Four benefits of cloud VPN for your company

Cloud computing delivers a wide range of new possibilities for businesses, including cloud-based virtual private networks (VPNs). This new generation of networking surpasses the functionality of traditional VPNs in terms of flexibility, affordability, efficiency and security features. Creating a secure connection on a private network is essential for businesses that regularly share sensitive or confidential information.

Governments, educational bodies and financial institutions often require a secure network that links devices in different geographical locations, or connects employees directly to data centres or head offices. Cloud-based software can be used to create a VPN that encrypts data so that it can be securely shared on a private network.

Cloud VPNs can also be set up so that users are verified and authenticated during log in. Protected from both internal and external threats, cloud-based VPNs offer the same security features as hardware-based VPNs, but can be implemented at a fraction of the cost.

SEACOM Business offers various cloud services, including enterprise-grade VPNs that are suitable for large organisations that require advanced security. In partnership with leading cybersecurity agencies, SEACOM Business protects users from a range of advanced security threats. Cloud VPNs offer a number of key benefits that explain the trend of large businesses all over South Africa moving their VPN configuration to the cloud.

Benefit 1: Cloud VPNs offer advanced cybersecurity

New technologies are often met with uncertainty, but cloud technology has been around long enough to prove that it is here to stay. Businesses can only avoid the cloud for so long without being left behind in the digital revolution. Cloud-based technologies are designed with state-of-the-art security features and one of the main benefits of cloud security is the ability to use machine learning to predict and prevent zero-day attacks.

Traditional cybersecurity software can only defend against viruses and attacks that are already known. Anti-virus software is updated with a security patch that allows it to defend the system against malware and hackers. This has obvious limitations. What if cybercriminals launch a new type of attack? If that happens, traditional cybersecurity reveals its short-comings. Cloud-based security involves constant monitoring of the whole system; vulnerabilities are easily detected and artificial intelligence (AI) is used to mitigate these threats.

VPNs that run on the cloud enjoy maximum network security because big data is used to offset cybersecurity risks. Throw in advanced endpoint encryption and a private gateway, and businesses can rest assured that their network is fully secure and protected.

Benefit 2: Direct access to applications on the cloud

Traditional VPNs are no longer practical, especially when high speed data transfers have become the norm. With PC-based VPNs, it is necessary to route users to a data centre before giving them access to a software as a service (SaaS) tool. This slows down operations and takes up a lot of bandwidth.

Cloud-based VPNs offer faster and more direct access to applications. At present, large organisations can use any between 20 and 200 SaaS apps with employees accessing them on a regular basis. Cloud VPNs support much higher speeds, ensuring the smooth running of daily operations within the organisation.

SEACOM Business can set up these private gateways on virtualised networks so that large teams working in various locations can benefit from a private line, even while using public internet. A cloud VPN extends the peer network so that public networks can be securely used, helping to drive down costs and improve speeds.

Benefit 3: Remote collaboration with a secure connection

If businesses have learnt anything in recent years, it is to expect the unexpected. Within a matter of weeks, offices shut down and businesses were forced to reinvent themselves with remote teams working from their homes. The companies that were the most resilient were the ones that had a flexible mindset with a strong digital strategy that included cloud computing.

The cloud gives employees access to corporate networks from anywhere and with a cloud-based VPN, this means that all business data, files and communications can be kept secure. VPNs make it possible for executives to go on business trips and remain connected to their teams. Employees can travel to regions where many voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services are blocked. Without a VPN, access to Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook and Google can be very difficult in certain parts of the world.

Not all employees are security-conscious and the shift towards ‘bring your own device’ (or BYOD) means that many employees are connecting their personal smartphones and laptops to business networks. Another massive source of anxiety for cybersecurity experts is when company devices are connected to public WiFi, these connections are extremely easy to hack and without even knowing it, employees’ devices fall victim to cybercriminals.

Benefit 4: User experience with Cloud VPN

SEACOM Business’s cloud solutions are designed to be employee-friendly and also user-friendly for the tech team responsible for its implementation and management. User experience (UX) has been taken into consideration in all aspects of its functionality and configuration.

Traditional VPNs have to be manually configured. This leaves a lot of room for human error and it is also very time-consuming for IT teams to set up VPNs on each employee device and IoT-enabled device within a large organisation.

With SEACOM Business’s managed services, companies can save costs on their in-house tech. SEACOM deals with the deployment, maintenance and operation of cloud services, setting up the necessary cloud architecture quickly and easily. With cloud VPNs, there is no need for specialised hardware or software, there are no vendor lock-ins and companies can quickly take their digital operations to scale.

With a cloud VPN, user-verification can involve two-factor authentication, biometrics or single sign-on (SSO). Being able to verify users helps to maintain network security. More users can quickly be added, and equally so, access can be quickly restricted for others. The cloud offers ease of management, with all configuration taking place from a centralised console. This offers excellent visibility into the company network and greater transparency of what is happening on the network in general.

Cloud VPN designed for enterprises

Cloud VPNs are superior to traditional ones in that they offer more secure access, are quicker to deploy and manage, and help to drive down costs. Companies wishing to have a global presence need to make sure their data is secure. Large organisations dealing with confidential or sensitive information have to employ the most advanced levels of cybersecurity.

Cloud-based VPNs offer these benefits, making it more affordable for large organisations to future-proof themselves in today’s digital revolution. For more information or to get a quote for our various cloud services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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