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• Secure access to corporate resources – VPNs provide a secure, encrypted connection to company servers. When employees access data remotely, a VPN prevents outsiders from spying on traffic and protects intellectual property. A secure remote workforce requires remote access to the organisation’s IT network to maintain productivity.

• Protect sensitive data on untrusted networks – Public Wi‑Fi networks are inherently unsafe. UC Berkeley’s Information Security Office advises against using public Wi‑Fi for work and recommends connecting through the university’s VPN or a personal hotspot. A VPN encrypts the traffic, ensuring that passwords, emails and corporate data are not exposed.

• Ensure compliance and privacy – Many industries have regulations requiring secure handling of customer data. Using a VPN helps meet confidentiality requirements because the organisation controls authentication and encryption. Simple English Wikipedia explains that VPNs hide users and make online activities anonymous.

• Prevent unauthorised access – Remote access requires strong authentication. Security guidance notes that organisations typically enforce strong authentication controls to protect corporate networks against unauthorised access. VPNs often integrate multi‑factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorised employees can connect.

• Support a remote workforce long‑term – The pandemic cemented remote employees as a permanent part of many companies’ workforce. Palo Alto Networks notes that organisations must revisit their security strategies to support larger remote populations while protecting against cyberthreats. VPNs—and complementary technologies like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)—are critical to this strategy.

Not all VPNs are suitable for remote work. Consider the following features when choosing a VPN service or when evaluating an enterprise VPN provided by your employer:

Securing your home office involves more than just installing a VPN. Follow these guidelines to create a robust security posture:

1. Use company‑provided equipment when possible – UC Berkeley notes that personally owned computers may not meet institutional security standards and recommends using university‑owned, managed equipment for remote work.

2. Keep systems updated – Outdated software contains vulnerabilities. The Berkeley guidelines advise updating operating systems, web browsers and apps and enabling automatic updates.

3. Install anti‑malware software and enable firewalls – Anti‑spyware and anti‑virus tools, along with a properly configured firewall, protect against malware and intrusions.

4. Secure your Wi‑Fi – Set a strong, unique password for your wireless network and use WPA3 or at least WPA2 encryption. Change default router passwords and disable remote management. If possible, place work devices on a separate network or VLAN.

5. Avoid public Wi‑Fi; use a VPN or personal hotspot – Public networks expose your traffic. Berkeley’s Information Security Office recommends using a campus VPN or personal hotspot instead.

6. Choose the right tunnelling mode – Use full tunnelling when accessing sensitive enterprise systems (to send all traffic through the VPN) and split tunnelling when performing general tasks like email or videoconferencing.

7. Encrypt local data – Sensitive files on your laptop should be encrypted. Berkeley’s guidelines mention whole‑disk encryption tools like BitLocker and FileVault.

8. Use strong passwords and MFA – Don’t reuse passwords across services. Use a password manager and enable MFA for both the VPN and critical applications.

9. Separate personal and work activities – Use different user accounts or devices to avoid mixing personal browsing with corporate work.

10. Train yourself and your family – Phishing and social engineering attacks target remote workers. Stay vigilant and take advantage of security awareness training offered by your organisation.

While VPNs are a cornerstone of remote work security, modern enterprises are adopting additional technologies:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – ZTNA applies least‑privilege access, giving users access only to the applications they need. Palo Alto Networks notes that ZTNA denies all network access by default and authenticates users before provisioning application‑level access through a secure, encrypted tunnel.

• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) – SASE converges networking and security functions (WAN, CASB, SWG, Firewall as a Service and ZTNA) into a cloud‑delivered service model. It provides consistent security for users whether they are at home, in branch offices or at headquarters.

• Remote desktop protocols (RDP/VNC) – Legacy remote desktop solutions can be risky. Palo Alto Networks notes that remote desktop access introduces significant security risks and is generally not recommended. If used, protect RDP connections with strong passwords, MFA and network restrictions.

Remote work is here to stay, but it demands a higher level of security. VPNs provide secure, encrypted tunnels for remote workers to access corporate networks. They protect sensitive data, enable compliance, and allow employees to work productively from anywhere. However, a VPN is only part of a comprehensive security strategy. Keeping systems patched, using anti‑malware and firewalls, avoiding insecure networks, encrypting local data and adopting zero‑trust principles are all essential. By following the steps in this guide and working closely with your organisation’s IT team, you can enjoy the flexibility of remote work without sacrificing security.

1. Why do remote workers need a VPN?

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring that sensitive work data remains secure from hackers, ISPs, or malicious actors—especially when working from home or using public Wi-Fi.

2. Can I use a free VPN for remote work?

While free VPNs exist, they often have limitations such as slower speeds, data caps, and fewer security features. For handling confidential work data, a reputable paid VPN is strongly recommended.

3. Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?

Some speed reduction is normal because of encryption, but premium VPNs with optimized servers minimize this impact, allowing smooth video calls, file sharing, and remote desktop access.

4. How do I choose the best VPN for my home office?

Look for features such as strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, high-speed servers, multi-device support, and compatibility with your work applications and devices.

5. Can my employer provide a VPN for remote work?

Yes. Many companies offer their own corporate VPNs to ensure secure access to internal systems. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to choose and configure your own VPN.