Types of VPNs for Any Audience

Key Takeaways

• There are 4 types of VPN available on the internet based on consumer requirements.
• Personal VPNs are targeted at individuals who just want to penetrate the geolocation barriers and gain worldwide access to the internet.
• Remote-Access VPN is used by individuals working remotely who want to connect to the company’s network.
• Mobile VPN does not work on mobile only but can be accessed through any device.
• Site-to-site VPN helps connect more than two offices or branches’ networks with the headquarters’ network.

“Threat is a mirror of security gaps. Cyber-threat is mainly a reflection of our weaknesses. An accurate vision of digital and behavioral gaps is crucial for a consistent cyber-resilience.” This famous statement was given by none other than Stéphane Nappo. It is true that the problem of cybercrime has become a real pain for netizens. Not only does it breach our privacy, but also misuses the data and information stolen from our devices. What’s the solution to this problem? How can it be tackled and what factors make our information so vulnerable?

Potential Cyber Security Risks

Your cybersecurity is based upon various factors. A minor negligence can provide a loophole for hackers or malicious software. Therefore it is our prime duty to keep an eye on them. To cope with this problem, there are software called VPNs that are used all over the world. These services provide an extra layer of security with the help of encryptions and various other means. 

Based on server locations, these services help you to get access to any country you want with complete anonymity and security. For example, an America VPN server can get you connected to the local server of that respective location and give you the results based on them. 

However, the functionality and their working completely depend on their type. How many of their types exist and how do all of them work? We will discuss this in the next section.

Types of VPNs

These amazing private networks can be broadly categorized into 4 parts. 

• Personal, 
• Remote-Access, 
• Mobile, and 
• Site-to-Site VPN. 

You might have heard about some of them prior to coming here, but unaware of their difference and the roles that they play. So, moving this discussion further, let’s jump to the first exhibit.

As you can guess by the name, a Personal VPN is a private network option that is used by individuals for their personal privacy. These networks are not focused on business enterprises, but can effectively work on home or office networks.

Also known as a “consumer” or a “commercial” VPN, they cover or shield your personal identity with an encryption wall that can only be decoded by the sender or the receiver. This way it gets almost impossible for the hacker to breach the network and steal personal information.

Suitable Audience for Personal VPN:

1. If someone wants to stream their favorite show or movie on the internet that is not available in their current geolocation, they can use a VPN that can breach the barrier on OTT libraries.
   
2. To evade government censorship on certain websites or platforms. For example, people in China use VPNs to access content or news that is banned in their country with a firewall. Similarly, those from other countries can use a Wisconsin VPN server to access content exclusive in that area. Although their firewall sometimes crushes the private networks, it is still the only and best way to access overseas content.

After Russia’s special military operation on Ukraine, it is reported that the demand for VPN subscriptions rose by 2,000% in a single week.

Some of the best personal VPNs available on the internet are:

• NordVPN,
• ExpressVPN, and 
• Surf Shark.

Many big corporate companies often use their own network to run their business operations. This way they can get more authenticity and reliable connection. But what is one of their employees working remotely from home or some other destination of the planet? 

This is where Remote-Access VPN comes in with its amazing technology and facility. The software is able to do so because of its ability to create a virtually private protected tunnel between the remote network and the company network. Being private and protected, it becomes almost impossible for hackers to breach them.

Suitable Audience for Remote-Access VPN:

1. A traveling employee working for a company can get access to their company network with the help of this service.
   
2. Someone working from home in case of any emergency or illness can leverage this service and connect to their office network.

Some of the best Remote-Access network services available are:

• Access Server by OpenVPN
• Cisco AnyConnect.

Mobile VPN can be seen as an alternate option to Remote-Access VPN. In fact, it is somehow better than the previous one, thanks to its characteristics and adaptable features that it has to offer.

If you are sitting in a place with an unstable internet connection, or at a place where you regularly need to switch different connections, this VPN will be the best-suited option for you. 

Suitable Audience for Mobile VPN:

1. Employees working from a remote location where there is an unusual connection that is difficult to work with. Thanks to its capability of staying connected while switching between networks, it shines out as the best option for those working from remote locations.
   
2. Emergency officials like firefighters and police officials use mobile VPNs to access various databases and records like vehicle registration, vehicle locations, and many more. 

Some of the best Remote-Access network services available are

• Bittium SafeMove Mobile VPN, and
• Radio IP software.

Broadly used by MNCs and big businesses having multiple branches at multiple locations, Site-to-Site technology is impressive and helpful at a very great level. While the remote-access and mobile VPNs were targeted at individuals, this one works on connecting the whole premise’s network to the headquarters.

Also known as Network-based VPN, it involves some sophisticated techs like IPsec, Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN), and L3VPN. Banks, Multinational Companies, and Massive organizations with multiple branches use this VPN.

Some of the best Site-to-Site network services available on the internet are

• Openvpn Access Server, and
• Cisco’s Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN).

These were the 4 pillars of VPN that are used for their unique capabilities and features. Identify your needs and find out what option is hands-on with your requirements.

Author: Steve Hughes

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