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Astrill Business VPN
6:15 pm | December 13, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

Astrill has great leak protection options with the kill switch being the standard offering among the safer business VPN offerings. However, they go a step further by offering a feature called App Guard that lets you choose applications to block if the VPN gets disconnected. This app functions across all protocols Astrill offers, except OpenWeb. You can also use the leak test tool on the company’s website to test out leaks. Furthermore, you get protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRT leaks. 

Regarding traffic routing, Astrill offers a “Smart Mode” that tunnels all international traffic through the VPN, while allowing local traffic to go through the regular network, which is great if you’re in restrictive jurisdictions. You also have the option to filter websites, i.e. decide manually which sites go through VPN and which will circumvent it, with the feature being available only on desktops and routers. You can also extend the filtering to apps, as mentioned earlier. To round off traffic routing, you also get a VPN-sharing option, which enables you to share your VPN connection with other devices in the network, without the need to install the VPN to each device. 

Multi-hop is another great feature Astrill offers, which is not common among competitors. In essence, it combines up to three servers to tunnel your traffic through. This enhances security, but with Astrill it flows only through VIP servers (you have to pay for more than 100GB of traffic). If you want to scan your ports, perform port forwarding, or adjust additional proxy settings, you can do all of this to further enhance your security. 

If you opt to use the OpenWeb protocol, you will also have the ad-blocking capabilities offered by Astrill.   

The Astrill VPN app is functional and includes a wide array of features, but its user interface isn't the most intuitive. The design is quite small and lacks visual appeal, indicating that the app could benefit from a modern update to enhance usability and aesthetics.

In terms of platform compatibility, Astrill VPN supports a variety of operating systems and devices. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ASUS, Tomato, and DD-WRT-capable routers. This ensures broad accessibility, making it a versatile solution for businesses and individuals using different devices or network setups.

Pricing & Plans

Astrill Business VPN pricing

(Image credit: Astrill)

If you’re a smaller business operating on a tighter budget, then you will not be too happy about the pricing plans. Namely, if you want to pay on a monthly basis and not commit to the services for longer than a month, then you will be paying $9 per account per month, with a minimum number of 10 accounts. Although more expensive than some competitors, Astrill justifies its cost with premium features like multi-device support, unlimited bandwidth, and customizable connection protocols.

You also get access to the Astrill app across all devices. Companies that need to scale their VPN access or require advanced security options may find the pricing worthwhile for the added value and flexibility. Astrill also offers dedicated support for its business customers, providing expert help for VPN setup, management, and troubleshooting, ensuring that companies can get the most out of their subscription. You can count on discounts if you need more than 20 accounts, with a maximum discount for 200 accounts, where you would pay $7.92 per account, per month. 

All plans come with 100GB of free data on their VIP servers, but each additional 100GB will cost you an extra $10.

Performance

Astrill is consistently rated for its excellent speed, which is crucial for businesses that rely on data-heavy tasks like video conferencing, large file transfers, or accessing cloud-based applications. Even with strong encryption protocols, Astrill VPN manages to deliver fast connections across its global server network.

Speed tests on a Windows PC using the WireGuard protocol across a few Astrill VPN server locations revealed impressive results. The fastest speeds were achieved when connected to a local server, but performance remained solid even on distant servers. Websites loaded almost instantly, and streaming HD videos ran smoothly with no buffering issues, demonstrating Astrill's ability to maintain high-speed connections across its global network. You can also check out the company’s site for the speed results across each server; you can find the results here.

Privacy & Security

When it comes to security and privacy, Astrill VPN, like many other providers, promises a strict no-logging policy. Astrill is based in Seychelles, a location outside the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances, which adds credibility to its privacy stance. While Astrill claims to collect minimal data, it gathers more than competitors. The information collected includes connection times, original IP address, device type, and app version, although Astrill states this data is erased once the user disconnects from the VPN.

However, the collection of real IP addresses alongside timestamps is concerning, as it could potentially be used to link online activity back to a user. Additionally, Astrill tracks bandwidth usage and logs details of the last 20 connection records, including connection times, duration, origin country, device type, and app version. While some of this information is standard for troubleshooting, it exceeds what many would consider strictly necessary for user privacy.

In terms of encryption, the industry standard AES-256 encryption is present and provides more than enough protection in that regard.

Alternatives

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and complex ZTNA-oriented offer, then NordLayer is a great alternative. It offers much more in terms of complex protection (ad blocking, phishing protection, no-logging, etc.). The application itself is more user-friendly and speeds are competitive, with pricing being better in the Light plan, but more expensive if you move up the ladder. 

ProtonVPN is another great alternative to Astrill, as the offering also includes double-hop and Secure Core, a solution that can add an additional layer of protection. Moreover, you get P2P file sharing, up to 10 simultaneous device connections, and vital security features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and built-in Tor support for enhanced privacy. In terms of pricing, it is comparable to Astrill but offers a wider network of servers and additional premium features.

Final Verdict

Astrill Business VPN is a powerful and flexible solution for companies that need a high level of security and speed in their VPN connections. While it comes with a higher price tag, the features and performance it offers make it a strong contender for businesses with advanced security needs or those operating in high-risk environments. Its customizable protocols, excellent speed, and strong encryption make it a particularly good fit for businesses in industries that handle sensitive data or require high-performance networking.

