8 Best VPNs for Business to Safeguard Your Network and Your Data

Hey there!

As an IT specialist and data security enthusiast, I’ve been researching the VPN space in-depth. And I’m excited to share my experiences and recommendations with you today.

I totally get why you’re exploring VPN solutions right now.

Recent surveys reveal that a staggering 60% of SMBs have experienced a cyber attack. The most common threats cited are phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks.

And annual losses can be massive – upto $200,000 for small businesses as per a Hiscox report.

So investing in robust data security needs to be a priority, especially with remote working becoming the norm.

And this is where a business-grade VPN can really help safeguard your company‘s assets and reputation.

Now let‘s get into the specifics…

What is a VPN and Why Every Business Needs It

Simply put, a Virtual Private Network allows remote employees to securely access company apps and resources over the internet.

All data between devices and servers is encrypted using complex algorithms that would take hackers thousands of years to crack!

This encrypted tunnel prevents snooping or tampering of data while in transit over unsecured networks.

VPNs also mask the real IP addresses of connected devices, which adds an extra layer of privacy.

Now let me expand on five key reasons why VPNs have become a must-have for every business:

1. Enable Secure Remote Work Access

The pandemic has forced companies to support remote working at an unprecedented scale. Employees are now accessing internal tools and data from home networks which are obviously not as secure as office networks.

Unencrypted data over such connections is an open invitation to hackers!

VPNs allow employees to work remotely without exposing business data to cyber risks. Encrypted VPN connections prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

As per GlobalData, over 70% of organizations reported increased remote working due to COVID-19. The need for security solutions like VPNs boomed.

2. Bypass Geographical Restrictions

VPNs can help employees seamlessly access region-restricted corporate resources like cloud apps, databases, and internal tools when traveling abroad.

By masking location, VPNs allow global teams to collaborate effectively regardless of geographical limitations.

For example, employees traveling to certain countries may be unable to access tools hosted in the US due to local regulations. VPNs solve this efficiently.

3. Secure Public Wi-Fi Access

We all know public Wi-Fi networks, say at airports, are a security nightmare! They are highly vulnerable to attacks like sniffing, spoofing, and MITM attacks.

A VPN must be used to secure all work-related communication over such unsecured public networks to prevent data theft.

As you must have experienced, free public Wi-Fis often require agreeing to dodgy terms and conditions that allow collecting user data. VPNs can prevent your personal and corporate data from being tracked and misused.

4. Site-to-Site Connectivity

Businesses can use VPNs to securely connect their branch offices, partners, and cloud services through encrypted site-to-site tunnels.

Site-to-site connections are vital for companies with multiple locations to function as a unified entity. VPNs make this possible over the public internet securely.

5. Enhanced Online Privacy

VPNs prevent ISPs from monitoring employee activities or selling their data to third parties. It protects against overreach of state surveillance agencies as well.

Let‘s face it – ISPs, tech giants, and governments are all guilty of collecting an insane amount of data on us!

VPNs help regain control. As per a Spiceworks survey, 96% of IT professionals feel VPNs help improve online privacy.

So in summary, VPNs tackle a wide variety of data security challenges faced by modern distributed enterprises. They are truly worth the investment.

Key Differences Between Business VPNs and Personal VPNs

Now you might be wondering – can‘t I just use a personal VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for my business?

While both provide online privacy and security, business VPN solutions have distinct features tailored for enterprise needs:

	Business VPN	Personal VPN
Security	Advanced protocols like IKEv2, TLS/SSL	Basic protocols like PPTP
Performance	Guaranteed bandwidth, low latency	Unpredictable speeds
Access	All employees, global locations	Individuals, 1-5 devices
Control	Granular user access policies	No centralized control
Support	24/7 phone/email	Limited online support

So while personal VPN services optimize for simplicity and cost, business VPNs focus on enterprise-grade security, performance, expanded access, and advanced monitoring/control capabilities.

Choosing the Right VPN Service: 7 Key Factors

With so many VPN services out there, zeroing in on one that fits your specific business needs is critical.

