Why Remote Workers Need a VPN — And Most Don't Have One
When offices closed in 2020 and remote work became the norm, most companies scrambled to set up VPNs for their employees to access corporate networks. But there's a second, equally important use case that most remote workers have completely overlooked: protecting their own personal internet traffic from their home office.
The Corporate VPN Isn't Enough
If your employer gave you a VPN, it's designed to let you access company files and systems securely. It's not designed to protect your personal browsing, your home network, or your family's devices. When you're not connected to the corporate VPN — which is most of the time — your traffic is unprotected.
Home Networks Are Softer Targets Than You Think
In 2022, cyberattacks targeting home networks and remote workers increased by over 300% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Attackers know that home networks are less hardened than corporate environments. Your home router likely hasn't been updated since you set it up. Your neighbors' devices might be on the same network segment. And you're probably connecting to the internet on the same network your kids use for gaming and streaming.
What a Personal VPN Adds
A personal VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic — not just the connection to your employer's servers. This means your ISP can't see what you're doing, your router's logs don't reveal your browsing history, and anyone who compromises your home network can't intercept your data. For remote workers handling sensitive client information, financial data, or personal communications, this is a meaningful layer of protection.
Which VPN Should Remote Workers Use?
After testing several options, I settled on NordVPN as my personal recommendation. It has a verified no-logs policy (independently audited), fast enough speeds that you won't notice it running during video calls, and it works on all your devices simultaneously. For remote workers, the Threat Protection feature is particularly useful — it blocks malware and trackers at the network level.
My Personal Recommendation
NordVPN is my personal recommendation for remote workers — fast, reliable, and independently verified as privacy-respecting.
Bottom Line
Remote work has blurred the line between professional and personal digital security. A personal VPN is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect both. If you're working from home and relying solely on your employer's VPN, you're leaving a significant gap in your security.