In today's evolving business communication landscape, where remote work and virtual meetings have become the norm, the need for secure conversations has never been greater. Since you're likely to exchange sensitive information during business calls, ensuring that these conversations are protected from prying eyes is crucial. Your goal as a business owner or manager is to safeguard employee and client data.
One tool that companies have come to rely on to protect business communications is virtual private networks (VPNs). According to a 2022 report, general security, general privacy, public WiFi protection, and secure VoIP calls are among the top reasons individuals use VPNs. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of VPNs and why the tool will keep business calls secure.
Unveiling the VPN: A Digital Privacy Shield
A VPN is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between a user's device and the internet. It is a powerful shield, safeguarding online activities and data from potential eavesdroppers. By routing internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, VPNs ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and secure.
Although you can utilize a VPN for personal use, the corporate landscape has seen a surge in VPN usage. Companies have started to provide VPN access to protect business interests. Instead of trusting an employee to keep data secure, the business asks anyone working out of the office to only communicate through a VPN tunnel.
Understanding VPN Features
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VPNs offer the following main security features:
Encryption. For encryption, the VPN helps encode data to prevent anyone outside the secured connection from accessing it. Only an encryption key will help decode the data, making it unreadable to anyone who may attempt to spy on your online interactions.
Tunneling. Tunneling refers to the secure connection the VPN creates between the device and the internet. Instead of local or public servers, the VPN routes all data to a remote server.
Authentication. Any solid VPN requires a level of authentication before allowing access. Users often have to enter passwords and login details before proceeding onto their networks.
The Evolution of VPN Features
Over the years, technological advancements have played a significant role in the reliability, speed, and security of virtual private networks. VPN protocols have become more sophisticated, offering complicated encryption algorithms and improved authentication requirements. This evolution has led to enhanced security measures, making VPNs indispensable in all types of business communications, including calls.
Currently, VPNs have increased security protocols and include more advanced encryption techniques. The most common types of encryption levels VPNs use are 128-bit and 256-bit. The higher the number of bits, the harder it will be to access the data.
In its infancy, developers meant for VPNs to mask a user's identity. The tool hid IP addresses and allowed users to access restricted content. Although VPNs still offer those features, providers have increased the number of tools available to subscribers. For instance, VPN plans may have the following options:
- Malware blocking
- Spam blocking
- Ad blocking
- Detection of phishing attacks
Importance of VPN Features in Business Communication
VPNs provide an invaluable service for organizations of any size. They help protect the privacy of employees, owners, and customers. With encryption and security tools, a VPN will also safeguard a company's internal network.
Due to the increased remote workforce, companies have recognized the need to keep communications secure off-site. As of 2023, over 12 percent of full-time employees work from home, while over 28 percent follow a hybrid model. Implementing a VPN is a low-cost way to offer protection to staff members and the customers they serve. Depending on the size of your business, you may only need to purchase one license to keep data secure.
International companies will especially want to consider a VPN as part of their standard operating procedures. Businesses using a VPN can gain access to geo-restricted content. The feature will help employees in all locations around the world to conduct research, access specific services, and have consistent browsing experiences.
Ensuring Confidentiality in Business Calls
Confidentiality is paramount in business communication, especially when discussing sensitive information. VPN features play a crucial role in maintaining secrecy by encrypting data and preventing unauthorized access.
Business calls are susceptible to interception without VPN protection, potentially compromising confidential information. If a hacker hijacks a call, they could hear private conversations not meant for public ears. For example, a staff member may ask a client to provide demographics and financial details during a call.
With a VPN, you don't need to worry about securing business calls on a single device. VPNs work on as many devices as you need. When a business sets up its servers with a company VPN, all internet-enabled devices can access the features. Examples of covered devices include:
- Laptops
- Desktop computers
- Smartphones
- Tablets
Authentication in VPN Features
Authentication ensures that only permitted individuals can access the network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Businesses have complete control over who will connect to the VPN by creating logins and passwords for permitted individuals.
With the latest VPN features, companies can customize the options to fit each employee. Although all employees will have the same superior level of data protection, you can control the websites and resources that staff can access. You will also have the option to change permissions at any time—a vital feature in case of an employee leaving or getting fired from an organization.
Exploring Advanced VPN Features
Advanced VPN features for businesses provide enhanced communication security. The options also allow more staff members to remain protected under the subscription plan—no matter where they work.
For instance, a remote access VPN permits staff to connect to company servers while off-site. Workers just need to download an application onto their devices. Once installed, the employees can use their credentials to access business data. The connection between the device and the company server will occur through an encrypted tunnel.
Advanced Encryption Protocols
Advanced encryption protocols employed by VPN providers further enhance security measures for business calls. These protocols, such as AES, public-key, and TLS, have preventative measures to stop cyberattacks and snooping. The protocols rely on complex algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data. By implementing these protocols, businesses can ensure their communication remains secure and confidential.
AES is the most commonly used form of encryption for VPNs for good reason. It is considered the gold standard of the industry and is used by various governments and cybersecurity experts. AES is also straightforward to implement, especially when compared to encryption keys like public-key encryption.
Remember that the protocols come standard with the VPN—you don't have to set up any advanced settings before using it. Most companies design VPNs with user-friendly interfaces. With a few clicks, users can get online while protected by 128-bit or 256-bit encryption.
Secure Connections for Business Calls
VPNs establish secure connections by creating a private network that isolates business calls from the public internet, reducing the risk of interception. Technical aspects such as IP masking and server selection contribute to the privacy and security of these connections.
