Month: March 2022

What’s Better than a VPN? 3 Alternatives Explained

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Since the start of the pandemic, many enterprises have embraced a decentralized model, realizing that employees can work from just about anywhere. However, remote work requires security solutions for sharing data, accessing files, and collaborating across networks. Learn about some of the pros and cons of VPNs and a few of the alternative solutions available.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure, private system that allows employees to access a central server through an internet connection. A VPN encrypts your data and can mask IP addresses, so the work you do and the sites you visit over the VPN are private.

Because a VPN doesn’t require a lot of infrastructure, it can be a cost-effective option for companies who need to collaborate remotely. A company may use offsite colocation services for its VPN infrastructure.

However, VPN performance can be inhibited by internet speed. With remote employees reliant on their home internet service provider (ISP), VPN functionality can vary from employee to employee. And because it’s difficult to segment a VPN, it’s vulnerable to cybercrime — once a hacker is in, they have access to everything on your network.

When VPNs first became popular, remote work was the exception to the rule, rather than the norm. VPNs are still useful, but as remote work models become increasingly ubiquitous, enterprises may want to consider alternative models for storing their data and maintaining online security.

What's Better Than a VPN?

There are many models for accommodating remote work efficiently without compromising online security. A few alternatives to the VPN include virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), The Onion Router (Tor), and proxy servers.

VDI

VDI allows employees to access their work desktop through a network connection. VDI may be hosted onsite at an office or via cloud storage. VDI offers a flexible solution for remote work, allowing employees to collaborate on projects from any connected device. The infrastructure is easily scalable, making it easy to add or remove connected devices as company size fluctuates. Cloud-hosted VDI also allows enterprises to grow their business without incurring significant capital costs.

Is VDI better than a VPN? The two are well worth comparing. VDI serves many businesses well and offers a host of benefits. However, this choice depends on the unique needs of the business and the quality of its endpoint protection.

Tor: The Onion Router

The Onion Router, commonly known as Tor, was first developed in the 1990s at the United States Naval Research Laboratory. The Tor Project is now a nonprofit organization that provides Tor as a free and open-source software for anonymously accessing the internet.

Tor uses thousands of volunteer computers that send and receive internet signals without retaining records, so traffic cannot be traced back to a particular person or computer. Thus, it can offer even better privacy safeguards than a VPN. Unlike a VPN, where a central authority controls and manages the network access, Tor is decentralized — there is no single owner or manager.

Is Tor better than a VPN?

It depends on how you use the web. If your enterprise needs to access websites anonymously or establish untraceable communication (such as when a journalist needs to safely contact a source), Tor can be a useful option.

A Proxy Server

A third alternative to a VPN is a proxy server. A proxy server acts as an intermediary between an end user’s computer and the internet, so any time you visit a website or share a file, you connect through the proxy rather than directly to the host server. This allows you to hide your IP address, as the website you’re visiting only sees the IP address of the proxy server. However, unlike a VPN, a proxy server will not encrypt your data.

Is proxy better than a VPN? Without the added security of data encryption, it may not be the best choice. However, there are free proxy servers available, so if you’re a small company that’s just starting out, a proxy may be a useful interim solution.

Learn More from VPLS

All of these options have different advantages, so it really depends on what your enterprise needs and how you utilize the internet. If you’re thinking about moving away from a traditional remote access VPN but aren’t sure where to start, the team at VPLS is here to help.

To learn more about our managed services for network security, cloud infrastructure, and other solutions, contact us today.

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5 Reasons SOC-as-a-Service Features Help You

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A security operations center (SOC) monitors a company’s network, devices, cloud storage, and other IT assets. It is essential in detecting, addressing, and preventing cybersecurity threats. 

When these functions are provided by a third party, rather than within the company structure itself, it’s called SOC-as-a-Service (SOCaaS). If you’re not sure if outsourcing is worth it, here are some SOC-as-a-Service features that you with confidence.

1. Comprehensive 24/7 Monitoring

When your company outsources its SOC, you have the benefit of comprehensive network monitoring and threat detection, without dedicating your own personnel to the task. This frees up your staff to work on other projects while ensuring that critical security functions don’t fall by the wayside. 

SOC-as-a-Service utilizes qualified security analysts. This means you get the best in threat protection without being responsible for holding this expertise in-house.

2. Reduced Data Security Risk

When you’re collecting information from your customers or clients, you want them to know that their data is secure. Companies that use managed SOC-as-a-Service are less likely to experience security breaches. 

A breach can lead to significant costs, whether those are regulatory fines or compensation to your customers. Plus, it can hurt your brand’s image, making it harder to attract new business and retain your existing customer base. If attacks do happen, they’re resolved quickly and with less damage through a SOC-as-a-Service provider.

3. Lower Capital and Personnel Costs

When you choose a third-party provider for security services, you avoid the significant capital and operating costs associated with setting up, maintaining, and staffing an onsite SOC for your company. 

Many SOCaaS providers charge a monthly or annual fee based on usage, so you’re only paying for the services you use. You don’t have to spend money and valuable staff time on upgrading your hardware or systems, and you’ll have the benefit of the latest technology through your service provider.

4. Customized Scalable Solutions

While a traditional managed security service provider might only offer one or two basic protection plans, SOC-as-a-Service providers offer customizable packages based on what your team needs. 

Pricing plans can vary based on the number of devices on your network or the amount of log storage you use, so you can choose the pricing model that best fits your team. Plus, you can add features or services as you need them, allowing your security operations to expand as your team grows.

