How to Set Up Your Own Business VPN

If you have a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for your business but have been concerned about costs for premium services or have been running into issues with sites blocking your VPN, there is another option. With a limited amount of technological know-how and little to no budget, you can build a VPN for you and your employees.

The biggest benefit of having your own business VPN is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one, not even a third-party VPN provider, will have the ability to track your online activities. Whether you run a small, home-based business or have proprietary trade secrets you need to secure, taking reliable cybersecurity measures should be a priority.

Setting Up a VPN On A Router

Many routers include VPN server support within the router itself. This will give you an encrypted, secure, access point for your entire business. Every device connected to the router’s network will have secure Internet access, even ones that don't typically support VPNs. This type of setup might be ideal for a coffee shop or small business that offers free Wi-Fi to customers, or for a small startup that doesn't have a large budget to dedicate to cybersecurity.

It is important to keep in mind that this approach can lead to slower Internet speeds, because the VPN is using additional resources encrypting and decrypting data. The number of people connected to your server can also affect the amount of bandwidth available.

Setting Up a VPN Through Windows 10

Windows 10 has a built-in feature that allows specified users the ability to connect to your business server with an encryption protocol. This not only gives you and your designated users a VPN, but also the ability to access the server through a remote device.

While a VPN provides extensive security to any data sent over an Internet connection, it doesn't add any additional protection to the server itself. A strong password must be used if you decide on this method, because if access to the server becomes compromised, it can become a port for malicious entry into Windows 10 and your entire network, even though your individual connections are secure.

Setting Up a VPN On A Dedicated Server

One way to eliminate the security risk of having a VPN on your own server is to have a dedicated server with VPN software, such as OpenVPN, installed whose sole function is hosting the network. If breached, rather than finding compromising company files, a potential hacker would find nothing but an empty server housing a VPN.

For a small business where employees are not asked to work remotely, a dedicated VPN gives you all of the security of third-party VPN providers without the issues of websites recognizing you are using a VPN and blocking your access. T

There are some things to consider when going this route. The PC acting as a dedicated server must always be on for the VPN to work, especially while you or your workers are traveling and turning it on manually isn't an option. In the event of a server-level power outage or disaster, you and your workers would be instantly left unprotected. It is recommended to have a backup VPN at the ready.

More Concerns With A DIY Business VPN

Businesses operate on a spectrum of security needs. If you are a business owner, work from home, or travel, setting up your own VPN might be just the ticket to give you the privacy and security you need while accessing the Internet for work. Businesses at all levels can find the type of business VPN that fits their security needs.

Besides requiring some work to set up, the largest drawback with building your own VPN is that you won't have the advantage of access to remote proxy servers. In other words, you won’t be able to spoof your location. If that is a necessity, look into affordable VPN service providers that host servers around the world.

A business VPN can be an important tool in your security arsenal when it comes to having private, secure Internet connections. No two business’ security needs are the same, so no one single security solution can address every need. Look into all available options before deciding what type of VPN is right for your company.