Home office: Transfer data securely from home

To ensure data is transferred securely from home offices, craft businesses should use a "virtual private network"—or VPN for short. With a little technical knowledge, even laypeople can set it up in just a few minutes.

This article is part of the special feature on digital craftsmanship.

A virtual private network (VPN) makes data transmission secure while traveling or working from home: All information is automatically encrypted so that hackers cannot intercept and read it. A so-called "client"—for example, a laptop or smartphone—establishes a direct connection to a VPN server . The server is usually a PC on the company network or a router that provides access to the company network. To ensure that data transmission doesn't become a test of patience, the VPN server should be connected to the internet with at least 16 Mbps . If there is no router with direct VPN support in the workplace, any PC on the company network can be set up as a "gateway." Software solutions like " Wippien " or " Ammyy Admin " can help with this.

Easy VPN connection via app

Many operating systems, such as Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, have their own tools for establishing a VPN connection with a device . However, there are also easy-to-use apps that allow you to set up a VPN connection in no time. For this to work, the same software must be installed on both devices – for example, on your home office laptop and your office PC.

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Use VPN connection with iOS devices:

Note: The names of the menu items and the individual steps vary depending on the model and iOS version.

1. Open the "Settings" on your iOS device.
2. Scroll down a bit and select "General."
3. Scroll down again and open the "VPN" menu item.
4. Tap "Add VPN".
5. Complete the VPN profile with the correct information provided by your administrator. Finally, click "Done" in the top right corner.
6. To enable the VPN in the future, click on "Settings" and switch the slider switch to the right of the new "VPN" entry to "on." 
7. The VPN connection is active when a VPN icon appears in the top toolbar.

Use VPN connection with Android devices

Note: The names of the menu items and the individual steps vary depending on the device manufacturer and Android version.

1. Open the "Settings" on your Android device, for example via the gear icon in the top right corner.
2. Select "Networks and Connections" or "Wireless and Networks".
3. Click on "VPN" or first on "More" or "Additional connection settings" and then on "VPN.
4. Tap "Add VPN" or the "+".
5. Complete the VPN profile with the correct information provided by your administrator. Finally, click "Save."
6. In the future, you can easily establish a VPN connection by clicking on the connection name.

What the various VPN providers have to offer. Photo: © Thomas Busch