Traveling? Four Tips to Access Your Company’s VPN | Focus Data Solutions (2024)

David Okocha, IT Specialist, Focus Data Solutions

For those who travel for work, accessing a hotel’s WIFI is usually a simple process. But, connecting to your corporate VPN can be a very different matter.

Some hotels discourage guests from connecting to corporate VPN’s. Why? It’s as simple as the property doesn’t want to manage the technical challenges that some guests encounter. Other hotels require guests to use a premium Wi-Fi package that requires payment to offset connectivity fees. Sometimes it’s as simple as the hotel does not want to invest in the equipment to support VP. Many hotels restrict premium service in conference rooms. Traveling out of the country? Some foreign-based hotels prevent VPN access due to government-imposed restrictions.

Taking the time to verify some information and make a few preparations may help you access your VPN during your travels. Here are four suggestions for your pre-travel prep.

  • Select hotel properties that support VPN. Call ahead and ask to speak to the hotel’s IT manager. The manager should be able to confirm what type of WIFI services the hotel offers and if VPN access is permitted.
  • Verify your VPN access before you leave. Talk to your IT support team before you travel to ensure that your VPN works from outside the office.
  • Travel with two connectivity options. In addition to the hotel WIFI, travel with a cellular hotspot as a backup connection if VPN access is critical.
  • Keep your IT support service contact information close by. While you may not be able to get to the VPN, your IT Help Desk may be able to help you remotely.

There will be travel situations when you cannot access WIFI. However, a little preparation before you travel may help you stay connected and in the loop with the home office.

Traveling? Four Tips to Access Your Company’s VPN | Focus Data Solutions (2024)

FAQs

Traveling? Four Tips to Access Your Company’s VPN | Focus Data Solutions? ›

The short answer is: yes, they can. Your employer may monitor several aspects of your activity while you are connected to the company network, including your location.

How do I use a corporate VPN? ›

Connect to a VPN from the Windows Settings page:
  1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
  2. Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect.
  3. If prompted, enter your username and password or other sign in info.

Does a work VPN expose my home network to my employer? ›

The short answer is: yes, they can. Your employer may monitor several aspects of your activity while you are connected to the company network, including your location.

How do I connect to a VPN in a hotel Wi-Fi? ›

To use a VPN, first connect to the local network (like a hotel's Wi-Fi or a direct connection via Ethernet), then start and activate the VPN program. This creates a secure connection within the local network and wider internet.

Why do companies use VPN networks? ›

Organizations, governments and businesses of all sizes use VPNs to secure remote connections to the internet for protection against data interception. Individuals also use personal VPNs to keep their locations private, safely encrypt data and browse the web anonymously.

What are the 4 main types of VPN? ›

The four VPN types are:
  • Personal VPN services.
  • Mobile VPNs.
  • Remote access VPNs.
  • Site-to-site VPNs.
Feb 2, 2023

How do I get around a company VPN? ›

You can often bypass a VPN block by switching servers or going to a different VPN provider. The organization blocking your access may have focused on only the more popular VPNs when choosing what to block, so you may be able to gain access using a less popular service.

Can my employer see my browsing history when I m on their network? ›

If you have a connection to the company network, your employer has the right to track your internet activity. They can also monitor you if you are using a work computer but are not connected to the local WiFi.

How do I know if my employer is monitoring my computer? ›

Unknown Programs Installed

Then the chances of it being heavily monitored are highly likely. Employers can pre-install employee monitoring or device mirroring programs to check your computer activity. To find out, check your installed programs through your computer's settings and browse the list of programs you have.

How do you check if my work laptop is being monitored? ›

How to Know If Your Computer is Being Monitored
  1. Open Windows Settings.
  2. Choose “Privacy and security.”
  3. Select “Camera” from the options on the left.
  4. Go through this list and see which programs last accessed your webcam or which one is currently accessing it.
Mar 6, 2023

How do I access my company VPN from home? ›

Now, follow these steps to create a VPN connection.
  1. Open Settings in your PC.
  2. Click on the Network and Internet tab.
  3. Go to the VPN section.
  4. Click on Add a VPN connection.
  5. A form will open that'll ask you to enter the Server name, VPN type, Username, and Password.
  6. Once you enter all the information, click on Save.

Can hotels see what you are browsing with VPN? ›

Can a hotel monitor what sites you visit if you use a VPN? No, it can't. Each time when you connect to a VPN server, you're assigned an IP that is completely different from the one that is given to you by a hotel. So, everything that the hotel can see is that some visitor is using a VPN, but nothing more than that.

How do I secure my Wi-Fi when traveling? ›

Buy a data plan or use a VPN.

You can also consider purchasing a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN is essentially a private connection between your device and the websites you visit. It adds an extra layer of security that encrypts your data.

What is the difference between a VPN and a company VPN? ›

A business VPN is a corporate tool, whereas a personal, or home VPN focuses on leisure-related uses. The purpose of a VPN, or virtual private network, is to securely connect a user to the Internet or a company's network by creating an encrypted connection between their device and a server.

What is the difference between a personal VPN and a business VPN? ›

Normally, personal VPNs only accommodate one user & multiple devices owned by the user. Meanwhile, Business VPN supports multiple users of a company. If you are looking for a VPN that can accommodate your remote business, you should choose a Business VPN.

Why companies are moving away from VPN? ›

Growing security risks have prompted companies to move away from virtual private networks (VPNs) in favor of a zero-trust model. Most organizations, 72 percent, plan to ditch VPNs, according to Zscaler's 2021 VPN Risk Report, which found that 67 percent of organizations are considering remote access alternatives.

What is the difference between a VPN and a corporate VPN? ›

Corporate VPNs are used to provide secure access to company networks by hundreds or even thousands of remote workers. They also provide greater security than consumer VPNs. That added security comes from the use of static IP addresses and performance customizations unique to each business.

What is the difference between a personal VPN and a corporate VPN? ›

Normally, personal VPNs only accommodate one user & multiple devices owned by the user. Meanwhile, Business VPN supports multiple users of a company. If you are looking for a VPN that can accommodate your remote business, you should choose a Business VPN.

How much does a corporate VPN cost? ›

How much does a business VPN cost? Typically, a business VPN costs around $10/month per user, plus the extra cost of having your own private gateway.

Can I use a VPN with my company VPN? ›

Attempting to connect to your work VPN if you are connected to a personal VPN will cause a conflict. It is important to use the VPN management tools on your FlashRouter to easily bypass devices like a work computer or work phone. Learn how one of these providers can help you below!

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