VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Virtual Private Network
Technology creating secure, encrypted connections over the internet between users or networks and remote resources, protecting data in transit.
In-Depth Explanation
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between endpoints, protecting data from interception. VPNs enable secure remote access and site-to-site network connectivity.
VPN types:
- Remote access: Individual users connecting to a corporate network
- Site-to-site: Linking two networks (e.g., office to cloud VPC)
- Client-to-site: Modern remote access using WireGuard
- SSL VPN: Browser-based access without dedicated software
VPN protocols:
- WireGuard: Modern, fast, simple (recommended for new deployments)
- OpenVPN: Open-source, widely supported
- IPSec/IKEv2: Industry standard for site-to-site
- SSL/TLS: Browser-based access
Business use cases:
- Secure remote work access to internal applications
- Cloud connectivity (on-premises to cloud VPC)
- Multi-site office connectivity
- Regulatory compliance for data in transit
- Controlled third-party access
Cloud VPN services:
- AWS Site-to-Site VPN: Managed IPSec to AWS VPC
- Azure VPN Gateway: Managed VPN for Azure
- Google Cloud VPN: Managed VPN for GCP
- Tailscale: Modern WireGuard-based mesh VPN
Modern alternatives:
- ZTNA: Identity-based access without network connectivity
- Cloudflare Access: Cloud-based secure application access
- SSH tunnelling: Encrypted access to specific services
Business Context
VPNs are essential for secure remote work, cloud connectivity, and compliance, especially for businesses handling sensitive data.
How Clever Ops Uses This
Clever Ops implements secure connectivity for Australian businesses, from traditional VPNs to modern zero-trust alternatives providing application-level security.
Example Use Case
"A professional services firm implements Tailscale VPN for 50 remote employees, providing secure access to internal applications without the complexity of traditional VPN appliances."