The pandemic accelerated the expansion of remote work, with many businesses coming to rely on a geographically scattered workforce. However, in many cases, these changes took place quickly and under emergency conditions. Not the best circumstances to develop stable long-term solutions.

Now, small businesses and startups are looking to shore up these structures. Building on the lessons learned during the pandemic, companies are taking steps to get the most out of their remote staffers. This involves putting the right tech backbone in place, ensuring that employees are connected securely and efficiently.

A VPN might be a key component of this process. These networks can connect your hybrid or remote team. At the same time, you'll get extra protection from cyberattacks — a critical risk as you become more reliant on the cloud.

This article will look at the process of setting up a VPN for your small business. You'll learn the upsides and the potential risks, as well as some steps to take as you consider this increasingly popular tool.

What is a VPN?

You've probably seen the ads. They are practically ubiquitous on YouTube and other online outlets. The commercials tout the safety and security of using a virtual private network, or VPN. But what exactly are these tools?

In consumer terms, a VPN is used to protect online privacy. Often, the service is leveraged to disguise an IP address. Live in New York but want to see what shows Netflix offers in Australia? A VPN service can help.

For business, the stakes are significantly higher. VPNs offer substantial practical benefits for small businesses and startups, facilitating collaboration and increasing cybersecurity.

In this context, a VPN offers an encrypted way to create an internal network. It adds security when you want to connect with remote workers or with offices scattered around the world. Putting one in place can help protect your data and other resources, while still providing a structure for successful collaboration at a distance.

[A VPN] adds security when you want to connect with remote workers or with offices scattered around the world. Putting one in place can help protect your data and other resources, while still providing a structure for successful collaboration at a distance.

Meanwhile, a VPN can also offer more security when you connect to the public as well. As happens with a personal VPN, connecting to the network requires an encryption key and your IP address is kept private.

Pros and Cons of implementing a VPN for your small business

Now you know what a VPN is. However, you'll need more information to determine whether it makes sense for your startup. With that in mind, here are some of the upsides and drawbacks to weigh as you begin to consider your options:

Reasons to use a VPN in your small business

Here are some of the ways a VPN can help you:

Security

You've likely heard of some of the recent high-profile cyberattacks that have rocked the corporate world. In the last few years, JBS and Colonial Pipeline both made headlines for their breaches.

Meanwhile, small businesses face significant risks as well. One study found that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. However, only about one in seven small businesses have adequate defenses set up.

A VPN can be a step in that direction. Installing a more secure network can insulate you from these dangers. It's not a silver-bullet solution (even businesses with VPNs are susceptible to online attackers), but it will provide another layer of defense.

Improved Collaboration

Given the rise of remote work, companies have struggled with how to deliver smooth collaboration in a secure environment. VPNs can help here as well. Your team can communicate over distance, as well as share files and sensitive data.

Cost Effective

In comparison to other security and collaboration upgrades, a VPN represents a relatively cheap way forward. This makes it particularly attractive for small businesses, who might not have the deepest pockets.

Risks of using a VPN in your small business

Here are some of the potential drawbacks that come from implementing a VPN:

Long-term commitment

Your job isn't done once you install a VPN. Rather, the project will require long-term maintenance. In order to uphold security, you'll need to continually upgrade to stay ahead of hackers. Meanwhile, you'll also need to stay current with fresh tech upgrades as they develop.

Adds complexity

Having a VPN can limit flexibility in collaboration. Your team members will need to know how best to share information over the network. Meanwhile, certain applications could be hampered by operating over a VPN.

How to set up a VPN for your small business

It's time to get more granular. By looking at some of the details related to a business VPN, you'll have a better idea about whether it represents a good option for you. Generally speaking, there are three types of VPNs that offer value to small businesses:

• Remote access VPNs: This lets employees connect with the network from home or any other location.
• Mobile VPNs: As the name implies, this allows linking to the VPN through a cellular network.
• Site-to-site VPNs: Rather than connecting individuals to the network, this can connect larger hubs, like branch offices or corporate partners.

How do you decide which of these (or which combination) to pursue? Once you have a VPN strategy in mind, how do you go about making it a reality? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this effort:

Get the necessary expertise

Do you have the right competencies within your organization to set up an effective VPN? If not, you'll need outside help. Discover what you know and don't know about the process. From there, seek out the assistance required to push this project to its completion.

Create budgets and timelines

After gathering information and connecting with the right partners to roll out your VPN, it’s time to set aside the appropriate resources. Develop a realistic budget for the costs involved. At the same time, lay out a timeline detailing how long it will take to ramp up the project.

Build out the appropriate tech backbone

The first step to creating a VPN: having the right hardware and software. This includes things like the appropriate servers and routers, as well as a VPN client. The precise selections will depend on your situation (turn to your experts for advice.)

Roll out your VPN

Once you have the right backbone in place, it's time to install and implement your VPN. This process can be highly technical. Lean on the experts you've looped into the project to make sure everything happens smoothly.

Conduct comprehensive training

Installing the right technology represents just the first step. You'll also need buy-in from your team. Teach your staff how to interact with the VPN, maximizing the security and letting them take advantage of its potential upside.

Improve security and facilitate collaboration with a business VPN

Setting up a VPN can provide many advantages for your startup or small business. If you plan on having remote workers, this option can add security and aid collaboration.

However, there are downsides to consider. A VPN requires resources to create and effort to maintain. Meanwhile, it comes with limitations that you'll need to understand.

Use the information provided here to get the process started. You can determine whether your business can benefit from a VPN. At the same time, you can understand the potential risks, letting you take steps necessary to optimize its value.