OpenVPN servers for secure remote access.
17 June 2015
We’ve been busy building OpenVPN virtual servers for a couple of clients over the last few days and thought we would explain the benefits
of having a VPN server.
What is OpenVPN
OpenVPN is software that creates secure point-to-point connections over the internet. It utilizes SSL/TLS
key exchange to encrypt data sent over the connection.
Why use OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a great tool for accessing your office computer remotly from any location using a secure
connection. If you are using a public WiFi hotspot then it is essential that you use an encrypted
connection as potentially, whoever operates the hotspot could eaves drop on what you are doing.
You can also setup OpenVPN on a virtual server and use it when accessing WiFi hotspots to ensure all of
your internet traffic is encrypted (we aren’t paranoid - we just like to be safe!).
Having a virtual server in another country with OpenVPN can help you bypass country restrictions for
websites and even streaming services. Just don’t forget that your virtual server may have a bandwidth cap
so don’t go streaming high-def movies for hours on end.
What devices can I connect from
The OpenVPN client is avaiable for Windows computers and also Android and iOS devices. We have been avid
users of it on our iPads for a while. Mac users can use the free tunnelblick to connect.