It is well worth considering Astrill as a potential solution if the primary characteristic you need is speed, and don’t mind paying a bit extra and not getting the premium features that some competitors offer. Overall, Astrill is a solid choice, but there are better offers in the market.

OpenVPN Business VPN
5:46 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

For businesses looking for a cloud-delivered service that will help them connect private networks, devices, and servers, there is the CloudConnexa offer on OpenVPN. CloudConnexa offers a cloud-based VPN service tailored to make secure networking simpler for businesses. It enables secure access to applications, private networks, remote workforces, and IoT devices without the need for complicated hardware or the management of server software, circumventing the issue of complex configuration.

Standout features include ZTNA for enhanced security, a full-mesh network that allows seamless connectivity between all users and resources, and Cyber Shield, which protects against malicious content by blocking potential threats before they reach your network. 

The other feature of OpenVPN is its Access Server, a self-hosted secure access solution. This will of course provide more control over the network and the underlying resources, but will require more technical knowledge. Access Server can be installed:

  • As a software package on Linux servers Ubuntu LTS, Redhat, Debian, Amazon Linux
  • As cloud image on AWS, Digital Ocean, Azure, GCP, Oracle
  • As a virtual appliance on VMware ESX or Microsoft HyperV

Once set up, you can offer the connection through various VPN clients to devices from all operating systems, desktop, or mobile. The user authentication process is highly versatile, offering a built-in system with web-based management or integration with external authentication methods such as PAM, LDAP, RADIUS, or SAML. For advanced authentication needs, you can even implement custom programming with Python.

You can create access control rules to specify user or group access to specific IP addresses and subnets, and even determine which devices can make direct VPN client connections. For routing options, Access Server provides full-tunnel and split-tunnel redirection, giving you the flexibility to route all internet traffic through the VPN or only specific traffic, based on your security and bandwidth requirements. 

All of the above only scratches the surface of the complex and granular configurations you can make using OpenVPN.

Pricing & Plans

OpenVPN Business VPN

(Image credit: OpenVPN)

If you’re unsure what OpenVPN is all about, or if you simply want to take it for a test run, there is a Free plan that you can use to set up three connections. However, if you’re looking to make a self-hosted solution, then the number of connections is two for the free plan. The next plan is called Growth, costing $14 a month per connection; you can get a discount if you opt for annual billing and then the price per connection is $11. The last plan Enterprise, for over 500 connections will require you to reach out to get a quote.   

It is important to note that there are different features if you opt for the self-hosted solution vs CloudConnexa. With the self-hosted option, you’ll have comprehensive support for both IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity, advanced security settings like FIPS compliance, and multiple authentication options including SAML, LDAP, and RADIUS. This option provides you with detailed access logs, robust routing features like application-based domain routing, and the ability to handle overlapping IPs, making it highly suitable for businesses needing maximum customization and control.

CloudConnexa, on the other hand, still gets core features like IPv4 support, basic routing capabilities, and standard authentication methods. However, some advanced features, such as full IPv6 support, DNS logs, and certain location control policies, are still in development. CloudConnexa is ideal if you want a simpler, managed solution that still covers essential networking and security needs but doesn’t require the infrastructure management responsibilities of a self-hosted setup.

Performance

OpenVPN prides itself on its strong security features, however, it falters when it comes to speed. Some of it lies in the complex server-side configuration options available, and other reasons are due to the protocol itself being a bit slower compared to the competition. WireGuard for example is on average over 20% faster, while still utilizing complex cryptography for security purposes.   

In conclusion, if speed is the most important factor, then OpenVPN may not be the best choice, however, we would recommend trying out the free version to test out the features and speed before deciding whether it is for you. We’re not trying to say that it’s the slowest protocol or that it’s unusable, just that it’s slower compared to other solutions on the market.

Privacy & Security

Security is one of OpenVPN’s greatest strengths. Kicking things off with powerful AES-256 and Blowfish encryption. Additionally, it offers fully automated VPN certificate provisioning and management. For businesses that want to have full control over their public key infrastructure (PKI), they can do so using external PKI systems. VPN tunnels are secured with TSL authentication, credentials, certificates, and an optional MAC address lock.

Multi-factor authentication is supported in various forms, with TOTP MFA built-in, along with the other external authentication methods mentioned earlier. However, if you have services like Duo Security or LastPass, you can add them using post-authentication plugins. Furthermore, there is support for Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which means that even if an encryption key is compromised, it won't decrypt past communications.

Alternatives

A potential alternative for more tech-savvy users is Radmin VPN, which similar to OpenVPN is not a typical VPN service. Namely, Radmin is first of all completely free and is a great option for creating a virtual LAN, through which resources can be shared. It has no advanced features to speak of but can complement nicely other services that incorporate a firewall-as-a-service model, antivirus, anti-phishing, and malware solutions. It uses the same encryption protocol as OpenVPN but in terms of security is not as complex nor advanced. Whether Radmin VPN is a good alternative will depend on whether you need a virtual LAN component or a full-scale ZTNA solution. 

For a full ZTNA solution that doesn’t require too much technical knowledge and represents a one-stop shop for your needs, you can turn to NordLayer. NordLayer offers a firewall, internet shield, and much more while not compromising on speed. In terms of pricing, it competes well with OpenVPN, and depending on the size of your company, might represent a better buy overall.

