Remote work has become the norm, but security often remains at office level. Home WiFi, cafes, coworking spaces - each connection point carries risks for work data.
Why Remote Work Requires VPN
Unprotected Networks
In the office, IT controls network security. At home and in public places - you’re on your own.
| Work Location | Control Level | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Office | High | Minimal |
| Home | Medium | Vulnerable router, neighbors |
| Cafe/coworking | Low | Interception, fake networks |
| Hotel | Low | Shared network, logging |
Confidential Data
Work correspondence, documents, system access - all valuable to attackers and competitors.
Liability
Data breach of client or company information can lead to legal consequences. VPN is a basic precaution.
Usage Scenarios
Working from Home
Risks:
- Home router vulnerabilities
- Outdated firmware
- Weak WiFi password
- Other devices on network (IoT, guests)
Solution: VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over your home network. Even if the router is compromised - work traffic is encrypted.
Working from Cafes or Coworking Spaces
Risks:
- Fake access points
- Traffic interception by other users
- No control over the network
Solution: Enable VPN before connecting to the network. All traffic is encrypted from device to VPN server.
Working While Traveling
Risks:
- Hotel networks are often insecure
- Airports are popular attack targets
- Unfamiliar infrastructure
Solution: VPN as a mandatory tool for any connection outside home.
Personal VPN vs Corporate
Corporate VPN
Pros:
- Access to internal company resources
- Centralized management
- Compliance with security policies
Cons:
- Employer sees all traffic
- Often slower due to load
- Doesn’t work for personal tasks
Personal VPN
Pros:
- Privacy from everyone, including employer
- Choice of server and protocol
- Works for any task
Cons:
- No access to corporate resources
- Separate payment
Optimal Approach
Use corporate VPN for work resources, personal VPN for everything else. Many clients support split tunneling.
Setup for Different Professions
Developers
What to protect:
- Repository and server access
- API keys and tokens
- Team communication
Recommendations:
- VPN with SSH and Git support
- Stable connection (WireGuard)
- Kill switch to prevent leaks
Designers and Content Managers
What to protect:
- Client materials
- CMS and hosting access
- Source files and layouts
Recommendations:
- Sufficient speed for large file transfers
- Stability for long sessions
Finance and Accounting
What to protect:
- Banking access
- Financial reports
- Employee and client personal data
Recommendations:
- Maximum encryption level
- Strict no-logs policy
- Two-factor authentication everywhere
Managers and Executives
What to protect:
- Strategic documents
- Negotiations and correspondence
- Corporate system access
Recommendations:
- Ease of use (one click)
- Automatic connection
- Reliability during video calls
Technical Requirements
Speed
For comfortable work:
- Video calls: 5+ Mbps
- File transfers: 10+ Mbps
- Cloud work: 20+ Mbps
Modern protocols (WireGuard, VLESS) ensure minimal speed loss.
Stability
Connection drop during an important call or data transfer is a serious problem.
What to look for:
- Automatic reconnection
- Multiple backup servers
- Kill switch for protection on disconnect
Compatibility
VPN must work on all work devices:
- Laptop (Windows/macOS/Linux)
- Smartphone (iOS/Android)
- Tablet
Security Policy for Remote Workers
Minimum Requirements
- VPN mandatory when working outside home
- Automatic connection on system start
- Kill switch enabled: internet disconnects if VPN drops
- Different passwords for work and personal accounts
- Two-factor authentication on all work services
Additional Measures
- Disk encryption (BitLocker, FileVault)
- Screen lock when stepping away
- Regular software updates
- Backup of important data
Common Problems and Solutions
VPN Slows Down Work
Causes:
- Distant server
- Overloaded server
- Outdated protocol
Solutions:
- Choose nearest server
- Switch to WireGuard
- Try different server
Corporate Resources Don’t Work
Cause: Personal VPN conflicts with corporate VPN or IP filtering.
Solutions:
- Split tunneling: work traffic goes direct or through corporate VPN
- Disable personal VPN for corporate resources
- Coordinate with IT department
Connection Drops During Video Calls
Causes:
- Unstable internet
- Overloaded VPN server
- Application conflict
Solutions:
- Wired connection instead of WiFi
- Server with less load
- UDP protocol (WireGuard, Hysteria2)
Checklist Before Starting Work
- VPN client installed and configured
- Connection active (check IP)
- Kill switch enabled
- No DNS leaks
- Two-factor authentication working
- Backup connection method available
Summary
Remote work without VPN is a risk for you and your employer. Protecting work data is a professional responsibility.
Set up VPN once, enable automatic connection, and work from anywhere with confidence in your security.
Tainet provides stable and fast connection for professional work. Modern protocols, minimal latency, reliable protection.
