How to Work Remotely Outside Us With a VPN to Look Like Im In Us
Remote work has become the norm, and for good reason. There are lots of opportunities for workers to participate in from the comforts of home. However, this also means that employees are missing out on important things like team building exercises, in-person customer interactions, and more. To alleviate some of these concerns, employers have started to provide remote working facilities, such as VPNs, so that employees can enjoy the benefits of working remotely without the fear of missing out on anything important.
Why Do You Need A VPN For Remote Work?
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably wondering why you need a VPN for remote work. After all, your employer is already providing you with a secure connection to access company data, right? Well, yes and no. A VPN provides additional protection beyond what your company’s infrastructure already offers. When you’re working remotely, even the simplest tasks, such as checking email or getting website content, could put your job application, financial information, or personal data at risk. You could be exposing your company to liability if you work remotely and damage happens to your device, for instance.
A VPN also gives you the flexibility to work remotely that your employer may not offer. For example, if you have a question about the company’s operations that only certain employees are privy to, you can route that question to one of the company’s employees in another country via a VPN. This may not be possible with the company’s local employees. In fact, having an employee in another country means that, generally, you have to rely on them to access company data, as they may not have the rights to view that information themselves. (See also the section below on data portability.)
What Type Of VPN Should You Get For Your Needs?
Now, you don’t need a VPN for every aspect of your job. There are many situations where you don’t need to worry about security or privacy when working remotely. However, if you’re planning to do any of the following, then you might want to consider a VPN:
- Access private or sensitive data (like credit card numbers or social security numbers)
- Make purchases online (like buying groceries or sending gifts overseas)
- Use a paid service (like Netflix or Amazon)
- Use a publicly accessible wifi (like at a coffee shop or a hotel)
- Use a website that doesn’t use a secure connection (like WordPress.com)
For the previous item, if you plan to use a WiFi hotspot provided by your employer, then you don’t need to worry about VPNs. However, if the WiFi hotspot is open or if you’re connecting to a WiFi network at a coffee shop or hotel, then you should consider using a VPN.
Data Portability
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably wondering what data portability is and why it’s important. Basically, data portability allows you to take your data with you wherever you go. This could be especially beneficial for remote workers who, occasionally, have to travel for work. If you already have a VPN, then you can use that to access your company’s data when abroad. If you don’t have a VPN or you don’t want to use one, then you could set up a WiFi hotspot at your hotel and use that to access company data when abroad. However, this may be more work than you’re willing to commit to.
Some employers have also started offering portable devices like the Google Pixel that allow employees to work remotely. Not only does this cut down on the hassles of setting up a separate device just for work, but it also means that you can work on the road. This is certainly more convenient for business travellers (and leisure travellers who need to work), as they don’t have to worry about charging their laptop every evening or taking it on holiday with them. (See also the section below on flexibility.)
Flexibility
Flexibility is something that all workers, remote or not, need. If you have a job that you can’t leave for more than a few days at a time, then it’s difficult to get away for training or team building. A VPN can help you work remotely without losing connection to your data. For example, if you have a question about the company’s operations that only certain employees are privy to, you can route that question to one of the company’s employees in another country via a VPN. This may not be possible with the company’s local employees. In fact, having an employee in another country means that, generally, you have to rely on them to access company data, as they may not have the rights to view that information themselves. (See also the section below on data security.)
Data Security
Data security is also important, and it’s even more relevant when you’re working remotely. Your employer is already taking the necessary precautions to protect your personal data, so you don’t need to do anything differently. However, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection. When you’re connecting to public WiFi or a coffee shop’s WiFi network, there is a chance that someone could intercept your data. If you’re working remotely and your device is stored on a company server, then it’s also at risk of being hacked. A VPN can help keep your data secure even when working remotely.
How Do You Set Up A VPN For Remote Work?
Now, you don’t want to work with the least secure connection possible. You want to ensure that your data is protected at all times, even when abroad. If you have a company VPN already, then you can follow the provided instructions. Otherwise, you could get a VPN box and set it up manually. In this case, you would need to ensure that the device is always connected to power and has a sufficient amount of storage. (See also the section below on pricing.) Also, take the time to learn how to use the VPN properly. This will help ensure that it offers the best possible security without being too cumbersome to use.
Pricing
Pricing is always a major consideration when working remotely. Do you need a free trial? What plans come with a free version? Does the pricing make sense? You’ll have to decide these kinds of things yourself based on your personal preferences. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow. For example, if your goal is to secure your data while working remotely, then the yearly pricing for a VPN might not be the best investment. But if you need a VPN for occasional use, then the pricing may make sense in light of the minimal features.
Which Device Should You Use For Working Remotely?
Now that we’ve gone over the pros and cons of working remotely, it’s time to discuss the devices you need to use in order to do so successfully. There are many different options, and it depends on your personal preferences what device you should get. You should get something that’s convenient to use and that has the features you need. Here are some of the most common ones.
- Laptop
- Desktop
- Tablet
- Smartphone
What About Software?
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably wondering about the software you need to use when working remotely. You don’t need any special software to access company files or to chat with colleagues via email. However, if your work involves using personal devices or creating networks, then you may need specialized software to do so. For example, if you’re using a laptop, then you’ll need a VPN to access company servers and to ensure that your data is secured when working remotely. Also, if you plan to use personal devices like tablets or smartphones to access company data, then you’ll need some type of mobile device management software to remotely configure and lock down the device.
Manual Setup
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to set up a VPN, then you might want to consider doing so manually. In this case, you would need to follow the steps below in order to connect to a VPN and ensure that your data is secure while working remotely.
1. Make sure that your device is powered on and connected to the internet.
2. Go to settings –> network –> VPN –> Add VPN profile
3. Enter your country, city, and VPN provider (they must be connected)
4. Click the connect button
5. For authentication, enter your email address and the password they sent you (they may have sent you a verification code as well)