Here are seven key factors I would evaluate:

1. Security Protocols and Encryption Standard

Verify the VPN uses robust protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2 rather than weak ones like PPTP.

256-bit AES encryption is commonly used by leading services for maximum protection. Avoid any vendor claiming "military-grade" or "unbreakable" encryption – those are marketing gimmicks!

Also review their privacy policy thoroughly regarding logging practices.

2. Reliability and Uptime

Check online reviews and testimonials to validate guaranteed uptimes and connection reliability offered. Service disruptions can impact productivity.

3. Network Performance and Speed

More localized VPN servers generally translate into faster speeds. Confirm they meet your performance needs.

Independent third-party speed tests like those on SafetyDetectives and TrustPilot can be useful.

4. Client Software and Device Support

The VPN client should be simple to use across desktops, mobiles, tablets used by your workforce. Ease of installation and configurations is key.

5. Central Management Console

Evaluate built-in console features that allow easy user access control, policy configuration and usage monitoring across devices.

6. Customer Support

Serve quality is vital. Check if they offer 24/7 live chat, email and phone support. Look for resources like knowledgebases and training material as well.

7. Pricing and Plans

Compare the pricing and feature specs of shortlisted options to get the best value. Focus on your must-have features rather than paying for unnecessary bells and whistles.

Many vendors charge per user, some per device, and others for dedicated IPs. Choose plans that provide flexibility to scale as your team expands.

Top 8 Business VPN Services Recommended by Experts

I‘ve compiled this list of top business VPN services based on my extensive research and feedback from real users:

1. NordVPN Teams

NordVPN consistently ranks among the top 3 consumer VPN providers. NordVPN Teams is its business-focused solution built from ground up for enterprise requirements.

It offers over 5000 high-speed servers worldwide, supports SSL/TLS and IKEv2/IPSec protocols, and provides AES 256-bit encryption by default.

NordVPN Teams has easy-to-use apps for all major platforms. Its centralized dashboard allows configuring granular user policies and monitoring activity. Active Directory integration is supported.

Advanced security features include DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, IP whitelisting, dedicated IP and more.

24/7 live chat support and extensive troubleshooting guides are available. Pricing starts at a competitive $5 per user per month billed annually.

A free 14-day trial allows you to validate features and performance.

2. ExpressVPN Business

ExpressVPN is my personal favorite VPN for fast speeds and reliable connections from anywhere. Their business offering ExpressVPN Business brings the same uncompromising standards tailored for companies.

It utilizes their speed-optimized Lightway protocol + 256-bit AES encryption for great performance without sacrificing security.

Servers are spread across 160 locations in 94 countries enabling use of dedicated IPs where needed.

The intuitive web-based admin console centralizes management and monitoring of your entire remote workforce. Useful features include passwordless logins, split tunneling, configurable whitelists, and more.

Their well-trained 24/7 live chat support experts can troubleshoot any issue. Pricing starts at $9.10 per user per month billed annually.

3. CyberGhost Business

CyberGhost is one of the most affordable personal VPNs. Their business plan smartly provides the same capabilities enhanced for companies.

It uses military-grade AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols. Users can connect to high-speed servers in 91 countries with unlimited bandwidth.

The centralized management dashboard allows remote installation of clients and restricting access as needed. Useful features like dedicated IPs, multi-logins and graphs to monitor traffic and logins are provided.

Helpful 24/7 customer support over live chat and email is available. Pricing starts at a modest $3.25 per user per month billed annually.

4. Hotspot Shield Business

Hotspot Shield offers a very popular free VPN with ads. Their premium business offering called Hotspot Shield Business provides ad-free secure connectivity tailored for companies.

Bank-grade AES-256 encryption is coupled with their proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol for blazing fast speeds.

Their global network of 2000+ servers spread across 80 countries enables secure connections from anywhere.

The admin portal allows easy remote deployment, policy setting and usage monitoring. Features like roaming client IPs, culprit detection, and domain filtering provide added protection.