Final Verdict

For newcomers to the topic, it may be difficult to fully understand what OpenVPN is all about. While it is a communication protocol, it’s also a VPN in its full sense. With the option to host it yourself, a lot of technical know-how will be needed, which is true for most complex ZTNA implementations. On the other hand, it offers a cloud-hosted variant which is easier to implement and offers most of the options that you have in a self-hosted environment. Sure, some advanced features are still in development, but thanks to the open-source concept, we’re sure updates will come fast. 

Overall, whether OpenVPN is the right choice for you, will depend mostly on your unique needs, and the availability of technical employees who can take on the task of implementing it properly. Of course, there is the pricing element, and performance that need to be taken into consideration. All in all, OpenVPN is a solid choice for companies looking to implement a ZTNA approach and protect their remote workforce and company assets.

Zscaler Private Access
5:28 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

A key advantage of ZPA over traditional VPNs is the seamless, always-on connectivity it offers. In a typical VPN setup, users must log in, establish a connection, and then access corporate resources. This process can be cumbersome, especially for employees who frequently switch networks, such as moving from a wired connection to Wi-Fi or from Wi-Fi to a mobile data network.

With ZPA, there is no concept of "logging in" to a VPN. Once enrolled, users have continuous access to their applications without the need to connect or reconnect manually. This instant access means ZPA provides a smoother, more efficient experience, ensuring that employees can stay productive without constant interruptions.

The user experience is further enhanced when switching networks. While VPN users often need to reconnect every time they switch to a different network, ZPA adjusts automatically, maintaining uninterrupted access to corporate resources. This eliminates the hassle of reconnection prompts and ensures seamless access, making ZPA more convenient for employees who frequently move between networks or work on the go.

ZPA also excels in offering detailed visibility and control over user activity, which traditional VPNs lack. You get real-time insights into user activity, showing which applications are being accessed, how often they are used, and which users consume the most bandwidth. This level of visibility allows administrators to monitor and manage application access more effectively, identify potential security threats, and optimize network performance. 

The admin dashboard focuses on user and application management rather than traditional networking elements like ports and protocols. This approach aligns with modern security practices, allowing administrators to manage access based on user roles and application requirements rather than IP addresses or network segments.

Pricing & Plans

Zscaler Private Access

(Image credit: Zscaler)

Zscaler doesn’t advertise prices on their website, which means you will have to reach out to them directly and get a quote that will revolve around the needs of your business. There are three tiers to choose from, the Essentials which provides the basics of protection offered by the company, which includes the VPN substitute paradigm on which Zscaler’s offering is based. The Business tier relies more on a full ZTNA approach with network segmentation and advanced threat prevention. And finally, the Transformation tier focuses on the full offering of Zscaler, aimed at larger enterprises that have dozens of on and off-site workers, accessing company assets.

While pricing is not directly available, you can get a sense of the costs by looking at the Azure marketplace that advertises the Business plan for $192 for a single user for one whole year. We’re sure you can get a custom quote with better pricing if you reach out directly, though keep in mind that Zscaler is one of the biggest names in the space and that you’re getting a premium package that includes all of the modern bells and whistles tied to a ZTNA approach.

Performance

Zscaler delivers consistently high performance, thanks to its extensive global network of data centers. This widespread network ensures that users experience low latency, even during peak times, as connections are always routed through the nearest and most efficient data center. Since Zscaler operates entirely in the cloud, it offers 99.999% availability, ensuring that your team can securely access resources from anywhere without interruption.

Additionally, Zscaler optimizes traffic through split tunneling, which means only traffic intended for the corporate network is routed through the VPN, while other traffic accesses the internet directly. This approach reduces bandwidth usage and improves overall speed and efficiency. However, if the service goes down, you will be left without internet access for your entire company. Such instances are rare but can happen and should be considered when deciding whether to go with Zscaler or another solution.

Privacy & Security

ZPA employs a ZTNA model, which means that users are only granted access to specific applications they need, rather than the entire network. During the demonstration, the ZPA user couldn't see any other devices or resources on the network, while the VPN user could scan and see various ports and devices connected to the corporate environment. This stark difference illustrates ZPA’s superior security model, as it minimizes the attack surface and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

By not assigning an IP address to the user’s device on the corporate network, ZPA prevents lateral movement, ensuring that even if one application is compromised, it won’t lead to a wider network breach. This makes ZPA significantly more secure than traditional VPNs, which inherently trust any device connected to the network.

Alternatives

For businesses looking for alternatives, Check Point Quantum is a viable solution that offers both software and hardware solutions for security and safety online. Similar to Zscaler their offering is based on a ZTNA approach and pricing is also premium, especially if you go for the hardware + software combination. Nevertheless, you will be getting the best protection on the market. 

ProtonVPN is another viable business VPN alternative to Zscaler. While it may look lightweight in comparison, it certainly is not thanks to its combination of double hop and Secure Core offering you will be able to protect all of your assets easily. It’s much simpler when it comes to setup and deployment and is cheaper in comparison. This doesn’t mean that you won’t have scalability options or top-notch security; so if you’re a smaller or mid-sized business Proton could be a better option.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a modern, scalable, and highly secure VPN solution then Zscaler’s ZPA might be the right tool for your organization. Businesses that prioritize security, remote access, and data protection can lean on its zero trust architecture, cloud-based delivery, and real-time threat protection to stay ahead of the threats.

