VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a secure communication tunnel that connects your device or network to another over the internet. It protects data by encrypting it and masking your real IP address, making online activity more private and secure.
How VPNs Work
When you use a VPN, your device creates an encrypted tunnel to a remote server. All traffic passes through this tunnel before reaching the internet or another private network. This hides your actual IP address and makes it hard for attackers or intermediaries to intercept your data.
VPNs use protocols like IPsec or SSL to secure the connection. In a corporate setup, VPNs often connect remote users to internal systems as if they were on the same local network.
VPN Use Cases in Business
VPNs are widely used in enterprises to support remote access. Employees working from home or in the field can access internal apps, file servers, and email securely. Site-to-site VPNs also connect branch offices to the headquarters over public internet links.
VPNs offer a balance of security and flexibility, but they have limits. Performance may drop during peak hours, and broad access can pose a risk if not managed well.
VPNs in the Indian Market
Indian businesses have relied heavily on VPNs, especially since the shift to remote work. They are still used across IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors.
At the same time, many organizations are now considering Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to replace or supplement traditional VPNs for more granular control.
