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 topic Digital Crafts

A virtual private network makes data transmission secure while on the move and from the home office: All Information is automatically encryptedthat hackers cannot intercept and read them. A so-called "client" - for example a notebook or smartphone - provides a Direct connection to a VPN server The server is usually a PC in the company network or a router that provides access to the company network. To avoid data transfer becoming a test of patience, the VPN server should connected to the Internet with at least 16 Mbit/s If the company does not have a router with direct VPN support, any PC in the company network can be set up as a so-called "gateway." Software solutions such as "Wippien"Or"Ammyy Admin".

Easy VPN connection via app

Many operating systems, such as Windows, Android, macOS or iOS, have their own tools to connect a device to a Establish VPN access, There is also easy-to-use apps, which can be used to establish a VPN connection in no time. This requires both sides – for example, on the Home office notebook and an office PC – the same software must be installed.

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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