A ‘VPN’ or ‘Virtual Private Network’, as defined by PC Mag Australia ‘creates a virtual encrypted tunnel between you and a remote server operated by a VPN service.’

Protocols such as https:// enable a secure encryption for website visitors and websites that use this protocol are still the safest to visit, but a VPN will keep your browsing activity and information relating to your specific ISP location entirely private.

Who uses VPNs?

VPNs are used by both businesses and individuals. A business may give employees access to their VPN so that they can log into the organisation’s network when they are not in the office or when they are working from home.

An individual may use a VPN when accessing a public wifi network, so that their information isn’t intercepted. If someone is sitting in a coffee shop using public wifi connection but has a VPN application active on their device, their data and location will remain private.

Why would I need a VPN?

There has recently been heightened interest in VPNs, as explained by technologydecisions.com.au, who in February published a post on the ‘Increasing demand for VPNs in Australia.’ The post identifies security concerns and mass data breaches making news headlines as being key reasons for the uptake in VPNs.

While accessing online entertainment or flight deals that are not available in Australia may have originally been reasons for Ausssie’s to have their own VPN, privacy and security are now the main concerns. With the rise of cyber attacks and the frequency of tailored advertisements, it is understandable that people want to ensure their information is as private as possible.

How a VPN can protect your organisation

Both small and large organisations should understand the importance of getting their own VPN, especially if they have overseas offices or connect to remote data centres.

A VPN will ensure internal (and confidential) information is kept as secure as possible and therefore enable employees to work from home when they need to. Let’s say an employee can’t physically come into work because they are recovering from a broken leg and they need access to the organisation’s Intranet or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. They could stay home with their feet up and safely connect by logging on through a VPN.

If you want to ensure your location and browsing activity is masked from potential threats, you may consider getting a VPN. Cnet provides a list of ‘The Best VPN Services for 2019’ to help you decide which service is the most suitable.

Afilias AU undergo regular internal updates to ensure that the .au namespace remains as reliable and secure as possible. If you are accessing a .au domain name through a VPN connection, you will be taking full advantage of the security features that are already built into the core of .au and you can rest assured that your connection is both as private and secure as possible.

If you have some feedback or a question, remember you can reach us at blog@afilias.com.au