This is one of the things that sets ZPA appart from traditional VPNs. Sure, there is a learning curve if you’re transitioning from standard VPN solutions, but the benefits of enhanced security, performance, and ease of management make Zscaler a worthwhile investment for businesses that rely heavily on remote work or remote access to company resources. As the shift towards cloud-based applications and remote work continues, adopting a zero trust model like ZPA can help businesses stay ahead of potential threats while maintaining efficient and secure access to critical resources.

Radmin VPN Review
5:07 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

Radmin VPN is a free solution designed specifically for Windows, that creates a virtual local area network (LAN) that connects multiple computers over the internet as if they were on the same physical network. In simple terms, it allows devices located anywhere in the world to interact as if they were on the same local network, eliminating the need for proximity.

To explain further, a traditional LAN consists of devices like computers, printers, and servers that are connected to the same internet source, such as a Wi-Fi router, allowing them to communicate with one another. For example, you can send documents from your computer to a printer connected to the same Wi-Fi without needing a physical cable. However, a true LAN requires all connected devices to be in close range of the same network source.

With Radmin VPN, this physical limitation is removed. It creates a virtual connection over the internet, allowing two or more devices to connect and interact as if they were on the same LAN, regardless of their geographical location.

After establishing this virtual LAN, you gain the usual benefits of a traditional LAN, including:

  • Sharing resources such as printers, servers, and applications
  • Direct file sharing between connected devices
  • Enhanced security, as network security tools can be applied to protect all connected devices

With that being said, if you want to mask your IP, introduce a firewall, or deploy an anti-phishing or ad-blocking service, you will need to turn to other providers or solutions as Radmin doesn’t provide any.

For gamers, a great feature is that it offers access to over 1,000 gaming networks that have been set up by other Radmin VPN users, giving you the ability to join existing networks or create your own. All traffic exchanged between devices within these networks is encrypted, ensuring secure communication while gaming or collaborating with others. A word of caution though, some servers are used with cracked software and you should be weary of freely connecting to such servers on gaming networks.

Pricing & Plans

There are no pricing plans with Radmin. By downloading the app from the website, without providing any personal or credit card information, you’re good to go. The app is completely free, but keep in mind, only available for users on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.

Performance

Radmin VPN doesn't encrypt your general internet traffic, so it won't have any impact on your regular browsing, torrenting, or streaming speeds. The VPN only comes into play when you're using its private virtual network for activities like file sharing or connecting with other devices. 

A useful feature of Radmin VPN is that it provides tools to help you monitor your connection speeds. Each user on your network has a network indicator displayed next to their name, represented by a series of green bars showing their connection strength. Additionally, you can right-click on a user's name and ping them to check how long it takes for data to travel to their device and back, allowing you to gauge the responsiveness and latency of your virtual network. This feature makes it easier to assess the quality of your connection with other users and helps you troubleshoot any potential speed issues within the network.

Privacy & Security

Radmin VPN incorporates encryption as a key element of its virtual network but does not encrypt all internet traffic. Instead, it focuses on securing the data shared within the virtual LAN, ensuring that any information exchanged between devices on this network remains protected from unauthorized access. This means while your internet browsing activity isn't encrypted, the data you share with other devices connected through Radmin VPN is safeguarded from interception.

Radmin VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered the gold standard for VPN security. This advanced encryption method is the same one used by financial institutions and even the US military for protecting classified data. While Radmin VPN doesn’t offer encryption for all types of internet traffic, it provides robust protection for the data transferred within your virtual LAN, ensuring a high level of security for your shared resources and information.

However, unlike some premium VPNs, Radmin VPN doesn't come with extra security features like DNS leak protection or kill switch functionality, which might be important for businesses with highly sensitive data.

Alternatives

Since Radmin is not a typical VPN or a business-focused VPN, any other VPN that offers advanced features could be a viable alternative. Windscribe could be the first alternative, as it also offers a free version of its services. However, if you want overall protection and scalability you will have to opt for paid plans. It is a quirky service that can help both individuals and businesses stay protected online. 

A second alternative aimed more at business users in NordLayer. Nord offers complex protection through its NetShield feature that can protect business and private users from ads and phishing attempts. The firewall as a service option is also quite powerful and offers granular adjustments to be made on the fly. Speed is among the best in the market along with competitive pricing, making NordLayer one of the better choices in the market.

Final Verdict

It is difficult to make a case for Radmin if you do not belong to a niche group of people looking to utilize what it offers. Gamers are flocking to the service in order to create virtual LANs and play their favorite games with their friends or family. Moreover, businesses are also using Radmin, often in combination with Radmin’s paid software for remote access called Radmin 3. According to the company, it has been chosen by over 100,000 companies worldwide for remote tech support to employees.

If you’re a more advanced administrator who utilizes a proprietary firewall, phishing, and ad blockers, obfuscation techniques, and complex encryption but lacks a virtual LAN creation tool, then Radmin can be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you’re a business looking for an off-the-shelf complete solution, feel free to skip Radmin, and look for another product.

GoodAccess Business VPN review
4:57 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

GoodAccess enhances security by implementing a Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) that utilizes ZTNA principles. This approach ensures that no user or device is trusted by default, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network. Every user accessing the network must be authenticated and verified, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access or cyber threats. Furthermore, the platform employs AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption to ensure that data is encrypted and safe while traveling between remote workers and the company network. Admins have the choice of setting up VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2 with both supporting the industry standard AES as their common denominator.

