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What are the Disadvantages of a VPN?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

When virtual private networks (VPNs) are discussed, much time is spent extolling their advantages. As such, many individuals new to them may feel uninformed about the disadvantages inherent to the technology. There are some pitfalls common to VPNs, but many people find the significant benefits of these networks worth the effort of dealing with their potential difficulties.

One disadvantage of a VPN is the fact that its deployment requires a high-level of knowledge and understanding of such factors as public network security. VPN security requires password and data encryption. Network addresses may also be encrypted for added security. To avoid security and deployment problems, planning is necessary and proper precautions should be taken.

Passwords and data encryption are required for VPN security.
Passwords and data encryption are required for VPN security.

Another significant disadvantage is that its availability and performance are difficult to control. Typically, VPN speeds are much slower than those experienced with a traditional connection. At times, some networks appear to be a bit dicey in terms of connectivity as well. For a variety of reasons, users may have a hard time staying on the VPN from time to time. While this may be annoying, the security that it offers often outweighs the grief caused by occasional connection problems.

While it is true that VPN works with equipment from many different manufacturers, technologies from different creators may work poorly together. With time, this may improve. For now, however, this can cause frustration when implementing a VPN.

When employee connect to their corporate office using VPN, the use of their home computer raises security issues.
When employee connect to their corporate office using VPN, the use of their home computer raises security issues.

One of the VPN's weakest links may, in some cases, be its users. When a remote telecommuter or an employee connects to his or her corporate office using a VPN from a laptop or home computer, security threats may result. This is because employees or telecommuters may use their personal computers for a variety of other applications in addition to connecting to the office. As such, the corporate network may be vulnerable to attack because of security weaknesses on the employee's personal computer. For this reason, some experts recommend supplying telecommuters and employees with home computers that are company-owned and used solely for approved company purposes.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a EasyTechJunkie writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a EasyTechJunkie writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon27119

nice article, i like using vpn to protect my data, but this article makes me to change my mind :)

egyguy

can VPN be used in a 120-sites Scada system ??? what will be the disadvantages ??? is that better or are wimax or 3g technologies ???

anon23509

I do believe that if you employ low price equipment for VPN definitely you will not staying on the VPN from time to time.

VPN is not slow as said above. technology now is big. We have high speed internet connection, high speed equipments. What is required is proper planing of your VPN before rushing on it.

For security issue there is Quarantine Services with Microsoft Virtual Private Network which is services to be implemented only.

so I think with the advanced technology there will be a lot of benefit in implementing VPN

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    • Passwords and data encryption are required for VPN security.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Passwords and data encryption are required for VPN security.
    • When employee connect to their corporate office using VPN, the use of their home computer raises security issues.
      By: Minerva Studio
      When employee connect to their corporate office using VPN, the use of their home computer raises security issues.
    • VPN technologies from different makers can cause frustrating problems.
      By: Gajus
      VPN technologies from different makers can cause frustrating problems.