VPN connection for the company and especially to the production network

A secure VPN connection opens up new ways for companies in many sectors to organize their business efficiently and securely. With a VPN, you can do work that was previously only done on-site, or get access to a company's previously completely off-site infrastructure. closed OT network resources safely, even if you are in another location.

What is a VPN virtual private network?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, a technology that allows you to connect securely and privately over the internet.

The way a VPN works is that it creates an encrypted remote connection for the user through a server, firewall or network, which helps to protect your communications from outsiders and ensure your privacy online. For example, a VPN can be implemented by Save LAN firewall service context.

VPN hides your ip address

When a device (such as a computer, smartphone or tablet) connects to the internet, it is assigned a unique IP address. This address is like a postal address on the internet - it tells you which device the data is coming from and where it is going. The IP address allows internet service providers (ISPs) and websites to identify the user's location and possibly other information.

A VPN changes this dynamic by creating a secure connection between the user's device and the VPN server. When a user connects through a VPN, all internet traffic is first routed to the VPN server before reaching its final destination on the internet. In this process, the user's real IP address is hidden and only the IP address of the VPN server is visible to outside parties.

Here's a simplified description of how an IP address and a VPN are linked and work together:

1. Establishing a connection: The user launches the VPN application and connects to the VPN server of their choice.
2. IP address change: Once the connection is established, the VPN server assigns a new IP address to the device. This IP address can be located anywhere in the world, depending on where the VPN service provider is located.
3. The secret tunnel: VPN services establish an encrypted connection between the user's device and the VPN server. This "tunnel" protects all data passing through, so that outsiders cannot easily spy or intercept data.
4. Anonymous browsing:Because the user's real IP address is hidden and all traffic appears to come from the IP address of the VPN server, it is harder to trace the user's activity on the internet. This improves privacy and security online.

VPN connection for businesses

Businesses should use VPN for a variety of purposes related to security, teleworking and business efficiency. Several reasons to use VPN are described in more detail below:

1. Secure connection for remote workers
2. Protection of business secrets
3. Enterprise network security
4. Multi-site operation
5. Use by business travellers and passengers
6. Changing location

01.Secure connection for remote workers

More and more companies are enabling remote access to VPN at work. Encrypted access is an important tool for remote workers. With a VPN connection, a remote worker can connect to company resources and the network securely, as all data transfer over the remote connection is always encrypted. This helps protect company data and prevents outsiders from accessing critical information.

02.Protection of business secrets

Many companies have sensitive information and trade secrets that are important to protect. A virtual private network helps prevent unauthorized access to company network resources and files. Only authorized users with the right credentials can connect remotely to the company's internal network via VPN.

03.Enterprise network security

A VPN connection helps to increase the overall security of your corporate network by preventing outsiders from accessing your internal network architecture. Through an encrypted connection, data can only pass through securely configured routes, minimising the risk of potential attacks and data leaks.

04.Multi-establishment activities

VPN remote access helps multinational companies and organizations connect offices (site-to-site VPN) and employees around the world to a single network. This enables efficient data transfer and collaboration regardless of location.

05.Business and passenger use

Employees in companies who travel a lot can use a VPN connection to securely access the company network. This allows them to securely access company resources and data from, say, a hotel or airport's public Wi-Fi network, which can be vulnerable to security risks.

06.Changing location

A VPN connection also allows you to change your location. For example, employee traffic can be routed through a branch office to bypass land constraints.

In summary, remote VPN access is an important part of a company's security strategy and remote working. They all help to protect company data, prevent unauthorized access to the network and improve business flexibility and efficiency.

What technologies does the VPN use?

A VPN uses a number of technologies to enable a secure and private connection over the internet. Regardless, here are some of the key techniques that a VPN uses:

Encryption

Encryption is one of the core technologies of VPNs. A VPN encrypts data so that it is unreadable without the right encryption key. Encryption is used to ensure that all data passing through the VPN connection is secure and thus protected from outside observers. Commonly used encryption protocols include IPsec and SSL/TLS.