In terms of the servers available, the offering is on the slimmer side, spanning 35 locations spread across the US, Europe, and Asia. If you have specific location requirements it may be worth checking the list before deciding to commit to the service.  

The platform offers split tunneling, which enables you to select which traffic should pass through the VPN and which can access the internet directly. This feature helps optimize bandwidth and ensures that critical business traffic remains protected. Additionally, GoodAccess integrates with Single Sign-On (SSO) providers like Google Workspace and Azure Active Directory (and numerous others), simplifying access management for businesses using these tools.

GoodAccess also includes a DNS filter called Threat Blocker, which protects your network from malicious websites, malware, phishing attempts, ransomware, spam, and other online threats. This feature acts as an extra layer of defense, preventing users from accidentally accessing harmful content.

Additionally, the service comes with split tunneling, which optimizes your VPN gateway connection by allowing you to choose which traffic routes through the VPN and which accesses the internet directly. This helps improve overall speed and reduces latency, ensuring a smoother browsing experience. Additionally, GoodAccess provides a static IP address, giving your company a unique identifier for its network. Curiously enough, there is no kill switch option on offer.

GoodAccess Business VPN

(Image credit: GoodAccess)

An API is available only on higher-paid plans, but the connection agent can be used across Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS. Finally, the central dashboard houses all of the functionality, and features a logically laid out array of functionality on the left side. It is easy to use and offers powerful logging features that collate system and gateway access logs, threat blocker logs, device posture, and admin logs.

Pricing & Plans

GoodAccess Business VPN

(Image credit: GoodAccess)

The positive in terms of the pricing plans is that you have a 14-day free trial across all plans, and you can also schedule a live demo to get the feel of the offering. Plans are split between the Essential, Premium, and Enterprise plans, with Enterprise being tailored to your specific needs and pricing determined following that. All plans have a $39 per month cost for a dedicated gateway and a minimum of five users for the first two plans and $50 for the Enterprise plan. 

Essential costs $9 per month, per user, but if you opt for annual billing the costs come down to $7 a month. Premium costs $14 per month, per user, and with the annual billing comes down to $11 per month. The major difference between the two initial plans is the security that you get with the offer, while Essential focuses more on VPN and whitelisting features, Premium offers a full blown ZTNA approach, and is more suited for companies looking to stay protected and scale the protection easily.

Performance

While its server network isn’t as extensive as some competitors, the service maintains consistent speeds and uptime. This makes it suitable for everyday business tasks such as video conferencing, file sharing, and accessing cloud-based applications.

However, companies with heavy data usage or those needing extremely high speeds might find the performance a bit limiting compared to more premium business VPN solutions. This limit is pretty evident if you choose a server which is not close to your location i.e. Asian servers from Europe. Nevertheless, you can squeeze out some more performance if you opt to use IKEv2 as opposed to OpenVPN, which worked at least in our case.

Privacy & Security

The SDP model creates an invisible barrier around company resources, meaning these resources are only accessible to authenticated users with explicit permissions. This drastically limits the attack surface, as potential attackers cannot even see what resources exist within the network. By combining ZTNA with encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and single sign-on (SSO) integrations, GoodAccess ensures that sensitive business data is protected at multiple layers.

Additionally, GoodAccess’s ZTNA framework allows businesses to implement role-based access controls, ensuring that employees have access only to the resources they need. This granular control helps maintain strict security policies and prevents lateral movement within the network, further safeguarding company assets from potential breaches. This makes GoodAccess an effective solution for companies aiming to secure remote workforces and comply with stringent data protection regulations.

The platform also offers two-factor authentication (2FA), providing an additional security layer for user accounts. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access, even if they manage to obtain login credentials. GoodAccess places a strong emphasis on privacy protection, demonstrated by its GDPR compliance and ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications. These certifications indicate that GoodAccess meets specific business standards for data security, privacy, and compliance, ensuring that customer information is handled with care. While the company does maintain logs to assist its users, it ensures full security and privacy through data encryption. The information stored is mainly related to account usage or for purposes such as providing customer support, development, and analytics.

Alternatives

If speed is not the determining factor, an alternative to GoodAcccess Business VPN could be Windscribe, a quirky, stable and all around great VPN for a price that seriously undercuts the premium competitors. Overall, it provides strong encryption, fast service, malware and ad blocking and flexible number of device connections. Moreover, if you like to have the ability to tweak your DNS and firewall settings, the Windscribe is a great choice, since the granularity it offers can give you an extra edge if you’re an experienced admin. To top it all off, the entry price is lower so if GoodAccess is not your cup of tea, give Windscribe a chance by trying out their free offer. 

ProtonVPN is another alternative, though one aimed at more established and larger businesses looking to follow a ZTNA approach to its fullest. Double hop and Secure Core options this provider offers ensure the highest level of safety for your assets while remote workforces connect to them. Moreover, the offering is rounded out with safety and security features that rival other premium competitors in the market. However, be ready to pay for it, since price-wise it is more expensive than GoodAccess.

Final Verdict

GoodAccess is a solid business VPN choice for small and medium-sized enterprises that need a reliable, secure, and easy-to-manage solution. It is simple to deploy once signup is complete, and even easier to manage the remote workforce thanks to a logically laid out, yet powerful dashboard.

While it may not have all the advanced features that larger corporations require, its strong encryption, user-friendly interface, and flexible pricing plans make it a practical option for teams looking to protect their remote access without the hassle of complex configurations. A ZTNA approach is still possible using GoodAccess, though you can get much more with premium providers, but you will also have to pay for it.

