VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. In simpler terms, the main function of creating a VPN connection is to securely access data on another computer . We've already covered this topic in another article on this blog, where you'll find more detailed information about the tool.
Many business owners are unaware of the tool, or, in many cases, do not know its true function and great importance for companies that have offices with sensitive and important business data.
But ultimately, who really needs a VPN connection ? Below, we list the most common uses and the reasons for using the tool, so you can assess whether your company fits into one of them.
Who needs a Business VPN?
Naturally, the function of a VPN is to help increase data security when accessing resources on a network to which you are not physically connected. However, visualizing the need for this, and especially its importance, is a little more difficult. Therefore, we have listed some examples of scenarios where the use of a business VPN is extremely relevant:
- Home Office : Employees, managers, or owners working remotely can use a VPN to access resources and files on the company's physical network. This makes data access and operations (bank transactions and file transfers) much more secure.
- Privacy in communication : there is a lot of information and strategies used in companies that can be considered confidential for logistical reasons, or business details that make a difference compared to competitors. To have secure and encrypted communication between employees, directors and owners, the use of a VPN connection is important.
- Remote work : In many sectors of the job market, there are remote workers. These workers perform their work, for the most part, away from the company's premises and often need to access important data stored on the company's physical server. What most of them don't know is that to access this data securely, a VPN connection should be used.
If you or one of your colleagues falls into one of these categories, I have good news. Below, we've listed a step-by-step guide on how to create a VPN connection with Lumiun quickly and easily.
Step-by-step: How to create a VPN connection with Lumiun?
Before learning how to create a VPN connection with Lumiun, it's important to understand how it works . Basically, Lumiun's Business VPN is a solution specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, offering employees secure remote access and monitoring of data security threats.
After the VPN connection, the user's computer, whether at home or elsewhere, will be connected to the company's internal network. This allows them to establish a remote desktop connection to the computer on the company network, and also access the internal network's servers and systems more securely.
Everything understood? Then let's go through the step-by-step process to create a connection with Lumiun's Business VPN.
Step 1
Contracting: request the tool's subscription with our team .
Step 2
Lumiun Box : After purchase, you will receive the Lumiun Box to connect to your network. Installation is very simple and requires no technical knowledge. Our support team will assist you throughout the entire process.
No technical knowledge is required to install the equipment.
Step 3
Control Panel: Now simply access the Lumiun control panel, activate the Enterprise VPN, and determine which users will be allowed access via VPN.
Step 4
VPN Client: Download the VPN Client software and the Lumiun control panel configuration file and install them on the devices that will be used for home office or travel, for secure remote connection to the company network. Then, with the VPN Client installed, establish the VPN connection by entering your username and password.
Done! You are now connected to your company's network via Business VPN .
Step 5 (extra)
Monitoring: If you have an Administrator user account, you can track which users are connected via VPN and also which websites the user is accessing, using the Lumiun control panel .
Download guide
If you still have questions about how a Business VPN works, don't worry. We've prepared a document with more details on the previous steps, which you can download and read whenever you want.
Great, now you know how to remotely access your company's data and equipment securely and easily . If you'd like to learn how to access a remote desktop, we've published an article with a tutorial that you can access whenever you want.
Now you might be wondering: why use Lumiun's Business VPN ? Well, I anticipated you'd have this question, so I've prepared some answers.
Benefits and Advantages of Lumiun's Business VPN
- Remote access to the company's internal network systems and resources , such as ERP systems, intranet, and file servers.
- Access via remote desktop to computers located on the company's internal network.
- The manager determines which employees will be allowed remote access via VPN .
- A VPN implements an encrypted tunnel that protects the data being transmitted against information leaks .
- While connected to the VPN and accessing internal company resources, the employee's browsing will be protected and monitored via the Lumiun control panel (website link), enhancing security .
- Safe browsing when accessing the internet in public places with less reliable networks .
- Activating the Lumiun VPN feature is simple and requires no additional configuration on your internet router.
Many VPN service providers have user limitations, lack integrated control systems, or have prohibitively expensive subscriptions. Below, we list some companies that offer this service and their features.
NordVPN
- Price: US$ 11.95 / month ( R$ 70.26 at the current dollar exchange rate)
- User limit: 1 / account
- Device limit: 6 simultaneous devices
- Internet access control: not available
ExpressVPN
- Price: US$ 12.95 / month ( R$ 76.14 at the current dollar exchange rate)
- User limit: 1 / account
- Device limit: 5 simultaneous devices
- Internet access control: not available
Perimeter 81
- Price: US$ 40.00 / month ( R$ 235.20 at the current dollar exchange rate)
- User limit: 5 / account
- Device limit: no limit
- Internet access control: has control
Lumiun Business VPN
- Price: R$ 140.00 / month
- User limit: no limit
- Device limit: 10 simultaneous devices
- Internet access control: has control
Among the previous alternatives, Lumiun's Business VPN is the only Brazilian solution with 100% support in Portuguese and that accepts payments in the local currency (R$).
It's a great solution specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to offer their employees secure remote access and monitor security threats.
A major advantage of Lumiun's Business VPN compared to other corporate VPN solutions is that it applies the same internet access protection and monitoring rules to employees working remotely from home as exist on the company's internal network. This maintains the internet usage policy , aiming to improve information security and employee productivity.
The Business VPN is already included in the Enterprise Plan , which starts at R$140/month, with unlimited users and up to 10 simultaneous devices . With the Enterprise plan, in addition to the Business VPN, the client also receives the Lumiun Box , which offers complete control over internet access within the company, traffic control, firewall, and many other features.
Okay, now you know what a VPN connection is, how to install Lumiun's Business VPN, and its advantages over competitors. It's time to find out how the tool is used by those who actually use it.
Next, watch an interview with the Senior IT Consultant from Auditeste, who tells us exactly what it's like to use the tool.
Success Story
The vast majority of managers and business owners who need to remotely access company servers in some way are hesitant to use VPNs for multiple reasons: difficulty, adaptation, lack of knowledge, and cost .
To clear up any doubts, we have made available an interview with the Senior IT consultant from Auditeste, a company that hired Lumiun specifically for its Enterprise VPN.
In the material you will find:
- Problems before using Lumiun's Enterprise VPN;
- Competitor research;
- How was the tool implemented?
- The reason for the decision;
- Summary of Lumiun's Enterprise VPN usage;
- History of Auditeste Software Quality Consulting.
Conclusion
If you've made it this far, I believe you understand how a Business VPN works, how it can be useful for your company, and that it's clearly becoming increasingly necessary, especially considering the current pandemic scenario, with a large portion of employees working from home.
See also our article on mobile VPN connection, in the article: How and why to use a VPN on your mobile phone .
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If you have any questions, leave a comment below or send an email to kelvin@lumiun.com .
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