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Do You Need a VPN?

VPNs are advertised everywhere, but not everyone needs one. The answer depends on what you are trying to do: reach your office from outside, or browse more privately.

What a VPN does

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and another network or server. Everything inside the tunnel is hidden from the network you are using, such as a hotel or coffee shop Wi-Fi.

Business VPN: reaching office resources

A business VPN connects you to your company's own network. You need one when you must reach things that only exist at the office, such as:

  • A file server or shared drive in the office.
  • Accounting or business software installed on an office computer or server.
  • Printers, cameras or other devices on the office network.

A business VPN is set up and managed by your IT provider, with accounts for each person, ideally protected with multi-factor authentication (MFA).

If your files and email are already in Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook), you usually do not need a VPN to reach them. They are designed to be used securely over the internet.

Consumer VPN: privacy services

Consumer VPNs are paid apps that route your internet traffic through the provider's servers. They can:

  • Hide your browsing from the local Wi-Fi network.
  • Make it look like you are in a different location.

They do not:

  • Give you access to your office network.
  • Protect you from phishing, fake websites or malware.
  • Make you anonymous. The VPN company can see your traffic instead, so trust matters.

Avoid free VPN apps; many make money by collecting or selling your data.

Staying safe on public Wi-Fi

Today, almost all websites use HTTPS, which encrypts the connection between your browser and the site even on public Wi-Fi. That covers most everyday risk. To stay safe:

  1. Check that the address starts with https:// and the browser shows no security warning.
  2. Connect only to the official network name. Ask staff if you are not sure; fake networks with similar names exist.
  3. Never ignore a certificate or security warning in your browser.
  4. Turn off file sharing and set the network as Public when Windows asks.
  5. Keep your device and browser updated.

The simple alternative: your phone's hotspot

For work on the road, your phone's personal hotspot is often the safest and easiest choice. The connection goes over your cellular plan, not a shared network, and it is protected by your own password. Check your data plan limits first.

Do not install a VPN app on a company computer without checking with us first. Some VPNs conflict with existing security software, block access to Microsoft 365, or break remote support tools.

Quick answer

  • Need office files or software that live on a local server? Business VPN.
  • Everything is in Microsoft 365 and you use HTTPS sites? Usually no VPN needed.
  • Working from hotels or coffee shops often? Use your phone's hotspot, or talk to us about the right option.

Published on - 01-01-1970 05:30am

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