Redazione RHC : 15 November 2025 16:10
A VPN , short for Virtual Private Network, is a system that allows you to establish a secure and private connection over a public network, such as the Internet . In practice, it creates what is called a “virtual tunnel” through which information travels encrypted, protecting company data from potential external threats .
This encryption process ensures that only authorized users can access the data, making the connection invisible to malicious users. In short, a Virtual Private Network is a key tool for any company looking to protect its data and ensure a secure environment for all users connected to the corporate network.
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of a Virtual Private Network in depth, analyzing how a VPN works and the specific benefits it offers businesses. We’ll discuss the different types of VPNs available, the criteria for choosing the best solution, and best practices for securely implementing one in your IT infrastructure. We’ll also look at how a VPN can contribute to regulatory compliance, protecting corporate privacy, and ensuring a secure connection even for remote work.
Finally, we’ll provide a guide to choosing the VPN provider best suited to your business needs, ensuring not only data protection but also improved performance and ease of use for all team members.
Typically, when a user visits a website, a direct connection is established with the web server, which precisely knows the client’s IP address and certain information about the device used, such as the operating system, browser type, preferred language, and approximate geographic location. This information can be used to personalize the user experience, but also to track the user’s online activity, monitor behavior on the site, and, in some cases, for advertising or profiling purposes.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) changes this scenario. When you connect to a website via a VPN, the IP address visible to the web server is that of the VPN server, not the client’s real IP address. In this way, the VPN hides the user’s true identity, offering a level of anonymity and privacy protection. Furthermore, the VPN encrypts the connection, protecting data from interception during transmission, especially on public or unsecured networks. This makes it much more difficult for third parties to monitor online activity or collect sensitive information.
In the diagram above, when a request is sent over the internet, it is routed to a VPN server, which masks its origin and protects it with encryption. The VPN server then forwards the request to the destination site and, once it receives a response, redirects it back to the user. This process ensures both the security and anonymity of the connection.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by creating a secure connection between a device and a remote network or server , ensuring data transmission protection and privacy. These systems use encrypted tunnels to offer a high level of anonymity and enable a secure connection (for example) to a corporate network when used via a corporate VPN.
There are different types of VPNs which can be summarized as follows:
This type of VPN allows users to connect to a private network from a remote location via the internet. It’s often used by workers to access company resources while away from the office. The connection is encrypted, protecting data transmitted between the user’s device and the company network.
They directly connect two separate networks or local networks, such as different company locations. This type of VPN creates a single, secure network between the company’s various locations, allowing internal resources and information to be shared as if they were all on the same local area network (LAN).
This type of VPN is optimized for peer-to-peer traffic, such as file sharing or torrenting. P2P VPNs offer fast and secure connections for those who want to share files anonymously and without restrictions.
It combines VPN technology with the Tor network, offering an even greater level of anonymity. In this case, the VPN connects through Tor, further protecting user privacy and making it more difficult for online activity to be tracked.
These types of VPNs meet different security and accessibility needs, making them suitable for both private and business use.
The essence of VPNs is data encryption.
When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted, making it unreadable to anyone without the decryption keys, such as criminal hackers or network providers. Only your device and the VPN server can decrypt your data, protecting it from prying eyes during transfer.
Below is a diagram describing the process of connecting and establishing a VPN between a client (such as a laptop) and a VPN server.
The main phases are:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) relies on security protocols that define how data is encrypted and transmitted between the client and the VPN server. These protocols operate during the secure connection negotiation phase (as described in TLS Tunnel Negotiation ) and help protect data within the VPN tunnel.
These protocols are essential to ensure that the connection is protected from interception and tampering. Among the most commonly used security protocols are:
In short, a VPN works by encrypting data, creating a secure tunnel for traffic, masking IP addresses, and using advanced security protocols. This system allows users and businesses to browse and communicate securely online, protecting personal and business data from unauthorized access.
When it comes to choosing a VPN, there are many things to consider and high-quality solutions, each designed to meet specific needs for both personal and business purposes. Below, we explore some of the best VPN solutions, comparing them based on features, performance, and security.
For private users, VPNs offer privacy and anonymity, protecting personal information while browsing or using public networks. Among the most popular private solutions are:
For businesses, VPNs offer security and secure access for teams working remotely or across multiple locations. Business VPN solutions offer centralized management features and enhanced technical support. Major business VPNs include:
Whether for personal or business use, the best VPNs share key features such as advanced encryption, a no-logs policy, and cross-platform compatibility. While solutions like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are ideal for home users seeking privacy and speed, business options like Perimeter 81 and Cisco AnyConnect offer scalability and security for businesses requiring centralized management and secure access for distributed teams.
Cyber attacks often occur when corporate servers, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) servers, are exposed to the internet. These servers, if not properly protected, can become an easy target for hackers and cybercriminals.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides essential protection against these risks by masking and encrypting connections to corporate resources. This is why companies should consider adopting a VPN to protect their digital assets and ensure the security of their operations.
Specifically, a VPN guarantees a series of advantages such as:
A VPN encrypts network traffic, protecting sensitive data during transmission. This is especially crucial for companies that handle confidential information such as financial data, intellectual property, or personal customer information. Encryption prevents hackers or cybercriminals from intercepting or manipulating this information, even when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Furthermore, using a VPN makes internal communications between employees and external partners more secure, reducing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks.
In a modern business environment, employees often work remotely or connect via mobile devices. A VPN allows them to establish a secure connection to the corporate network, even from geographically distant locations. With multi-factor authentication and other advanced security measures, companies can ensure that only authorized employees have access to critical company resources. This helps prevent unauthorized access and maintain control over corporate data, while protecting the privacy and integrity of information.
Many industries are subject to stringent data protection regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the United States. A VPN helps companies comply with these regulations by ensuring that data is processed securely and that access to sensitive information is tracked and monitored. Additionally, corporate VPN solutions offer centralized security management, allowing IT administrators to monitor and configure access and protection policies in real time. This level of control is essential for maintaining security and compliance, reducing the risk of breaches and fines.
Free VPNs may seem like a convenient solution for protecting your online privacy, but they have advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered.
Free VPNs can be useful for occasional use, but they come with privacy and security risks. For complete and secure protection, it’s recommended to opt for a paid VPN, which guarantees a higher level of security and privacy.
In conclusion, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are an essential tool for both private users and businesses, ensuring security, anonymity, and data protection.
For everyday users , a VPN offers privacy benefits, protecting their online activity from being monitored by third parties, such as hackers, ISPs, and even advertisers. Using a VPN allows you to browse anonymously and securely by masking your IP address and encrypting data in transit. This protection is especially useful when using public networks, such as those in cafes, airports, or shopping malls, as it prevents personal information from being intercepted. VPNs also allow you to access geographically restricted content, expanding your streaming and information options.
For businesses , a VPN offers corporate data protection, protecting the integrity of confidential information from potential external threats. With a VPN, employees can securely access company resources even remotely, maintaining business continuity and ensuring a secure environment for all communications. Additionally, using a VPN helps meet regulatory and compliance requirements, protecting customer privacy and preventing sensitive data leaks.
In both cases, a VPN not only improves security and privacy, but also offers greater freedom and control over the information you transmit online, making it an essential tool for anyone who wants to protect their digital identity and sensitive data.
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