Image by Stefan Coders from Pixabay

By Samantha Cortez

With business employees often working remotely or traveling, VPNs have become necessary for companies. However, if the VPN is not configured correctly, it can slow down work efficiency.

Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your VPN. Whether you use one for work or personal use, these tips will help make your VPN work.

Hide your IP address

An IP address is an identifier that ties your device to your internet connection. It’s how websites know where to send and receive your data. It’s also how they know which ads to display to you. While getting personalized advertisements is okay, most people want to hide their IP addresses from cybercriminals.

The good news is a VPN can help. A VPN encrypts your Internet data, which makes it more difficult for hackers to track your device or location. It also reroutes your web traffic through a server, which masks your IP address. Choosing a VPN with servers worldwide can make it appear like you’re connecting to the Internet from another country.

You must install and launch a VPN to hide your IP address. After that, select a server you’d like to connect to or let the software find one for you. Once the VPN is connected, you can launch a web browser and browse the Internet. The sites you visit won’t be able to see your actual IP address but will instead view the IP address provided by the VPN server.

You can also fine-tune your VPN to meet your needs. For example, some VPNs allow you to set it to launch automatically when your device starts. This can save time and free up your computer’s resources.

Access geo-restricted content

A VPN is a great way to bypass online geo-blocking. Companies and governments block access to content based on your location. This is done for a variety of reasons. It could be due to copyright issues, distribution rights, or other business interests. It is also common for certain regions to be restricted from specific services or platforms—for example, music streaming services limit availability to some areas because of a deal with record companies. Video game releases are often a case of regional exclusivity, as are sports events, thanks to broadcasting and other agreements.

When using a VPN to get around these restrictions, the key is masking your real IP address. VPNs are the best tool for this, as they use encryption. Proxy servers can also work, but they provide a different level of security and privacy than a VPN. Smart DNS services also offer this function, but they do so without the added security features of a VPN.

When choosing a provider, look for one that offers a full suite of these tools to determine what works best for your needs. You should also ensure the VPN you select has a reasonable price and provides excellent customer support. Choosing one that offers several simultaneous connections is also a good idea, as this will give you the freedom to use it simultaneously on various devices.

Keep your privacy

One of the most common reasons people use VPNs is to keep their privacy. So, how does a VPN work? A good VPN obscures your IP address and encrypts your connection, so even if someone intercepts the data through your VPN, they won’t be able to see any of it. That means you can avoid online ads targeted to your location or interests and not worry about someone building a profile for the sites you visit.

For business users, this can be especially helpful. After all, when transmitting confidential information such as financial records or credit card numbers, the last thing you want is for those documents to fall into the wrong hands. With a well-chosen VPN for business, employees can ensure their private information is always kept secure.

To start using a VPN for your business, look for a provider offering clients the devices your employees need to access the Internet. Some providers also offer apps for mobile devices, which can be a convenient way to ensure everyone has access to the VPN when needed. Once you have chosen a provider, install the software on your employees’ devices. It is usually a quick process, and many providers have setup guides and live chat support if you run into any issues.

Secure your internet connection

When you use a VPN, the data that goes over the Internet is encrypted. This prevents cybercriminals from spying on your online activity, such as the passwords you enter into websites or your private conversations on social media. This feature is essential for businesses, schools, and other organizations that have employees working remotely or on public Wi-Fi networks, which are often poorly secured and offer hackers an opportunity to steal personal information.

When choosing a VPN, make sure you find one with a reputation for reliability and offers a variety of servers in different locations. Look for features like the tunneling protocol used — the better the encryption, the more secure your connection. The best VPNs also offer a kill switch, which disconnects you from the Internet in case your VPN connection is lost, and DNS leak protection ensures that your device only uses the VPN’s DNS servers and not your ISP’s.

Finally, be sure the VPN you choose supports all the devices your employees use for work and play. This means desktop computers, as well as tablets and smart TVs. The best VPN providers will have apps for Windows, iOS, and Android devices and a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. They should also support various operating systems and have excellent customer support.

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Samantha Cortez is managing editor for Scalefluence.com, an influencer marketing SaaS and marketplace. She has written for some of the largest publications in America, including Business Insider and 20/20 Magazine. Sam loves to travel, often working remotely from Europe.