How do you balance VPN and password security with user convenience and productivity?

If you work remotely, you know how important it is to keep your data and devices secure. But you also want to avoid the hassle and frustration of logging in and out of multiple accounts, remembering complex passwords, and dealing with slow or unreliable VPN connections. How do you balance VPN and password security with user convenience and productivity? Here are some tips to help you achieve both goals.

1 Use a VPN service

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a way of creating a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a server. This means that your online activity and data are hidden from prying eyes, hackers, and even your internet service provider. A VPN can also help you access geo-restricted content, bypass censorship, and improve your online privacy. To use a VPN, you need to sign up for a VPN service, download and install an app on your device, and connect to a server of your choice. There are many VPN services available, so look for one that offers fast speeds, reliable connections, and strong encryption.

Add your perspective

2 Choose strong and unique passwords

Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts and data. But many people use weak, common, or reused passwords that are easy to guess or crack. This puts your security and privacy at risk, especially if you use the same password for multiple accounts. To avoid this, you should choose strong and unique passwords for each account you use. A strong password is one that is long, random, and contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A unique password is one that you use for only one account and never repeat. To create and remember strong and unique passwords, you can use a password manager tool that generates and stores them for you.

Add your perspective

Jose Varghese

ASCM /APICS, Certified Lean 6σ Yellow Belt. Skilled in EPC sectors, Supply Chain logistics, warehousing, Manufacturing, Procurement, Scheduling, within 3PL and 4PL.
Report contribution
One thing I have found helpful is using the names combined with numbers & symbols. Mastery of maintaining the secrecy is by determining how simple words could be turned into a combination.

Like

3 Enable multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is a way of adding an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires you to provide more than one piece of information to verify your identity, such as a password and a code sent to your phone or email. This makes it harder for hackers to break into your accounts, even if they have your password. Many online services offer MFA as an option, so you should enable it whenever possible. You can also use an authenticator app that generates codes for you, instead of relying on SMS or email.

Add your perspective

Miles Feinberg

IT leader & CIO whisperer - partnering with firms to increase productivity, reduce costs and mitigate risks.
Report contribution
To ease the user experience and strengthen your security posture overall, consider coupling your deployment of MFA with Single-Sign-On (SSO). In this deployment, the end user signs in once to the SSO and then once authenticated, can launch any of the integrated applications. Make sure to integrate all of your business apps! There is also passwordless MFA for an outstanding user experience – complex passwords are hard type. Also passwordless authentication is exponentially stronger security because it eliminates the attack vectors such as credential stuffing, Man-in-the-Middle attacks, and compromised credentials. Note that the net effect of all of this will help you realize cost savings with fewer help desk tickets for password resets.

Like

4 Update your software and devices

Keeping your software and devices updated is another way of enhancing your security and performance. Updates often include patches that fix bugs, vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues that could compromise your security or slow down your VPN connection. They also introduce new features and improvements that could boost your productivity and user experience. You should update your operating system, browser, VPN app, password manager, and other software regularly. You should also update your devices, such as your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and router, to ensure they are running smoothly and securely.

Add your perspective

5 Educate yourself and your team

The last tip is to educate yourself and your team about the best practices and policies for VPN and password security. You should be aware of the common threats and risks that remote workers face, such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and data breaches. You should also know how to prevent and respond to these incidents, such as by using antivirus software, backing up your data, and reporting any suspicious activity. You should also communicate and collaborate with your team members and managers about the security standards and expectations for your remote work. You should follow the guidelines and rules set by your organization, such as using approved VPN services, password managers, and MFA methods.

By following these tips, you can balance VPN and password security with user convenience and productivity. You can protect your data and devices from hackers and cyberattacks, while also enjoying the benefits of remote work, such as flexibility, autonomy, and efficiency.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How do you balance VPN and password security with user convenience and productivity?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use a VPN service

2 Choose strong and unique passwords

3 Enable multi-factor authentication

4 Update your software and devices

5 Educate yourself and your team

6 Here’s what else to consider

Distributed Team Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Distributed Team Management

More relevant reading