Why Remote Workers Need a VPN
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic between your device and the VPN server. For remote workers, this has two main uses: securing connections on untrusted networks (public WiFi at cafes, airports, co-working spaces) and accessing company resources that are restricted to specific IP ranges.
What a VPN Protects Against
On untrusted networks, a VPN protects against: man-in-the-middle attacks where someone on the same network intercepts your traffic, ISP-level logging of your browsing activity, and session hijacking on unencrypted connections. What a VPN does NOT protect against: malware on your device, phishing attacks, or data breaches at the sites you visit.
VPN for Accessing Company Resources
Many companies restrict internal tools (wikis, dashboards, admin panels) to specific IP addresses. A corporate VPN (like Cisco AnyConnect or GlobalProtect) tunnels your traffic through the company network, giving you that trusted IP. This is different from commercial consumer VPNs -- it is a private network access solution, not a privacy product.
Best Commercial VPNs for Remote Workers in 2026
NordVPN Teams and ExpressVPN for Teams offer centralized billing and management for small teams. For individual remote workers, any major VPN works: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Mullvad are all solid choices. Key features to look for: kill switch (cuts internet if VPN drops), split tunneling (route only work traffic through VPN), and reliable speeds on the WireGuard protocol.
When Not to Use a VPN for Work
If your company uses a zero-trust network architecture (Cloudflare Access, Okta, etc.), a consumer VPN adds latency without security benefit -- the zero-trust system already handles authentication and access control. Check with IT before adding a commercial VPN to a company-managed device.