Exclusive Access Only: VPNs Or Virtual Private Networks

by: COMMANDER ENTERPRISE

High-speed broadband services today extend beyond the usual internet service provider services and telecommunications. VPNs or Virtual Private Networks provide secure online access and web hosting. The secure hosting of files and data comes with extra security applications.

What things can we do with this technology? We look into the basics of a VPN host server and its role in both personal and business web applications.

Virtual Network Access

VPNs operate as independent networks that store important data and networking. They provide secure, protected web hosting needs, including all content. They can also provide backup servers for your website in case a technical issue arises and interrupts the service. These backups are available in case the main network is down or to expand the server capacity, providing uninterrupted service.

VPN systems are often used in many remote work and business applications. These systems provide secure access to content from anywhere. Users and employees connect to the exclusive network with secured login credentials and gain access to the website and content but with extra security features. In movies, secret agents can log-in to their secret websites or to access secured sites and gain access with authorised logins, for instance.

Its systems encrypt data, hide IP addresses, and leave no trace of your activity or browsing history. All user data and financial information remain secure. Since they can bypass ISPs or internet service providers’ limitations and detections, they can also speed up your bandwidth. Some have partner anti-virus packages for even more secure online access.

In personal use, VPNs also provide the same security advantages. They also unblock restricted content. Some sites are exclusive only to specific regions and countries. Private networks enable you to access regional content not available in your location. It’s one of the most common functions of VPN apps in browsers. North Koreans, for example, can access global sites and content, free from the prying eyes of their government.

Running A VPN System

These networks can be hosted by a third-party company or a properly set up computer network that has enough storage space and processing power to meet the network demands. It will also need dedicated software and proper settings.

This computer network includes physical server units to house the storage and processing memory, depending on how much data is needed and how much traffic is expected. They are connected to the web as a means of bridging access, but are kept behind security measures.

Web hosting via VPN and Cloud networks ensures extra reliability and security for private and semi-private networks for companies and organisations. Access is both managed and maintained by the provider company (in the case of third-party servers. Or, the owners themselves can create their own.

VPN vs. Cloud Servers, And Their Main Functions

The difference between a VPN and a Cloud server is that a Cloud server is mostly a third-party-provided service. This eliminates the physical space that network servers take up. The third party also handles regular maintenance to give much more convenience to the owners.

The access portal can be open to the public, semi-private, or totally private for use in businesses, companies, or small groups with exclusive access.

These days, there are many practical uses for this technology aside from web hosting sites and personal use applications: it can be used as a personal server for other applications such as gaming, file servers, and network access for mobile users and “mobile” employees, whose work involves accessing and managing these portals safely and anonymously.

It can also host files and multimedia for other purposes, such as content for sites, online podcasts, and radio stations. It can also be used for educational purposes, providing on-demand multimedia and content that’s accessible from anywhere. It is also very flexible, providing the network to all computers, smartphones, and tablets that can access it anytime, anywhere, as needed, and likewise for limiting or making parts or whole networks closed or inaccessible.

Concerns With The Use Of VPNs

While there are many incredible benefits in using these types of networks, there are a few things to keep in mind. The main issues with these types of networks are security and access, and they largely depend on the dependability of the third-party service provider, or the actual physical network that hosts the VPN in a remote location.

Generally, security issues can stem from illegal access and the third party’s security, most of which have been widely reported, due to a lot of break-ins from weakened spots and vulnerabilities found and exposed from VPN’s and Cloud networks, opening them to intrusion. This has to be the main priority when choosing a reliable provider.

The other main concern is direct access, especially from VPNs operated by their own companies, organisations, or individual owners. Insider intrusion and found vulnerabilities can be prevented by a dedicated security system, and an up-to-date list of allowed access to prevent opening the network to unauthorised personnel or outsiders who have or used to have exclusive access.