Can you help me set up a virtual private network for my team

Valentina lost $38,000 last month when a phishing attack bypassed her company’s firewall and accessed sensitive client data. She’d been relying on a basic consumer-grade firewall and hadn’t budgeted for the enhanced security a VPN could have provided. That’s a painful lesson, and one many businesses face when they realize a VPN isn’t just about remote access—it’s about protecting your bottom line. I’ve been helping businesses in the Reno area secure their networks for over 16 years, and I can tell you that a robust VPN strategy is no longer optional; it’s a fundamental component of modern cybersecurity.

What are the biggest risks if my team doesn’t use a VPN?

Without a VPN, your team’s data is vulnerable whenever they connect to public Wi-Fi—think coffee shops, airports, or even home networks that aren’t adequately secured. These networks are often hotspots for hackers looking to intercept unencrypted data. Data breaches can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions, especially with regulations like Nevada’s data breach notification law (NRS 603A.010 et seq.) requiring you to notify affected residents if their personal information is compromised. Beyond that, unsecure connections can facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks, where attackers intercept communications between your team members and your servers, potentially stealing credentials or altering data. Finally, a lack of VPN can severely hamper compliance efforts if your business handles sensitive data subject to industry regulations.

What are the different types of VPNs available, and which one is right for my team?

There are several VPN options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown:

• Remote Access VPN: This is the most common type, allowing individual users to connect to your company’s network securely from remote locations. It’s ideal for employees who need access to internal resources like file servers or databases.
• Site-to-Site VPN: This creates a secure connection between two entire networks, like connecting your headquarters to a branch office. This is less relevant for a distributed team but crucial for organizations with multiple physical locations.
• SSL VPN: Uses a web browser and SSL/TLS protocol for secure access, often used for providing access to specific applications rather than the entire network.
• OpenVPN: An open-source, highly configurable VPN solution favored for its security and flexibility. It requires more technical expertise to set up and manage.

For most teams, a Remote Access VPN utilizing a reputable provider or a well-configured OpenVPN instance is the best choice. The decision often comes down to your technical resources and budget. If you have limited IT staff, a managed VPN solution will likely be easier to maintain.

How do I implement a VPN solution for my team, and what are the key considerations?

Implementing a VPN involves several steps. First, choose a VPN provider or software. Popular options include NordLayer, Perimeter 81, and Tailscale. Thoroughly research each provider, paying attention to their security protocols, data logging policies, and server locations. Next, configure the VPN client on each team member’s device. This typically involves installing software and entering connection details. It’s critical to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security.

• Bandwidth: Ensure the VPN solution can handle the combined bandwidth needs of your team.
• Scalability: Choose a solution that can easily accommodate future growth.
• Security Protocols: Prioritize VPNs that use strong encryption protocols like AES-256.
• Logging Policies: Review the provider’s logging policies to understand what data they collect and how it’s stored.
• Compliance: If you handle sensitive data, ensure the VPN solution meets relevant compliance standards.

Don’t forget to document your VPN configuration and create clear instructions for your team. Finally, regularly monitor the VPN logs for any suspicious activity and keep the software up to date with the latest security patches. Remember that if you’re collecting and processing user data through your VPN, you’re bound by Nevada’s SB 220 (NRS 603A.340) and must provide a mechanism for users to opt-out of the sale of their personal information. Also, make sure your VPN setup maintains “reasonable security measures” as mandated by NRS 603A.215 to safeguard personal information.

To find out more about these topics, check out these resources:

About Scott Morris and Reno Cyber IT Solutions LLC.

Visit Reno Cyber IT Solutions LLC.:

Address:

Hours: Open 24 Hours