determine what capacity of bandwidth you need to meet all your needs while online. Streaming videos usually demands higher bandwidth in comparison to conventional use. It is, therefore, important to assess your usage before settling for a plan. Though expensive, it is best to opt for an unlimited bandwidth as it comes without restrictions.
Compatibility
It is also important to check for compatibility with your chosen device. This means that if you are going to use a PC or a tablet, you should check that it is compatible with the best VPN services. You should ensure that the offer is compatible with the devices you intend to use on that network before making any payment. It is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing and therefore the plan you choose may not support the devices you intend to use.
Unlimited Server Switching
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) aims to create a secure and private network between your devices, website, and other things connecting to the internet, so, it essentially provides an extra layer of protection for your internet connection. Unlimited server switching is a feature that will make it more difficult for attackers to hack into your network, as it allows you to move easily between different regions. The best VPN service lets you move between servers in Europe, America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
24/7 support
In case something about the service confuses you or you need help troubleshooting an issue, you should be able to reach the right VPN service provider easily at any time, any day. Leading providers can be reached via email or live chat.
Easy to Manage, Fast, Private and Secure VPN
You should be able to manage your VPN account yourself, and it should be able to connect to any server quickly. While connected, it should let you access and load your favorite websites quickly and easily, too. The best VPN service does not log your activities, so you can be confident in using a safe network that encrypts all data, making you invisible online.
VPN Protocols
If you really worry about your data security then look for an ultra-secure VPN protocol like OpenVPN or SSTP that provides the most advanced and secure encryption available. Some providers offer them as standard features. If not, PPTP`s or and L2TP`s encryption will do fine for you.
VPN Price
This is another factor you can’t fail to consider. You should compare the provider`s prices and pick the best one for you. Do not forget: the most expensive is not always the best VPN service company and it all depends of your needs. VPN prices generally fluctuate between 5$ and 20$/month.
Extras
Extras are other features that come with the plan. It is important to know what your VPN service company allows you to do. You may have an overall safe network but it may also limit you from accessing things that you want to access. When in doubt, the best thing is always asking the service provider to get a clear understanding.
Finally, research carefully and read the editor and user reviews and ratings about the best VPN services so that you know which worst VPN service to avail. This will also help you identify things that will work best for you.
The introduction of VPN to the internet world is such a blessing, especially to people who value their privacy so much. Large companies trust VPN service providers to safeguard their company data, and you should too. A private network that has the ability to hide your IP address, prevent access of unauthorized individuals, secures the private data you store in your computer – what more can you ask for? To find out more please be sure to read our in-depth VPN reviews and explore our VPN ratings.