Windscribe Business VPN review
4:28 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

On a more serious note, Windscribe offers AES-256 encryption and supports multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, ensuring secure connections for your team. You have the choice of downloading their app for Windows, Linux, and MacOS, while browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers. There are also apps for Android, iOS, FireTV and AndroidTV.

It is important to note that some advanced features work only when you have both the PC version and the browser extension installed together. Namely, Double Hop, WebRTC Blocker, and network and per-app split routing work best with both installed - though the last one can work without the browser extension we would argue that you should just go ahead and install it. Windscribe supports an unlimited number of devices, making it a great option for teams that need flexibility. 

Windscribe

(Image credit: Windscribe)

One of Windscribe’s standout features is its flexible firewall, which offers an additional layer of security by blocking all internet traffic outside the VPN tunnel. This ensures that no data leaks occur if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. Furthermore, the split tunneling feature is highly useful for businesses, allowing users to choose which apps or websites should go through the VPN and which should access the internet directly. This helps optimize bandwidth and ensures critical business traffic remains secure.

The R.O.B.E.R.T. (Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool) feature is another unique offering, acting as a customizable domain and IP blocking tool to help prevent malware, phishing attacks, and unwanted ads.

Unlike many VPNs that offer little to no control over DNS settings, Windscribe gives you the ability to specify which DNS servers to use when the VPN is either connected or disconnected. They’ve also added support for DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), enhancing privacy and security even further. Since Windscribe also operates Control D, a highly customizable DNS service with a free plan, we'll likely see even more DNS-related features integrated into Windscribe's offerings in the future.

Pricing & Plans

Windscribe

(Image credit: Windscribe)

Windscribe is one of the most flexible VPN offerings in the market when it comes to pricing. The “Build-a-Plan” feature (called ScribeForce team) allows you to choose specific servers and data requirements that you may need, ensuring that you only pay for what you use. The monthly costs are only $3 per seat but include a bundle of services such as all Pro features, a Centralized Billing solution, a Team Management panel, and Static IPs (shareable). For the static IP addresses, you will pay $2 per month for Datacenter IPs or $8 per month for Residential IPs. It is important to note that the static IPs come from a handful of countries: the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and France; encompassing only a few cities from these countries. If this is an important consideration for you, please check Windscribe’s website before making a decision.   

There are additional plans if you want to use the VPN in such a manner, simply called Monthly and Yearly plans. The first costs $9 a month and the second $5.75 a month. Both plans come with all of the Pro features such as access to the network of 69 countries and 134 cities, strong encryption, R.O.B.E.R.T., port forwarding, and split tunneling. Overall a very feature-rich plan for a decent price. If you're looking to save on costs, Windscribe offers two free service options: by signing up with an email, you'll receive 10GB of bandwidth per month, while opting out of email registration grants you 2GB of bandwidth each month. These options provide a chance to test the service before committing to a paid plan.  

Compared to the premium offerings the feature set is different but so is the pricing to match. It means business but doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s a breath of fresh air in the VPN space.

Performance

Windscribe delivers reliable performance with servers in over 60 countries, ensuring a stable connection for remote teams regardless of their location. While speeds may vary depending on the server load, the overall experience is smooth for regular tasks such as browsing, video conferencing, and file sharing. However, Windscribe might not be the fastest option for data-heavy activities, such as streaming 4K videos or handling large file transfers, when compared to premium VPN services.

The Stealth protocol is particularly useful for businesses operating in countries with strict internet regulations, as it helps bypass VPN blocks and ensures continuous access to essential resources. However, if the highest possible speed over a VPN is your primary decision factor, then Windscribe might not be the best choice. To note one more time, it is by no means slow, but compared to premium players, it falls short in this department.

Privacy & Security

Windscribe excels in privacy, with a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any data about your team’s online activities. This is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive information or operate in industries with stringent data protection regulations. The VPN also includes DNS/IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch, ensuring your data remains secure even if the connection drops unexpectedly.

The R.O.B.E.R.T. feature further enhances security by allowing businesses to block malware, phishing sites, and unwanted content, offering a customizable approach to managing online threats. This level of control makes Windscribe a great option for businesses looking to tailor their security settings.

One stand-out feature in the privacy segment, which we haven’t seen with competitors, is the real-time report of data requests from copyright and law enforcement agencies. You can find this report on their site here. In essence, it shows how many requests the company received stressing the sentence: “Exactly zero requests were complied with due to lack of relevant data” showing that user’s security and privacy are their number one concern, which is rare in the VPN space.

Alternatives

The usual suspects crop up in the alternative section, with NordLayer being alternative number one if you’re looking for a more scalable solution that caters to Zero Trust Network standards. NordLayer also offers additional features like double hop, ad and phishing blockers, larger network servers, and amazing speeds to round out its offering. While more on the subjective side, the UI seems to be easier to use with NordLayer, but overall the pricing is higher compared to Windscribe. 

ProtonVPN is another business VPN alternative that focuses strongly on encryption, security, and privacy. Similar to NordLayer it also offers a plethora of features that protect business assets and remote workforces. In addition, ProtonVPN offers a combination of double hop and their Secure Core feature which puts the most paranoid at ease while surfing. While R.O.B.E.R.T. is great, Proton’s combination is simply unbeatable at the moment. Price-wise though you will be paying more, but you will be getting a premium offer.

