Cyber Tips

Why and When to Use a VPN – A Simple Guide for Individuals and Businesses

Whether you’re an individual or business user, it’s essential to understand the capabilities of VPNs to keep safe online.

As cyberattacks continue to target everyone from large corporations to ordinary individuals, 1.5 billion people globally now use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect themselves online – whether it’s for privacy, work or streaming entertainment. But are VPNs the complete solution to your digital security needs?

“While a VPN is great at protecting your privacy online, it’s not really a full security solution on its own,” explains Jack Brooks, Head of BOXX Insurance Hackbusters and vCISO.” When it comes to securing remote access, it’s absolutely required – and you shouldn’t forget to add in multi-factor authentication (MFA). But when it comes to protecting your computer while you’re travelling, at home or plugging in on a public Wifi network, that’s a different story.”

With the global VPN market expected to nearly triple in size from $44.6 billion in 2022 to $137.7 billion by 2030, it’s clear that VPNs are here to stay. But understanding when – and when not – to use them is crucial for both individuals and businesses.

What is a VPN?

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, routing your traffic through secure servers that mask your real location and IP address. Think of it as a private, protected pathway through the public internet.

“VPNs are good for maintaining your online privacy by obscuring your traffic, ensuring data is truly encrypted point to point, and helping you appear as if you’re browsing from a different location,” Brooks explains.

VPNs have become increasingly popular – and necessary – due to the rise in cybercrime and growth of remote workforces and online entertainment networks.

Half of global VPN users say they use it to better access entertainment content, in the US and UK, VPNs are mostly used for security and privacy.

Whether it’s for better protection on public WiFi (51%), browsing the web anonymously (44%), or communicating more securely (37%), more people are using VPNs than ever.

VPN Myths and Facts

There are common misconceptions about what VPNs can and can’t do. Here are a few:

Myth: VPNs provide complete anonymity online.
Fact: “While a VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, it doesn’t make you completely anonymous,” Brooks says. Websites can still track your activities through cookies and other methods, which can be used by cybercriminals to impersonate you, steal your financial information and passwords stored within your browser and access your accounts.

Myth: A VPN alone is enough for total online security.
Fact: VPNs are an important part of a broader cybersecurity strategy. Around 2 in 5 personal VPN users use a free VPN service, which can jeopardize data security. While VPNs are effective for securing connections on public Wi-Fi and hiding browsing activity, they can’t block phishing attacks or malware. “Invest in a reputable paid service, and add solid endpoint protection and other tools, like multi-factor authentication,” Brooks advises.

Myth: Using a VPN means you can access any content freely.
Fact: VPNs can help bypass geo-restrictions, allowing access to streaming services or websites restricted by location. However, users should be aware of local regulations, as VPN usage is limited in 19 countries, including China, India, the UAE and Russia.

VPNs for Personal Use: A key asset to help protect your online privacy and security.

Almost half of American internet users use VPNs for either work or personal use, and they are a key measure to help protect your privacy and security online.

Using a personal VPN is highly recommended especially when:

Using public Wi-Fi: When connecting to networks you can’t trust, like in cafes, airports, or hotels. However, Brooks offers an alternative: “In most cases, I would just tether to your mobile – data rates aren’t that high anymore.”
Transmitting sensitive data: VPNs help you handle private data securely, but Brooks emphasizes mobile tethering is generally just as secure.

VPNs for Business: A critical tool for remote work

According to Cybersecurity Insiders’ VPN Risk Report, 93% of organizations currently use VPNs – and with good reason.

Key benefits include:

Securing remote work access: 71% of companies increased their VPN capacity during the pandemic to support remote work. VPNs ensure employees can access company systems securely, no matter where they are.
Protecting confidential data: VPNs encrypt sensitive data, making it harder for cybercriminals to intercept.
Ensuring compliance: VPNs can help businesses meet requirements under privacy regulations by safeguarding data during transit.
Enabling safe internal access: Remote teams can access internal databases via VPN and reduce the risk of outside exposure.

Choosing the right VPN

If you decide a VPN is right for you, consider the right balance of speed, security, and privacy features to keep your online activities protected.

Speed and reliability: Choosing a reliably fast VPN is essential for bandwidth-intensive tasks. Some VPNs offer speeds up to 362 Mbps, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming experiences.
Strong encryption: Top VPNs use industry-standard AES-256 encryption, as weak protocols can leave your data vulnerable.
No-logs policy: This ensures that your VPN provider doesn’t store any records of your online activity.
Ease of use and cost: Free VPNs might seem tempting, but they often come with limitations like slower speeds and privacy concerns. Paid VPNs, like Aura, NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, generally provide a more reliable, secure experience, with monthly costs ranging from $5 – $15 or more.

When VPNs aren’t enough, cybersecurity and insurance fill the gap.

“When it comes to real cybersecurity, it’s important to have a layered approach,” Brooks says.

This means combining VPNs with:

Endpoint protection: 94% of companies know their VPNs can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Endpoint protection is essential for guarding against malware, phishing and other cyber threats that a VPN can’t block.
Secure cloud storage: Regular backups and secure storage prevent data loss from ransomware attacks.
Multi-Factor authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security for accessing sensitive accounts. Brooks emphasizes the importance of using MFA in conjunction with a VPN for maximum security.
Regular security training: Educate employees and family members on the latest cyber threats, including VPN risks. Explore BOXX’s many resources and tips to keep safe online.
Comprehensive cyber insurance: When things go wrong, cyber insurance provides an essential financial safety net and protection against data breaches or cyberattacks, covering costs like legal fees and data recovery.

Beyond VPNs

VPNs play an important role in online privacy and security, but they’re not a bulletproof solution to keeping safe online. Combining VPNs with other tools like endpoint protection, MFA and cyber insurance is crucial for digital safety.

For businesses and individuals looking to go beyond VPNs, BOXX offers complete digital insurance and protection – whether you’re protecting yourself and your family or safeguarding your business.

BOXX helps businesses and individuals prevent, prepare and recover from cyber incidents. For example, the BOXX Cyber Protect app keeps your family’s personal, sensitive and private information secure while you’re online. Small business can gain their own personal cybersecurity team by getting access to a BOXX virtual Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with Cyberboxx^® Business or Cyberboxx^® Assist to provide an extra layer of protection.

Whether you’re an individual or business user, it’s essential to understand the capabilities of VPNs to keep safe online.

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