Tunneling

VPNs often use tunneling to create a "tunnel" between the user and the server. This means that the VPN uses the tunnel to protect traffic from the user's device to the firewall and vice versa. This prevents outsiders from seeing or modifying data during an encrypted connection.

Integrity of data

VPN uses different protocols to check data integrity. One way data integrity for verification is the SHA seal and stands for Secure Hash Algorithm. It is a hash algorithm used to ensure the integrity of files and messages. SHA seals are one-way, which means that a file or message cannot be restored to its original form based on its hash seal alone. SHA seals are often used to ensure the authenticity, integrity and integrity of files and messages.

IP Address Masking

A VPN can hide the real IP address of a corporate user and replace it with the IP address of the VPN server. The user can then bypass country restrictions on different services. Note that the VPN does not hide the user from web browsing.

Secure authentication methods

The company can use strong authentication methods such as username and password, two-factor authentication (2FA) or public and private key encryption (PKI) to ensure that only authorized users can connect to the VPN network.

All of these technologies work together to create a safe and secure connection through a VPN, which is particularly important when users want to protect their data traffic on public Wi-Fi networks or when companies want to provide their remote workers with a secure way to access the corporate network.

VPN connections on the OT network

VPN connections on the OT network are used in a similar way to the IT side. Some operators have a very geographically distributed network. In this case, encrypted connections are a viable option for easily connecting remote sites to the control room.

Usually, a VPN is terminated on an OT network to a service located at a control room or SCADA in the immediate vicinity. The equipment in the field then establishes a VPN connection to the control room in a secure manner. Data can also be transmitted via wireless networks, which emphasizes the importance of an encrypted and secure connection.

OT networks often use end-to-end tunneling VPN connections. This simplifies the network topology by hiding the structure of the networks in between.

Ask more on secure implementations of OT networks.   

Which VPN connection should I use?

As mentioned earlier, VPN connections are now made almost entirely using two technologies. These are TLS and IPsec. Until the early 2000s, IPsec was almost the only technology in use. Nowadays, however, TLS is also gaining ground. Both methods of connection are highly secure. TLS connections are used, for example, for online banking on the Internet.

VPN connection selection focuses on where you want to terminate the VPN connection. Usually, the VPN connection is terminated at the company's VPN service. Today, this is located in the company's firewall. In other words, the firewall features determine what VPN connection can be used and what is recommended by the manufacturer. It is best to leave the setup and programming of the connection to the experts to ensure a secure connection.

With a VPN service and a firewall, you'll have a secure and safe connection to your company's data. Employees are always advised to use only a secure VPN connection on public networks. In WiFi networks, an unsecured connection means, metaphorically speaking, that your company's data is being shouted out loud in a public space.

Save LAN offers VPN connection deployment and maintenance. We always deliver our services in a secure and customer-friendly way. Ask for more information about the options.

Give us a call and let's get the remote connections right!

Conclusion

Secure VPN connections are the order of the day for alert businesses. For some, however, there is insufficient monitoring and updating of corporate connections. If it is not a core business, it is worth outsourcing the maintenance of a secure network.

A VPN connection also makes it easier for company employees. Reliable and easy-to-use remote access improves work efficiency and employee satisfaction. Remote working can also be seen as an advantage that is worth advertising.

The European Union is pushing for new directives to increase data security. The latest information security directive is due to come into force for certain sectors in 2024. As a regulatory tool, a fine of 2% of a company's annual turnover has also been created. Some companies are already subject to regulation and others will be in the near future.

Save LAN offers businesses a VPN security service that allows them to focus on their core business at a moderate cost. Save LAN also recommends auditing and upgrading your data networks to prevent further security breaches. Contact us!

What is a VPN service?

A VPN service, or virtual private network, creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet, protecting your business data from outside parties. It is an essential part of modern security and privacy protection online.

Is a VPN necessary?

A VPN is essential when connecting remotely via the internet to a company's production network. If you access the internet without a VPN, it's the equivalent of walking down the street with your home address written on your shirt. The VPN acts as a tunnel to your internet connection. No one outside the network can see what you're doing online when the VPN is turned on.