VPN Encryption Demystified: Understanding the Key Protocols for Business Use

VPN and Encryption Explained

VPN (Virtual Private Network) functions as a data router. It routes confidential data through encrypted tunnels. Data can not be stolen or compromised when it travels through this tunnel. Encryption is the key element of virtual tunnels while protecting data.

Encryption makes data untraceable and incomprehensible to hackers. Even if they capture data or confidential information, they can not utilize them for their malicious purposes.

The fundamental motivation of cybercriminals relies on financial interests. Sensitive data is valuable in the black market. Hackers can sell data and personal information at high prices to profit. When data is encrypted, cybercriminals can not take advantage of data. Encrypted data can not be deciphered so it is worthless. We can say data encryption has a motivation-killer effect on hackers.

VPN on mobile phone

VPNs have a prevalent usage area from individuals to organizations. Yet usage motivations vary according to requirements. In this article, we will discuss VPN encryption from a business point of view. Businesses have data like user identities, communication information, credit card information, personal health record, and production secrets. All these and further data should be protected to keep businesses alive. Data breaches can be concluded in heavy results. Organizations may lose their reputation and their financial situation can hurt

We will introduce some protocols that VPNs benefit from in business utilization to explain how VPNs work.

VPN Key Protocols

Virtual Private Networks use several protocols to regulate the way data is sent. Security levels and speed opportunities vary from protocol to protocol. Here we will introduce the most popular and common VPN protocols that you can benefit from when you protect your data resources via encrypted tunnels.

IPSec (Internet Protocol Security)

IPSec secures data that is sent through public networks. It protects data between devices, end-points. To encrypt data packets and provide authentication, VPNs use IPSec. First of all, IPSec defines and recognizes the data packets. It processes whether they need protection or not. After deciding that data need protection, IPSec started to analyze data traffic. Every data requires a different protection method.  IPSec should imply proper security methods and take the best measures.

IPSec Working Phases

Negotiation is the second step of IPSec security. Negotiation refers to the process that two hosts dealing with protection policies and techniques. Then, hosts create a circuit to secure the data transmission process. After the circuit creation process via IKE, hosts start to exchange data. Now, they can process, send, take, and exchange data via a protected tunnel. When specific numbers of bytes pass through the IPSec tunnel, IPSec terminates itself.

IPSec in Business Environments

IPSec is a crucial protocol for VPN because it creates a secure environment between resources and the public network. IPSec has a vital role in business VPNs due to the need for secure remote access to company resources. Since more and more companies switch their work models to remote work, the need for business VPNs has increased. Look at the research on how specialists expect remote work to double up within five years via https://www.statista.com/chart/23781/remote-work-teams-departments/

VPN creates a virtual tunnel between user devices and the VPN server. Thanks to this virtual secure tunnel, employees can send or receive data for their daily operations. Remote work increases the attack possibility because remote environments are more prone to cyber-attacks and data breaches. On the other hand, cloud computing adds an extra risk to a company’s security. Cloud environments are easy to hack and hard to control. IT teams can not trace all user activities in cloud architectures. For all these reasons, remote work models require further VPN protection. Here, IPSec and other VPN protocols have a vital role.

IPSec Models

IPSec has two models: transport mode and tunnel mode. In transport mode, two hosts communicate and negotiate with each other directly. On the other hand, in tunnel mode, negotiation occurs between secure gateways. Hosts do not negotiate with each other directly.

Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)

VPN used at work

To create secure data transmission between the endpoints, point-to-point tunneling protocol use a set of rules. PPTP is a very favorable VPN protocol for businesses that have branch offices in different locations worldwide. These organizations can take advantage of the PPTP facilities.

Companies face data breaches and cyberattacks all the time. DDoS attacks, phishing, and ransomware attacks are the most common cyber attacks in 2023 that led to data breaches. Although companies adopt different protection methods, hackers adapt themselves to new developments and find a way to bypass security measures.

VPN usage with the help of proper protocols can protect corporations so they can focus more on business development.

Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)

L2TP is an ideal protocol for remote employees. The protocol works with additional protocols. In most cases, this protocol is IPSec. L2TP can not provide authentication and encryption so it needs support. Here, IPSec and L2TP work together and make communication between HQ and branch offices easier. Although L2TP is a part of VPNs, it has many other use areas.

The prominent advantage of L2TP is that it presents security without compromising on speed. You can imagine how speed and being practical is crucial in business environments. Moreover, L2TP offers security data transmission for remote work models at low prices. Corporations can escape from dial-up bills thanks to L2TP dial-up opportunities. Reducing costs is a plus for remote work companies while increasing the security level.

Last Words

VPN encryption is a must for business security. Encryption methods secure companies from falling victim to data breaches and cyberattacks. From the business point of view, protection should be easy, scalable, affordable, and swift. No firm wants to compromise on speed, money, or employees to secure their network and data. They must continue their daily operations while protecting networks. VPNs are a great way to safeguard business data resources and networks. When companies decided that VPN protection suits their security requirements, they can search for protocols. However, we can say that first thigh first. It is more important to decide on risks, protection policies, and tools before going into protocol details.

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