Types of VPNs

A Virtual Private Network refers to either a service or a network that is configured for the purpose of protecting private or sensitive data on the internet. It’s important to know the differences between different types of VPNs in order to protect your personal or company data. There are three main types of VPNs: 

Remote Access VPN:

A VPN service hides your IP address from public networks and protects your private data from you Internet Service Provider (ISP). Normally when you go on the internet, your ISP gets your request and sends you to your intended destination. They are legally allowed to track your online activity and sell that information to whoever is interested in your activity. To prevent them from getting that information, a VPN will have your requests sent through their network first, encrypting the data and IP address, then sending it to your ISP to redirect you to the right place. 

Public networks such as airports and coffee shops are notorious targets for criminals looking to get profitable information from unsuspecting strangers. If you find yourself needing to use one of these networks to make a purchase or search something sensitive, you may find yourself at risk without a VPNs protection. 

People living in countries with limited freedom of speech rely on VPN’s to live and work on the internet without repercussions. VPNs allow you to change the location of a computer to access things on the internet that are restricted in your home country, such as social media sites, shows on streaming sites, or videos online that were blocked in your area. Of course you may simply be interested in protecting your online privacy, regardless if you have anything to hide. With a VPN, your actions are protected by encryption so you know your private information such as bank information, IP addresses, and online activity stay completely private. 

Remote Access VPNs are the most popular type of VPN on the market. When downloading the VPN software, you are connected to a secure remote server in order to access the private network. The set up of these services are generally very simple and accessible to everyone no matter their experience with online security. This service is ideal for individuals just looking to be safe online. 

Intranet Based Site-to-Site VPN

Site to Site VPNs are most often used by businesses looking to access resources from different devices. If you have sensitive information such as passwords or payment information to put on multiple devices at your company, investing in a VPN may be in order. 

Site to Site refers to different physical locations where networks need to be connected. Local networks (otherwise known as LANs) can be connected to a Wide Area Network (WAN) and then securely share information. 

Extranet Based Site to Site VPN

If two connections need to be connected, but for security reasons, a business doesn’t want them to be accessed remotely all the time, a solution would be an extranet based VPN. Those who benefit from this type of VPN would most likely be business partners or multiple companies who rely on information passed between each other.

Consider the Following:

In order to choose between the types of VPNs and find the service that is right for you, it important to consider the following:

• Am I protecting myself, or am I protecting my business?
• Is my internet secure and password protected?
• Should I allow everyone I am connecting to my private network to access my data all the time?

If you have any questions or need help setting up a VPN, contact us.

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