4 easy steps to get started

Using a VPN or virtual private network may seem complicated at first, but it is software that is surprisingly easy to configure and use. Whether you are part of a small business or a larger organization, integrating a VPN is a great way to secure important business information.

In this article we give an overview of how to create a VPN, how to use it, and how to maximize features for your organization.

1. Choose a VPN

While all VPNs encrypt the connection between a device and a network, each service brings its own taste and special features. For example, ExpressVPN offers a clean and easy to understand interface, while Cyberghost VPN prioritizes having a comprehensive server network spread over 100 locations.

It is important to know why you need a VPN. Want better security and privacy? Do you need it to unblock content? How many devices do you need protected through VPN? The answers to these questions will inform what VPN will be best for your needs.

Examination of a VPN’s reputation and track record to protect user data should also be part of the decision -making process. VPNs are expected to secure data from malicious actors, not sell or register them to their own advantage. A good indicator of this is if a VPN has a policy without logs that has been confirmed through a third -party audit. A policy that is not log says a VPN does not detect sensitive user data, such as browser history or IP addresses. While many claim to be non-logs, it is important to have an independent audit.

If you need a headstart to choose a VPN, you can check out our choice of the top 4 VPNs for small businesses.

Let’s use ExpressVPN as an example for the sake of this guide.

ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN providers available and is well considered for its reliability and ease of use.

2. Buy a VPN

After deciding a VPN, it’s time to sign up and pay for a subscription. Most VPNs offer multiple subscription options on monthly, annual or two-year parliamentary terms. The longer the duration, the lower the monthly price you pay.

In general, I recommend going for an annual subscription as it gives you a good balance between lower rates and a reasonable duration of the contract.

I also encourage you to get the most out of VPN providers’ money-back guarantees. Many suppliers allow 30 or more days after the first registration for customers to test the software and ask for a refund within the allotted time if VPN is not the right fit.

In case of ExpressVPN you can choose between a monthly schedule for $ 12.95 per Month, a one -year plan for $ 6.67 per month. Month or a two -year plan for $ 4.99 per month. Month.

Free VPN settings are available, but these usually come at the price of lower security, slower speeds and lack of other features.

3. Set up VPN

When you pay for VPN, the next step is to download and install the VPN application. If you download VPN to your Windows or Mac, be sure to get it from VPN’s official site.

After clicking Download, VPN’s installation file appears in your download folder.

Clicking the installation file will lead you to VPN’s installation process. Just follow the instructions presented until VPN is installed on your system.

4. Use VPN

Fortunately, modern VPNs are relatively easy to use. Once installed, VPNs usually have a one-click connection/switch button and a list of servers you can connect to.

By default, VPNs will connect to the fastest server in your area. This typically means connecting to a server location that is closest to where you are. Of course, you can choose a specific server location depending on your needs and preferences.

With ExpressVPN there is a large on / off button in the middle that controls your connection and the server menu is conveniently placed under it.

Once you have selected a server, you can click Connect and there you have it – you now use a secure VPN connection.

Some people may wonder if you need to manually connect to a server every time and the answer is no. Generally, most VPNs can be configured to start at startup and automatically connect to a preferred server of your choice.

It is important to note that leaving a VPN -Desktop window usually does not close the program completely. VPNs are software running in the background, so you will need to close the VPN application either via Windows’ Task Manager or manually finish the app on a Mac.

If you find out that VPN is not working properly is a good rule of thumb to disconnect from the server and restart the application. If it does not work, VPNs provide customer support neither on their site nor in the app itself.

Quality VPN providers offer 24/7 live chat support to help you when something goes wrong. If not available, you can send an E email using VPN’s support page or ticketing system.

Best ways to use a VPN for your business

VPNs have a number of use cases. They can be used to access streaming services, torrent files securely or to get a better gaming experience. They can also be used to improve a company’s daily operations. Here are a few ways they can do it:

Protect Business and Client Resources

Because VPNs encrypt the connection between the network and a connected device, all data transmitted between them is protected. This means that both business and client resources will be secured against bad actors.

VPNs are a great way to protect confidential documents, internal communication and other assets against cyberattacks and hacking. To learn more about how VPNs work, you can check out our guide here.

Safe access to external workers

Another advantage of the VPN offer is to ensure external workers’ access to a corporate network. As external employees typically work from home, they tend to connect to business resources via an unprotected connection.

VPN encryption ensures that sensitive data gaining access to external workers is made unreadable and non -trackable, even if they fall into the wrong hands.

Get geographical flexibility

VPNs give you the opportunity to choose an alternative IP address and another location from your own. This gives you easy access to geo-blocked content around the world.

This can be useful for employees who are traveling regularly and need to view regional -locked content such as news articles, streaming services and local websites. This flexibility is also beneficial to external employees who may find it difficult to access resources outside where they work.

How to make sure you maximize your VPN

The integration of a VPN is a big step towards increasing security, but there are a few things you can do to make the most of the service.

• Checking available VPN -Apps for your phone allows employees to secure work -related information about their personal phones. As multiple organizations rely on mobile devices for communication and other work, the installation of a VPN services iOS or Android app ensures that the increased security is maintained across all devices.

• Using VPN -Browser extensions Allows you to use a VPN right from the browser. Some VPN extensions may even be a single without the Desktop application installed, making it easier to perform secured work on another computer.

• Looking at team subscriptions is a great way to reduce costs if you are a business looking for a VPN. On top of the VPN itself, team subscriptions usually include lower rates, centralized invoicing and an administrative console for managers.

See: It Leader’s Guide to Cybersecurity Awareness Training (TechPublic Premium)

Recommended user -friendly VPNs

VPN encryption can be technical, but three services that stand out for their ease of use are ExpressVPN, Cyberghost VPN and TunnelBear VPN.

ExpressVPN comes with a user interface (UI) that looks modern and is easy to understand. Its browser extension also acts as a practical remote control for the desktop app, giving you easy access to express right from the browser.

You can read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Cyberghost VPN Smart organizes its servers for servers best for streaming, torrenting and games. Given that it reportedly has 10,000+ servers in 100 countries offered, the categories help distinguish between which server is best for different users.

You can check out our full review of Cyberghost VPN.

TunnelBear presents the most newly -friendly and least scary user interface. With its Bear-themed Desktop application, each server is represented by a tunnel and when you switch to a new server, the Tunnel Bear Bear appears when the connection is established.

You can check out our full review of TunnelBear VPN.

This article was originally published in November 2023 and was updated by Luis Millares in March 2025.