Owners and managers across South Jersey want to check the office from home, the second location, or the road. They want to open a file on the office server, look at the camera system, or log in to the accounting computer. The quickest fix many businesses use is to "open a port" on the router or install a free remote control app and leave it running. Both work, and both leave a door open to the whole internet. A business VPN gives you the same access with far less risk.
Why open ports and always-on remote apps are risky
Attackers scan the internet around the clock for open remote desktop, camera, and file sharing ports. When they find one, they try common passwords and known security holes until something works.
- Remote desktop exposed to the internet is one of the most common ways ransomware gets into small businesses.
- Camera recorders with open ports often run old firmware and can be taken over or used to spy on the business.
- Remote control apps left running all the time with a weak or shared password give anyone who learns it full control of that computer.
- Former employees who once had remote access may still be able to connect if nobody turned it off.
How a business VPN works
A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted connection between your laptop or phone and the office firewall. Once you connect, you can reach the office server, printers, and camera recorder as if you were sitting at your desk, but nothing on your network is visible to the rest of the internet.
- One protected entry point replaces several open ports.
- Each person gets their own login, so you can see who connected and remove one person without changing it for everyone.
- Multi-factor authentication can be required before the connection opens.
- Phones and laptops connect the same way, using the VPN app built into most business firewalls.
Connecting two locations with a site-to-site VPN
Businesses with more than one location, such as a main office in Mays Landing and a shop or warehouse down the shore, can link their networks with a site-to-site VPN. The two firewalls keep a permanent encrypted tunnel open, so staff at either location can print, open shared files, and view cameras at the other site without anyone having to connect by hand.
A secure remote access checklist
- Close any port forwards for remote desktop, file sharing, and camera recorders on your router or firewall.
- Set up a VPN on the business firewall and give each person who needs remote access their own account.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for the VPN and for email.
- Remove remote control apps that nobody uses, and set the ones you keep to require a fresh approval or a strong unique password.
- Keep the firewall, camera recorder, and computers updated so known security holes get patched.
- Review remote access accounts every few months and whenever someone leaves.
Talk to a local IT team
Izzo Network sets up business firewalls, VPNs, site-to-site connections, and secure camera viewing for small businesses in Mays Landing, NJ 08330 and across South Jersey. Call or text Chris at (609) 415-0011, or use the contact form, to find out what's open on your network and replace it with secure remote access.
FAQ
Is a VPN slower than a remote control app?
For opening files and viewing cameras, most people won't notice a difference on a normal business internet connection. Large file transfers depend mostly on the upload speed at the office.
Do I need a VPN if my files are already in the cloud?
If everything you use is in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or other cloud apps, you may not need one for files. A VPN still helps for reaching an office server, printers, the camera recorder, or a computer that runs older software.
Can I watch my business cameras from my phone without opening ports?
Yes. Connect to the office VPN first, or use a camera system with a secure cloud connection from the maker. Either way, the recorder doesn't need to be exposed to the internet.
How do I know if my office has open ports?
An IT provider can check your router or firewall settings and scan your public internet address from outside to see what is exposed.