Technology

How To Configure Remote Access VPNs

Remote-access VPNs are becoming more popular than ever before, mostly thanks to growing concerns about digital security and user privacy that were absent from the marketplace just a few years ago. Even though more entrepreneurs understand the importance of gaining access to remote computer networks, however, relatively few of them know where to begin when it comes to configuring such access without spending too much money or suffering from an IT headache. Luckily, some helpful tips can expedite the entire process. Here’s how to configure remote access VPNs, and why they’re so important in the first place.

IMAGE: PEXELS

Why Bother With Remote Access VPNs?

Many business owners and professionals are still hesitant to embrace remote access VPNs because they’re uncertain of why remote-access VPNs are worthwhile to invest in, to begin with. To put it simply, any company that wants to allow its individual employees to access a remote computer network securely will need to configure remote access VPNs, or they risk airing their commercial secrets to the rest of the wide world.

Your office’s network likely includes important resources that workers need to access, whether it’s a printer or the ability to transfer data to a secure storage location. Remote workers will never be able to access these resources hosted by your network in a safe fashion until they have remote access VPNs.

Given that remote work is more popular these days than ever before and is set to become the norm sooner rather than later, you can’t delay in configuring remote-access VPNs. So, what’s the first step?

The first component you’ll need is a network access server which you can get with a Nordvpn promotion; this will be a dedicated server that your users will connect to from the internet so that they can use their VPNs.

After your employees input their credentials into the network access server, they’ll be authenticated and permitted access to your sensitive network. Without a network access server, your entire remote access VPN system will be unfeasible.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the basics of network access servers before proceeding if you’re not already comfortable with them. Perhaps the most popular NAS option is Cisco’s AS5800, which is why it’s worth reviewing the company’s step-by-step configuration walkthrough if you end up relying on their sought-after NAS.

Learn About Enterprise Service Providers

If you’re uncertain or incapable of establishing your own remote-access VPNs, you may want to solicit the help of an enterprise service provider. As the name implies, an enterprise service provider is a third party that will manage the configuration and subsequent maintenance of your remote access VPN services in exchange for a fee.

Vendors like OpenVPN should be carefully audited before you decide to rely on their services; however, as you’re essentially outsourcing an essential element of your business. Make sure you know who you’re entrusting before signing any contracts that extort a stiff payment from your business coffers.

If you do decide to go it alone, you’ll need to install client software after setting up your network access server; while many modern operating systems have built-in software capable of connecting to remote access VPNs, not all do, so you’ll want to ensure you have those capabilities before making a purchasing decision.

The client software you’re installing will be what helps you connect to the NAS in the first place and is essential for providing the encryption that will keep your network secure. Business owners struggling to identify the client software they need to install shouldn’t hesitate to contact an IT expert. Before long, you’ll soon realize that configuring remote-access VPNs is the only surefire way to allow your remote workers to access your network without jeopardizing its overall security.

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