According to the VPN definition, a virtual private network (VPN) is a network connection that cannot be viewed by uninvolved third parties. According to the VPN definition, a conventional VPN is a private, self-contained communication network used to connect a subscriber of the existing communication network to another network. The classic case is an employee who gains access to the company network from home in order to work from the home office. The connection is made using a network cable. The newer SSL VPN variant enables encrypted remote access to company applications - without the SSL VPN partner having to connect to the company network. This means that only secure access to certain services on the other network is permitted.

What is important in this question is whether the device - e.g. laptop or smartphone - is provided by the employer or not. With devices from the company, everything that is done with these devices is also accessible to other people. And the use of a VPN connection in particular makes it transparent. This is because all network traffic is sent via the VPN connection and can therefore be viewed - including the browser history. Messenger apps such as Slack or Microsoft Teams as well as emails can also be viewed. It makes sense to consciously handle this knowledge, but no one needs to be driven crazy by it - no one can constantly track all activities.

A virtual private network (VPN for short) can be used to access a private or local network from outside - whether privately or professionally. According to the meaning of VPN, a VPN should be secure thanks to encryption and the user should be able to access the network incognito through the data tunnel. This requires VPN software that communicates with the network router and is installed on the communication device used for access. This gives the VNP user access to all locally stored files and special programs. For security reasons, companies should set up their own VPN server.

If you receive the message "The VPN server is not responding", we recommend the following procedure:

• Delete VPN connections
• Delete user
• Reactivate VPN connection
• Customize VPN connection on the device

If this does not help, seek help from the VPN provider.

The following options are available for "Set up VPN":

• use the router as a VPN server (access from on the road, e.g. VPN Fritz Box)
• Set up a VPN server under Windows (home office, e.g. VPN Windows 10)
• Use of a company-owned software solution (home office, e.g. Open VPN for VPN free of charge)

Each option has its own detailed instructions for the exact procedure.

The VPN offers many possible application options - but it always enables access to a network and its data and drives from outside. This is done with a lower security risk, without country blocks or geoblocking. It therefore allows you to edit centrally stored documents when you are not on site. Commercial VPN services are NrodVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN. These providers also take user privacy into account and enable anonymous surfing on the Internet.