Phone and email support is available round the clock. Hotspot Shield Business is affordably priced starting at $4.99 per user monthly for 1-year contracts.

5. Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 offers an innovative cloud-hosted business VPN delivered as a secure network as a service. You can choose cloud datacenters closest to your locations for hosting VPN servers.

Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption is provided out of the box. It supports OpenVPN and IPSec protocols. Apps are available for all major platforms.

The web admin portal makes it easy to manage users, policies, and monitor activity across the network. Useful advanced capabilities like always-on VPN, default deny access, port forwarding and jumping are provided.

Support engineers are available 24/7 over phone and email. Perimeter 81 pricing starts at $8 per user monthly billed annually. A free 7-day trial can be test driven.

6. Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect is an enterprise-grade secure remote access VPN solution from the networking giant. It supports SSL and IPsec connectivity over a wide range of protocols.

The AnyConnect client provides unified access across devices to corporate resources with consistent policies. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection.

Network visibility and insights are provided through AnyConnect telemetry capabilities. Features like Always-on VPN, context-aware access control, malware defense and DLP help strengthen security.

Given the advanced capabilities, Cisco AnyConnect requires expert installation, configuration and management. Pricing varies based on features.

7. Citrix Access Control

Citrix Access Control is an identity-aware access management solution to securely connect employees to SaaS apps and internal web apps.

It easily integrates with your existing authentication systems like AD, Okta and password managers for single sign-on. Granular access policies can be enforced based on users‘ context.

By routing web traffic through the Access Control service, you can filter content, monitor usage and protect from web-based threats.

Access Control also provides managed, optimized access on employee devices for improved experience across platforms.

With its identity-driven approach, Access Control complements existing network or cloud VPNs. 24/7 support is provided. Pricing starts at $9 per user/month billed annually.

8. Zscaler Private Access

Zscaler Private Access works on a unique model. Rather than routing traffic through VPN servers, it creates secure connections between specific users and internal applications without exposing the network or apps to the internet.

It enables access based on identity and context, providing user and application-level segmentation and zero trust security.

Private Access inspects all traffic and prevents lateral threat movement. Real-time analytics provide visibility into user, application and network activities.

The Zscaler cloud platform offers a global footprint with over 150 data centers to connect employees and applications across regions.

Bonus Tips on Choosing a Business VPN

Here are my top five bonus tips when evaluating VPN services:

• Start with a free trial – Test drive shortlisted VPNs extensively before committing.

• Compare independent reviews – User experiences on sites like Trustpilot.com are more reliable than vendor claims.

• Discuss with their Sales team – Clarify all your queries. Ask for guides, training materials and onboarding support.

• Check contract flexibility – Can you change plans if your needs increase? Are long multi-year contracts required?

• Request a custom demo – Walk through key capabilities like policies, reporting, speed tests and support.

FAQs about Business VPNs

Let‘s quickly discuss some common questions:

Are free VPNs suitable for business use?

I would not recommend free VPN services for business use. They often have security flaws, lack of support, and unstable connections that can disrupt operations.

What are the risks of not using a VPN for business?

Lack of encryption exposes confidential data to attacks. Remote workers on public Wi-Fi become easy entry points for hackers. Significant financial, reputational and legal risks exist.

Can I just use my existing office VPN for remote workers?

Traditional office-centric VPNs have limited clients and capabilities for remote access from unmanaged devices and networks. Business VPN services are designed specifically for secure remote work.

Is there a difference between VPN protocols?

Yes, protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 are newer and more secure than outdated ones like PPTP. Business VPNs support advanced protocols. Know the protocols supported by any service you evaluate.

Wrap Up

I hope this gives you a good overview of top business VPN solutions and what capabilities to look for!

The key is finding one that aligns with your specific environment and data security needs – while being easy for your team to use.

With cyber threats only growing, investing in robust data protection needs to be a top business priority for every organization.

Feel free to reach out if you need any help evaluating options or getting a VPN deployed for your workforce. I‘m always happy to help companies secure their data and enable safe collaboration.

Stay safe online!