TLS is one type of security protocol used to protect any data accessed through an internet connection. Although TLS can protect information between computers and servers, it also protects online communications such as messages and VoIP calls.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which means that you make calls through an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. VoIP calls require a computer or application to work. Skype, Zoom, CallHippo, and Google Meet are a few examples of VoIP providers.
To keep call connections stable while using a VPN, cybersecurity experts recommend a VPN that includes a gateway optimized for voice service. Ideally, your business should use one specific VPN gateway for VoIP calls.
Implementing VPN Features in Business Telephony
Once you've decided on the VPN provider and the features you want for the service, you'll want to look for options to integrate within your business framework seamlessly. First, you must educate your employees on the basics of using VPNs. Once they understand how a VPN works, you can further train them on its importance, especially while on business calls.
Establish rules about when employees should work through a VPN connection within your company policies. Remote workers and those who travel for work and use public WiFi are the most vulnerable to having their business communications compromised.
Once you establish clear guidelines, you can move on to the integration process of VPN.
Seamless Integration with CallHippo
CallHippo, a leading telephony solutions provider, offers seamless integration with VPN features. The integration process involves configuring the VPN settings within the CallHippo platform, ensuring a hassle-free implementation.
A VPN router is one type of equipment you can get while using CallHippo with a VPN. The routers enhance VoIP calls' privacy without affecting the communications' quality. According to CallHippo, VPN routers work better than WiFi connections for business calls. Without the router, your calls may experience jitter. Jitter results in distorted audio, making it difficult to hear and understand the caller.
Customization and Configuration Tips
Businesses can optimize performance and security by tailoring VPN features to their needs. For instance, you could configure two types of VPNs for your office: site-to-site and remote access.
- Site-to-site VPNs. With site-to-site, the VPN provider or your IT staff is responsible for setting up multiple gateways for your business network. Two or more network connections will have encrypted tunnels to secure all data. Site-to-site configurations don't require staff to have VPN clients on their devices. Instead, the VPN gateways on local networks establish the encrypted connection.
- Remote access VPNs. Remote access VPNs require device-specific setups. Each device will need downloaded software or a dedicated application before the VPN can establish connections. The tunnel for remote access occurs between the user device and the target server.
Ensuring User-Friendly VPN Implementation
A good business VPN should support various platforms and devices. It should be compatible with popular operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing employees to protect their devices regardless of their platform.
Furthermore, consider VPNs that allow for simultaneous connections. This feature ensures employees can protect all devices with a single VPN subscription, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. You want to keep it simple for staff to access the private network.
Best Practices for Utilizing VPN Features
In order to make the most out of the available VPN features, businesses should follow best practices. For example, a company should select a reputable VPN provider that offers regular updates. Threats change frequently, and you want a VPN provider that understands the challenges of keeping data private and secure.
Another consideration is selecting a VPN with data storage policies. Most notably, the provider should not store data logs or keep browsing history on file. In the rare case that a VPN server is compromised, sensitive details could get leaked and end up in the wrong hands.
Benefits of VPN Features
VPN features have mass appeal for companies big and small. VPNs protect company files and resources from prying eyes. A VPN will also encrypt voice and video chats made through productivity tools such as Skype, CallHippo, Zoom, Slack, and Google Meet. Calls and messages discussing sensitive information stay secure, and the VPN will completely shield communications from cyber eavesdroppers.
Privacy and Confidentiality Advantages
Data breaches have become an increasing concern for companies. Major corporations, including Yahoo, Marriott, and Adobe, have experienced data breaches over the last ten years that have caused them significant financial losses and diminished brand trust.
In order to avoid such dangers, more companies turn to such cybersecurity tools as VPNs. They protect sensitive information by encrypting data and creating secure connections.
Along with encryption, VPNs hide the IP addresses of anyone using the software. With a hidden IP address, third parties cannot track your online activity. The anonymity of the VPN reduces the chances of data theft and unauthorized access.
Mitigating Security Risks in Business Calls
Business calls are susceptible to various security risks, including eavesdropping, data breaches, and identity theft. VPN features effectively mitigate these risks by providing encryption, tunneling, and authentication. By implementing VPNs, businesses can reduce potential threats and ensure the security of their communication channels.
Along with VPNs, businesses should establish a set of privacy policies for company employees to follow. The privacy policy will inform staff of their rights and responsibilities regarding personal and company data. Besides a VPN, businesses could include the following strategies to protect company communications:
- Enhance device security. Businesses should require all remote and on-site employees to have a firewall and anti-software installed on any devices used for work. Companies should provide the programs and update the software when made available.
- Understand the importance of communication preferences for each client and business associate. Never collect, share, or use any data you've received through business calls or emails without permission. You may need to purge voicemails and inboxes routinely to keep sensitive communications private.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Depending on the nature of your job, you may have to find a private location to make and take calls. For instance, privacy policies could prevent you from publicly discussing a person's health information. For business messages and emails, choose a seat in a public place that faces the wall. If you're sitting near people, they could peek at your device and view private communications.
Closing Thoughts: Elevate Your Communication Security
By understanding and implementing the comprehensive features of VPNs, businesses can prioritize the security and confidentiality of their communications, including messages and voice calls. VPNs are a cost-effective solution with plans to fit with any budget. Most providers offer options for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises.
VPN providers will also offer the best configurations for your company's needs. For instance, if a large percentage of your workforce communicates from home, a remote access VPN may be a good fit. Site-to-site VPNs work best for companies with several central locations.
Regardless of the type of VPN, the encryption tool keeps data, including passwords, social media logins, customer credit card numbers, browsing history, and more, hidden from cybercriminals. In an era where secure communication is paramount, VPN features offer a powerful solution for safeguarding business calls beyond basic security measures.
