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What is a VPN and how does it protect your privacy?

Insights overview

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategy. It serves as a private, encrypted passageway for your internet traffic, shielding your online activities from unauthorized observation and protecting sensitive corporate data from potential threats lurking on public networks. For any organization seeking to empower its teams with secure remote access, understanding VPN technology is the first step.

In this article

  • What is a VPN and how does it work?
  • What is a VPN used for in a business context?
  • How do I get a VPN and what are the costs?
  • Securing your digital world with TeamViewer

What is a VPN and how does it work?

So, what is a VPN in computer terms? At its core, a virtual private network is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between a user's device and the internet. Instead of connecting directly to the web, your device first connects to a dedicated VPN server, which then forwards your traffic to its final destination. This redirection is the key to how a VPN protects your privacy and data.

The principles of encryption and tunneling

The entire process hinges on two main principles: encryption and tunneling. When you activate a VPN, it establishes what is known as an encrypted tunnel. Any data that passes through this tunnel is systematically scrambled using complex algorithms. This ensures that even if a third party managed to intercept your data stream, they would only see a meaningless jumble of characters, rendering the information useless.

How a VPN works in practice

Let's explore this further to understand what is a VPN and how does it work in practice. Your device runs a VPN client, which is the software that initiates the connection. This client encrypts your data before it even leaves your computer, phone, or tablet. The encrypted data then travels to the VPN server, which decrypts it and sends it to the intended website or online service. The server also masks your real IP address, replacing it with its own, which anonymizes your location and identity.

What is a VPN server?

A critical component of this architecture is the VPN server itself. But what is a vpn server? It is a specially configured remote server, operated by a VPN provider, that acts as a secure intermediary for your internet traffic. When you connect, you are essentially borrowing the server's IP address. This is advantageous for many reasons, from bypassing geographic content restrictions to adding a powerful layer of anonymity for all users connecting from your organization. This kind of protection is central to any strategy for secure remote access and support.

What is a VPN used for in a business context?

For modern enterprises, the question of what a VPN is used for extends far beyond simple privacy. It is a strategic tool for enabling a secure and productive remote workforce. The primary business use case is providing employees with secure access to the internal corporate network, including shared drives, intranet sites, and proprietary applications, from any location without exposing the network to the public internet.

Protecting data on unsecured networks

One of the most immediate benefits is the protection of corporate data on unsecured networks. Remote workers often connect from public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, airports, and hotels, which are notoriously insecure and prime targets for cybercriminals. A VPN encrypts all data transmitted over these networks, creating a safe environment and preventing bad actors from capturing login credentials, financial information, or confidential company documents.

Supporting global business operations

Furthermore, VPNs are essential for global operations. Many companies have resources or use services, like those from Microsoft Azure, that are region-specific. A VPN allows workers to connect to a server in a specific country, making it appear as if they are browsing from that location. This capability is invaluable for testing localized digital marketing campaigns, accessing geo-restricted business intelligence platforms, and ensuring a consistent user experience for international teams.

Extending protection to mobile devices

This necessity for security also applies to the myriad of mobile devices in your IT ecosystem. Understanding what is VPN in Android or what is a VPN on iPhone is crucial for a comprehensive security posture. By requiring all mobile devices that access corporate data to use a VPN, you extend your security perimeter to every endpoint. This protects sensitive communications and data on employees' smartphones and tablets, ensuring that your company's digital assets are secure, no matter the device or location.

How do I get a VPN and what are the costs?

When you decide it's time to implement this technology, the first question is often, how do I get a VPN? For businesses, the answer involves more than just downloading an app. 

Assessing your business VPN needs

The process begins with assessing your organization's specific needs, such as the number of users, the types of devices, and the level of security and administrative control required. From there, you can explore enterprise-grade VPN solutions that offer centralized management, dedicated IP addresses, and integration with existing security infrastructure.

Types of VPN solutions available

There are several types of VPNs available, from hardware-based solutions that connect an entire office to sophisticated software clients for individual devices. Many businesses opt for cloud-based VPN services, which offer scalability and ease of deployment. Choosing the right service involves vetting providers based on their security protocols, logging policies (a "no-logs" policy is the gold standard), server locations, and performance to ensure a seamless experience for your users.

Understanding VPN pricing models

A common follow-up question is, how much does a VPN cost? The price can vary significantly based on the provider and the scale of your deployment. Most business VPNs operate on a subscription model, typically priced per user per month. Costs can range from a few dollars to over fifteen dollars per user, depending on the feature set. Advanced features like single sign-on (SSO) integration, dedicated servers, and priority support will influence the final price point.

While there is an associated cost, it is vital to view a VPN not as an expense but as a critical investment in your company's security and operational continuity. The potential cost of a single data breach—in terms of financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory fines—far outweighs the subscription fee for a robust VPN service. It is an essential layer of defense that protects your most valuable asset: your data.

Securing your digital world with TeamViewer

VPNs are a proven way to secure online communication, protect sensitive data, and enable remote work. They encrypt traffic, mask IP addresses, and create safe tunnels between devices and networks. For many businesses, they are a fundamental layer of cybersecurity.

However, VPNs can be complex to deploy and manage at scale. Configuring servers, assigning IPs, and maintaining performance across a distributed workforce often requires dedicated IT resources.

That’s where TeamViewer provides a simpler alternative. Instead of a full VPN setup, TeamViewer enables secure, point-to-point remote connections between devices with built-in encryption. IT teams and employees can access files, applications, or support systems without the overhead of managing a traditional VPN. This makes it faster to implement, easier to maintain, and just as reliable for secure remote access.