Final Verdict

Windscribe Business VPN is a strong choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a user-friendly and privacy-focused VPN solution. It's flexible pricing, robust encryption, and additional security features like R.O.B.E.R.T. make it an attractive option for teams that need secure and reliable access to business resources.

The great apps it offers across various devices will ensure that you and your team are covered even in the case of BYOD practices. The transparency offered by the company, the ease of sign-up, and the purchasing process, coupled with the quirky spirit of the team and the service surely make it one of the great VPN services in the market. It is one of our favorite free VPNs to use, and , with the addition of more services, it could become our favorite business VPN solution.

Larger enterprises may want to explore other options that offer dedicated servers and more advanced features that are in line with ZTN practices that seem to be permeating the business world more and more.

TorGuard Business VPN review
4:11 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

TorGuard Business VPN offers a limited set of features tailored to business users. One of its standout features is AES-256 encryption, combined with support for multiple VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and WireGuard. This ensures a high level of security for businesses that need to protect sensitive data across different devices and networks. Additionally, business users can get dedicated IP addresses (very limited by the pricing plan) and access to over 3,000 servers in over 50 countries, ensuring fast and reliable connections regardless of location.

TorGuard supports unlimited bandwidth and unlimited speeds, making it suitable for businesses with heavy data usage, such as those involved in media production or data analytics.

Another significant feature is Stealth VPN, which helps bypass VPN blocks and firewalls, making it ideal for businesses operating in countries with strict internet regulations or for accessing region-restricted content. The service also supports split tunneling, allowing businesses to route specific traffic through the VPN while letting other data access the internet directly. TorGuard offers two types of kill switches for enhanced security.

The primary kill switch shuts down all internet traffic on your device if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, ensuring a complete lockdown so no data leaks occur. This feature effectively prevents your real IP address and online activities from being exposed. You can easily activate it in the Network settings, and from our testing, it responds quickly and reliably.

During one instance where TorGuard disconnected, the kill switch immediately kicked in, blocking all traffic to maintain privacy. The second option is the App Kill which targets specific apps or processes that you define if you don’t want to kill the entire connection.

The Tor in the name stands for Torrenting, which explains the heavy reliance and great features surrounding P2P. You have the flexibility to torrent directly through the TorGuard app or by using a SOCKS5 proxy. This provides an extra layer of security and flexibility, ensuring your data remains protected.

Pricing & Plans

TorGuard Business pricing

(Image credit: TorGuard)

TorGuard pricing is the biggest hurdle in our opinion, despite offering four distinct plans. The Starter plan costs $32 a month and covers a “5-user package” which includes 5 e-mail accounts and only 1 dedicated IP address. The next plan, Small, covers 10 users adds 3 dedicated IP addresses, and costs $69 a month. The Medium plan at $110 a month covers 15 users and 5 dedicated IP addresses, and finally, the Large plan covers 20 users and 10 dedicated IPs and costs $169 a month.

While the pricing may look transparent and easy to follow, we prefer the pricing per user strategy that encompasses much more functionality. At the moment, it is difficult to justify the high pricing of TorGuard let alone justify its use for a serious business that aims to scale its services while relying on an extensive remote workforce.

Once you go to the purchase page of the Business VPN, TorGuard will offer upselling options such as a custom VPN router with varying hardware configuration and prices. You can add additional users to your plan for an extra fee, however, the “slide to add” function on their website is clunky and one of the worst experiences we had in trying to add additional costs to a plan.

Performance

In terms of performance, TorGuard delivers consistently high speeds across its global server network, making it suitable for bandwidth-heavy activities like video conferencing, large file transfers, and streaming. The VPN’s unlimited bandwidth ensures that your team’s activities are not hindered by data caps, and its low-latency servers provide smooth, reliable connections for remote workers.

However, during peak hours, speeds can vary, especially when connected to servers in heavily congested regions. Despite this, TorGuard's performance remains above average compared to other business VPNs. The fact that you can choose your protocol and tweak it to a very granular level lets you squeeze out even more performance if you know what you’re doing of course.

Privacy & Security

Security is solid, and its AES-256 encryption combined with multiple VPN protocols ensures data is protected at all times. The service offers DNS and IPv6 leak protection, preventing any data from accidentally leaking outside the VPN tunnel. For added safety, TorGuard provides a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing any unprotected data transfer.

For multi-factor authentication, TorGuard integrates seamlessly with Google Authenticator, adding an extra layer of security for account access. This is a great feature for the admin console through which you can tweak the security and privacy settings for your workforce. The privacy policy of TorGuard states that they do “not collect or log any data from its Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Proxy services.” However, they do collect data for analyzing and improving their website through their own platform, live chat and emails they receive from users.

Alternatives

NordLayer is miles ahead of TorGuard when it comes to the business environment. First of all pricing per user makes it a more affordable solution and gives you easy scaling options and unparalleled flexibility. Its stand-out features such as DNS filtering, network segmentation, dedicated IP, browser extension, smart remote access, a dedicated account manager, Cloud Firewall, Smart Remote Access, and Threat Block come together to offer a comprehensive business solution. If you’re shopping for a VPN or Zero Trust Network (ZTN) you can not go wrong with NordLayer.

