How to Add a VPN on Chromebooks – A Simple Guide

For those who rely on business travel for work, a luxury corporate travel management service can be the perfect match. For others, an affordable standalone virtual private network (VPN) can be the answer. Either way, a VPN solution can provide a secure connection which enables users to work remotely while travelling. This in turn promotes productivity and business growth. To prove the point, let’s have a quick look at both options and the reasons why you might want to consider them.

Why Add A VPN to Your Chromebook?

Most people are more than familiar with the phrase, ‘internet security’, but perhaps not so much with the concept. Broadly speaking, internet security involves protecting data while it is flowing over a network, such as the internet. Essentially, every action a user takes while online – whether it is buying merchandise or commenting on social media – produces data which can be used to track their activity and habits. This data can then be used to tailor marketing efforts and personalised product suggestions for increased engagement and loyalty.

Traditionally, users have had to rely on public WiFi hotspots for connecting to the internet while on the go. While this provides convenience – the hot spots are generally safer than other types of networks – it also exposes the user’s personal information to hackers. After all, even a hotspot is just a network shared by multiple devices. In addition to this, a VPN allows the user to remain anonymous while on the internet, meaning those pesky advertisers can’t track them and their habits through online advertising. For example, if a business owner wants to hide their identity while doing research for a blog post, they can use a VPN to do so.

Similarly, if you are regularly worried about financial crimes being committed online, a VPN can shield your financial information from hackers and other harmful parties. Plus, as mentioned by the example above, a VPN allows the user to work remotely while travelling, which promotes productivity and encourages flexible working. In today’s world, a VPN can provide many benefits for business and leisure travel alike.

Where Can I Connect To With A VPN?

Users can connect to a VPN server located in almost any country. Essentially, all you need is broadband internet and a computer to connect to the internet. When choosing a VPN, make sure to look for one that offers multiple server locations around the world. This way, even if you are travelling to a country where your internet service provider doesn’t offer servers, you will be able to connect. As of now, there are over 40,000 servers in over 140 countries across the world. This enables users to connect regardless of their location. Thanks to the encrypted connections provided by the servers, your personal data is protected and secured while traveling even if you decide to use unsecured (sometimes called ‘open’) WiFi. This is especially important if you are using a public WiFi hotspot at a hotel or on the go in an airplane.

How Do I Set Up A VPN On My Chromebook?

To set up a VPN on your Chromebook, you will first need to download and install the IPsec-VPN client software. After this, you will need to create a configuration file that will contain all the necessary information. Luckily, Google has already done much of the work for you, creating a sample configuration file for you to download and use. Simply load this configuration file into your VPN client and you are ready to go.

As previously mentioned, you will need a VPN client to connect to a VPN. The software will then integrate with your Chrome OS and allow you to manage your security in the cloud. This feature provides convenience as you can easily connect from any computer or mobile device.

In addition to this, you will need to decide on a username and password for your VPN account. In most cases, the username and password will be the same. For added security, you can choose a complex password containing numbers, symbols and uppercase and lowercase letters. With a VPN, you can stay safe and anonymous while browsing the web and doing other online tasks. This in turn promotes productivity and business growth.

How Do I Log In To My VPN?

After you have set up a VPN on your Chromebook, you will be presented with a login screen with your username and password. To connect to your VPN, enter the username and password you created and hit enter. You will then be asked to enter a challenge, which is sent to a security code that you should have received via email from the VPN provider. After you have entered the correct security code, you will be successfully logged in and be returned to the main screen. From here, you can access the internet or any other services through the VPN connection.

As mentioned, a VPN provides many benefits for business and leisure travel alike. With this in mind, it might be worthwhile investigating the option and seeing how it can improve your experience when traveling. There, now you know precisely what a VPN is and how it can work for you.