Top 5 Disadvantages of Using VPN for Official and Professional Work

Right now, all anybody is talking about is how good VPNs are. With the ability to help you browse the internet safely and securely, as well ...

Right now, all anybody is talking about is how good VPNs are. With the ability to help you browse the internet safely and securely, as well as logging into internet servers for restricted content from any country in the world, there’s no denying there are benefits to using a VPN. However, fewer people are talking about the drawbacks and disadvantages.

There are drawbacks to using a VPN, especially if you’re using your VPN while working on the internet for work and professional purposes, all of which we’re going to explore today, giving you everything you need to know when it comes to using or not using a VPN.

Top 5 Disadvantages of Using VPN for Official and Professional Work

1. Slower Internet Speeds

There are many cases out there where internet connections made through a VPN will lower your internet speeds, especially when you consider the variables like current internet speed, the location you’re connecting to, and how busy the servers are. As a business, you’ll want to maximize your internet speeds so you can get things done, and perhaps getting a VPN may be more of a hindrance than a help.

2. VPN Services Can Monitor Your Activity

Be aware that while VPNs can stop internet data from being monitored by your ISP or even the government, the VPN service providers themselves can have access to what connections you have and your online activity. If you’re working with sensitive business information, this could be data you don’t want them to see.

While VPN providers will say they don’t do this, you’ll need to be aware there are cases where it has happened, so if you do choose to use a VPN, be aware of which ones you use. Also, be aware that you can do tasks like remote file sharing without a VPN and still remain secure and unmonitored.

3. May Be a Hassle to Set Up

While VPN providers do everything they can to make their software easy to use, it just won’t be in all cases. Whether it’s incompatible with your software or hardware, won’t connect to the internet, or you have account issues, getting involved with a VPN could just be a waste of time if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

4. Using a VPN Can Be Illegal

Depending on what country you’re in, using a VPN can actually be illegal and may get you in a lot of trouble if you’re caught. Since VPNs are rather new technologies, the rules and regulations on how they can be used are still being negotiated, so even if using a VPN is legal now, you’ll need to be aware that they may not be in the future.

Either way, you don’t want to end up with a fine or even a jail sentence, so whichever country you’re in, make sure you’re up to date on the rules at the time.

5. It Costs Money

Using a VPN costs money, using a monthly or annual fee that you’ll need to keep paying in order to use the VPN service. If you’re a small business or paying for a lot of users to have a VPN, this could be incredibly costly and may not be worth the benefits you think you’re getting.

You may be tempted to use a cheaper, more affordable service, but the cheaper you go, the more likely you are to end up with a service that tracks and monitors your data privately, so you need to weigh up the pros and cons to see if getting a VPN is a worthwhile investment for your business.

Summary:

While the benefits of getting a VPN are clear, so are the drawbacks, so as a business professional, treat getting a VPN like any other business decision you’ll make. Look at it from both sides before deciding whether it’s an investment that is worthwhile for you.