5. Shared Visibility

A good SOC-as-a-Service provider works as a true extension of your IT department. With managed SOCaaS, your internal IT staff will have complete visibility and access to the SOC, allowing them to work side-by-side with your third-party provider. 

This improves communication and efficiency, and it allows teams to resolve threats quickly with minimal disruption to your business’s day-to-day operations. Even though you’re outsourcing this service, you’ll always be in the loop.

Find Out More About SOCaaS from VPLS

Don’t wait until a breach happens — take steps today to protect your business. A leader in the SOC-as-a-Service market, VPLS works with businesses of all sizes across multiple industries to provide tailored security solutions. From intrusion detection to vulnerability assessments, our SOC-as-a-Service products offer several advantages.

To learn more information about our managed SOC-as-a-Service plans, contact VPLS today.

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What Is SOC-as-a-Service?

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The global, virtual workplaces of today need reliable cybersecurity solutions that protect their intellectual property, employees, and client base. A security operations center (SOC) is now a common requirement for many businesses. A SOC is a centralized unit within an enterprise that alerts, detects, and addresses cybersecurity threats and issues.

Different enterprises will need different security services.

For example, a healthcare company would need to securely store patient information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). An online retailer needs to safeguard its customers’ credit card information from theft to retain their trust and avoid liability.

What is SOC-as-a-service? Its Purpose

But the general purpose of a SOC is the same: it tracks data from the enterprise’s devices, network, and cloud. It analyzes that data to identify potential threats and coordinates a response to those threats.

While some businesses have an in-house SOC, others choose to outsource their SOC to a third party, known as a SOC-as-a-Service (SOCaaS) provider. SOC-as-a-Service functions as an extension of a company’s IT department. It’s a solution that provides the best of both worlds: you receive 24/7 monitoring and coverage, while your IT team remains free to focus on other issues. However, your IT department can view and access the services the SOC is providing with ease.

Benefits of SOC-as-a-Service

By outsourcing your SOC to a managed service provider, your company has access to round-the-clock monitoring and threat detection. SOCaaS plans typically include:

  • Vulnerability testing
  • Device and software monitoring
  • Log management and event correlation

For several companies, there are many advantages to choosing SOC-as-a-Service instead of using an in-house solution or a legacy security system. These include the following:

  • Reduced risk: With an expert SOC-as-a-Service provider, you’re less vulnerable to cybercrime and less likely to incur the fines and business costs associated with an attack.
  • Lower overhead: SOCaaS typically works as a subscription service, so you only pay for what you need on a month-to-month basis. This eliminates the significant capital and startup costs associated with establishing an internal SOC.
  • Rapid remediation: With SOC-as-a-Service, you benefit from state-of-the-art technology that quickly deliver high-confidence alerts. This allows for rapid detection and repair if a breach does occur.
  • Scalability: An in-house SOC isn’t always responsive to growth or change at your company. Choosing SOC-as-a-Service allows you to expand or contract your security services as needed, matching the current scale of your operation.

About SOC-as-a-Service Pricing

The great thing about SOC-as-a-Service is that it’s a flexible security solution. Many SOC-as-a-Service providers use a subscription model, so you’ll pay a flat, monthly fee for outsourced services. Some service providers may offer pricing plans based on the number of devices on your network, the amount of storage you require, or the number of optional features you’d like. If you aren’t sure what type of plan best fits your organization’s needs, you can ask the service provider to set up a consultation or demonstration.

Partner with a Managed Security Service Provider

At VPLS, we work with businesses of all sizes, across multiple industries. Our services range from infrastructure management and cloud deployment to disaster recovery and IT support — and we customize every aspect of your managed security services to ensure you get exactly what you need.

To speak with a VPLS expert about finding a SOC-as-a-Service subscription that’s right for your business, contact us today.

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VPLS Expands Executive Roster: Derek Garnier Joins as President & COO; John Minnix Appointed to Chief Revenue Officer

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These IT industry veterans will lead organizational and sales operations, respectively, for the global provider of cloud-to-edge technology services

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We are excited to announce the expansion of our executive team. Derek Garnier joins VPLS as President and Chief Operating Officer. John Minnix is appointed to the role of Chief Revenue Officer. The pair bring more than 50 years of combined industry experience to VPLS.

“We are excited to welcome Derek Garnier back to the VPLS team and welcome John Minnix into his new role. VPLS provides Internet Infrastructure services to businesses nationwide,” states CEO, Arman Khalili. “As our team continues to grow to accommodate our client’s ever-changing needs, VPLS is expanding its executive roster to achieve goals that will continue to make VPLS the premier choice for our clients.”

Minnix adds, “I am excited for the opportunity to become VPLS’s first Chief Revenue Officer. I look forward to creating meaningful partnerships and value for our clients.”

Derek Garnier is a 30-year industry veteran in digital infrastructure, specializing in corporate strategy, and has successfully built, operated, and sold companies. He was most recently the Co-Founder of Arcadian Infracom, a long-haul fiber optic company operating in the Southwest. Prior to Arcadian, Garnier served as President and COO of Evocative Datacenters, the predecessor to VPLS. Before his tenure with Evocative, Garnier was the CEO of Layer42 Networks, a national network services and colocation provider, which he successfully exited in 2015 through a sale to Wave Broadband. After the acquisition, he continued to serve as Wave’s SVP of Datacenter Services.

Garnier succeeds Minnix, who will focus on revenue growth. Both will work closely to fortify VPLS’s leadership position in key geographies while developing additional market and product opportunities.

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