But what if you need to access your work computer or server remotely? This is where virtual private networking (VPN) comes into play. VPN creates a secure “tunnel” that connects your laptop to your company’s private network. All information that passes through this connection is encrypted, meaning that even if someone were to capture the data as it travels, it would appear to them as gibberish.
VPN treats your portable device as a physical node on your company’s in-house network, even though it’s in a different geographic location (hence the “virtual” in VPN). This gives you access to files on the server, company databases, and possibly even printers. If your VPN service includes remote desktop capabilities, you’re able to run applications on your work computer just as if you’re physically sitting at your desk. VPN technology is quite user-friendly and provides a relatively high level of security. It’s a “Must Have” if you ever access your company’s network remotely, even from home.