Are VPNs Important for Developers?

vpn importance developers

A VPN will be helpful if you’re a web designer or a front-end developer, as you can protect your sensitive data from cybercriminals. A VPN is invaluable for anyone concerned with online security and safety. Let’s take a quick dive into how VPNs are important for developers.

1) Developers can encrypt data when using a public WiFi connection

Developers may need to step out of their primary workplace to get some fresh air. Since they’re usually on a deadline, they may need to access a public WiFi to continue working. The problem with public WiFi networks is that cybercriminals can try to steal sensitive data from individuals who use them. To protect themselves from such an eventuality, the developer just needs to download a VPN and then connect to the internet using the VPN. The internet connection is routed through a VPN server, and all traffic is encrypted, ensuring that the developer’s data is secure.

2) Developers can improve their personal privacy

A developer may want to hide their personal browsing activity, and using a VPN is the perfect way to make sure their privacy is not under threat. It’s impossible for cybercriminals to know what a developer is browsing at any point in time since a VPN encrypts all data when it goes through its server. A VPN can also thwart advertising trackers that many websites use as the VPN server will set a different IP address to the developer.

3) Developers can remotely connect to work resources without problems

One of the most significant barriers that remote workers face is connecting to a company’s work resources without compromising security. Working with a VPN helps encrypt all the data that goes in and out of a company’s servers. As a result, cybercriminals aren’t able to unearth sensitive data such as login data to hack the company’s servers, and developers can remotely connect to work resources securely.

4) A VPN adds an extra layer of security

Companies globally are realizing that IT security involves multiple layers of protection. A simple perimeter defense setup may not be enough to prevent sophisticated cyber attacks. A VPN acts as another security layer for internet traffic that enters and exits the company. Usage of a VPN allows developers substantial protection and results in hackers having fewer entry points to attack the network.

5) A VPN can help in the prevention of data breaches

The ten biggest data breaches in the first half of 2020 led to more than 3.2 million records being exposed to the outside world. Cybercriminals have successfully breached data held in the servers of established companies such as Capital One, Yahoo, and Facebook. Developers working on large websites hold the keys to accessing a substantial amount of data that cybercriminals can potentially hack. A VPN helps a developer prevent data breaches since all data is encrypted, and the VPN masks the IP address of the developer’s device, ensuring that cybercriminals can’t access the developer’s device.

6) A VPN can help safeguard proprietary information

Designs, models, and frameworks that make up a website can be accessed not just by hackers but also by competitors. There have been many cases where certain brands employ unethical practices to access what their competitors are doing to gain a competitive edge. Businesses usually overhaul certain pages of their website before launching a new product or service. In such a scenario, proprietary information is at risk of being leaked. Developers working on the website can use a VPN to safeguard intellectual property and proprietary information.

In Summary

Privacy and security are vital for website and app development. Developers can use a VPN to ensure that they take appropriate steps to guard themselves and their data from being hacked by unethical people.

Photo by Kevin Paster from Pexels

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