A self-employed person can basically work in many places. In the city is of course possible, some freelancers can work in a cafe or even on the beach. Usually, public Wi-Fi networks are available here for you to use them. It is very handy because you can just get to work at any public place, but it can also be very dangerous. Public networks are not always secure, but fortunately, you can solve this problem with the help of a VPN service
How do you know if a Wi-Fi network is secure?
Using a VPN connection is in many cases advisable, but especially if you use a public network. It usually turns out that such Wi-Fi networks are not secure at all. It is certainly unwise to do banking, accounting or something similar, but it is also better not to perform other activities on the internet. You never know what a hacker is trying to do. It is therefore better to use your mobile data.
What is a VPN?
The term VPN has been mentioned a few times now, but there has not been an explanation yet. In principle a VPN, an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network, is a server that ensures that you surf the internet safely and anonymously. Your internet traffic is also encrypted. This way you can access the web from all locations without any worries. Therefore, a VPN is basically a secure connection between your laptop and the network. With a Virtual Private Network, you can even visit blocked sites, although this is not always wise. Safe internet is a requirement for every self-employed person, especially if you work a lot outside, you do not want important data to be taken by malicious people. For business purposes it’s not recommended to use a Free VPN because they can’t assure security at least not as good as paid ones.
How do you use a VPN?
You don’t really have to do much to use a VPN. First of all, you will need to subscribe to a service. Then you can install the VPN and this will start the process. Usually, the provider of the server will help you with this, with a few simple steps. In general, you will have to download and install an application or program. When this is done you can start setting up the VPN. Once the VPN is installed, you can connect to servers from all over the world. This way you can guarantee your online privacy and the one of your company.
Use
This rather complex technology was often reserved for the professional environment. In recent years with the rise of the internet, the increase in the digitization of data and the change in our communication habits, the increase in risks related to data and network security have generated a growing need for this technology with SMEs, artisans, self-employed and ‘connected’ individuals.
Using VPN for remote access
The ‘tunnel’ and the encapsulation created by the VPN allow you to access the resources present on your local network, remotely from the internet.
This is why VPNs are used in the professional world and more and more by individuals who have a NAS (file server) and who need regular access to this content.
Using VPN to stay anonymous
The VPN is also used for anonymization purposes, typically to access certain areas of the internet without the people on the local network, your internet service provider or the authorities in your country being able to read the sites. visited, content of pages, files, emails that go through VPN. The users of this technology are for example:
Journalists in countries where press freedom is lacking
Crime: illegal downloads (music, movies), hackers
Conclusion
I briefly explained the principle of the VPN, its typical use to access your local network (business or personal), the use of https, and use for anonymization purposes.