ProtonVPN Business is another great alternative to TorGuard as it also has great P2P features. Pricing is a bit steeper than TorGuard but the sheer number of features it offers easily justifies the price difference. Its Secure Core and NetShield features offer protection for even the most paranoid among us, while protocols such as WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP or UDP), and Stealth offer enough flexibility for all the tweaks you will need. Over 5,000 companies trust their business to this Swiss-based VPN provider, and if you’re in the market for one, it is a much better alternative compared to TorGuard.

Final Verdict

While TorGuard Business VPN is declared to be a business VPN solution, it is hard to justify its usage in an enterprise setting that relies on remote work. It does provide great performance for its core offering, VPN connection, but there are a few additional “goodies” that businesses rely on when looking to set up a ZTN environment. The niche business market that relies heavily on P2P or just needs protection for a handful of its workers can extract benefits from using TorGuard, but a business looking to stay protected and scale easily will be best served to look elsewhere.

Overall, TorGuard seems easier to recommend to individual users who are looking for a reliable and fast VPN solution, and less so for business users.

Proton Business VPN
6:41 pm | December 12, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

For businesses, Proton VPN offers dedicated IP addresses and dedicated servers, which ensures better performance and security for employees accessing corporate networks. This is especially valuable for organizations that need consistent access to resources or want to ensure secure remote work. The VPN also integrates seamlessly with a variety of third-party tools and applications, providing flexibility in how you manage your team's connectivity; which can assist in obtaining security certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC2, etc. There is no need for specialized hardware, so deployment is fast, and for business users there is dedicated 24/7 support.

Its Secure Core architecture adds an extra layer of protection by routing traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries, safeguarding your data even if a VPN endpoint is compromised. When you connect through Proton VPN's Secure Core servers, your VPN connection takes two hops for added security. It first routes from your device to the Secure Core servers and then proceeds to the VPN server you've selected. Proton VPN emphasizes that its Secure Core servers are located in countries with strong privacy laws and are directly owned by Proton. These servers are housed in secure, high-security facilities, such as old military bases, ensuring that your data is protected from potential threats and unauthorized access. This of course is not the fastest way to surf the web, but is potentially one of the safest options. The auto re-connection option comes as standard across all pricing plans, which is a nice to have feature in a modern VPN solution.

Proton Business VPN

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

Another noteworthy feature is NetShield, an advanced ad blocker that protects against malware, trackers, and ads. In short, it checks DNS requests more thoroughly and relies on a list of blocked sites and domains to avoid phishing and malware. Similarly, it blocks trackers and most of the ads you see on websites. While watching YouTube though, you will get ads served inside of videos unless you have YouTube Premium. Finally, the number of blocked ads and trackers we could not verify, but since we did not see ads that were otherwise served to us, we have to say that it works.

Pricing & Plans

Proton Business VPN

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

If you’re looking to test drive Proton as a single user, we recommend you do so using the free version. It is understandably very limited in its functionality and does not offer the real taste of features that you will need as a business user. For business users of Proton Business VPN, there are three pricing plans, VPN Essentials, VPN Professional, and VPN Enterprise. If you’re looking for monthly payments, then the plans cost €8.99 per user and €11.99 per user, respectively. For the Enterprise plan, you need to get in touch with the sales team.

Additionally, if you’re looking to save some money, opting for 1-year pricing, you get a 22% and 17% discount, respectively. And for 2-year pricing, the discounts rise to 33% and 25% for the initial two plans. A dedicated server and IP will cost you an additional €35.99/month.

Performance

All VPNs will inevitably slow down the speed of your internet since you’re routing traffic through a server. This is also true for Proton VPN, however, the speed loss is negligible (depending on which server you’re using). You’re given the choice of using WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP or UDP), and Stealth tunneling protocols to establish your connection. Thanks to its large network of international servers (over 4800 across 110 countries), you will have ample choices to protect your connection or avoid geo-restrictions.

If you’re using Chromium-based browsers or Firefox-based ones, you can use Proton’s browser extension which lets you browse or stream securely. The best part is that the extensions are available even for the free plan. We did not notice slowdowns in browsers (Chrome and Firefox) nor was there an additional slowdown in speeds when using the extensions. As with all Proton VPN products, the browser extension is open source, allowing anyone to inspect and verify its code for transparency and security. This extension makes it even easier for users to experience the benefits of Proton VPN’s no-logs policy, which is backed by Switzerland’s strong privacy laws.

Last but not least, if you plan on using Secure Core services for browsing, be ready to suffer a hefty speed penalty, since multi-hop connections do eat into speed; but for the most paranoid amongst us, speed is usually not priority number one.

Privacy & Security

Proton VPN’s privacy policy clearly states that it does not log any user activity or IP addresses, maintaining a strict no-logs policy. In the past, Proton VPN used to store timestamps of the last login, but this practice has since been discontinued. The fact that the VPN is based in Switzerland - a country with one of the strongest privacy laws in the world - will ensure that you are protected from government surveillance and third-party requests. In addition, a separate third-party audit confirmed that the provider has no significant flaws in their privacy policy.

Thanks to the DNS leak protection and kill switch features, your connection will remain secure even if the VPN drops for any reason. Furthermore, AES-265 encryption, coupled with multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security. As a business user, you’re given the option to configure your gateways, segment your network, and isolate devices or resources easily.

Proton VPN apps include built-in defenses against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, particularly when operating over unsecured or potentially hostile networks. If such an attack attempt is detected, the app alerts the user and blocks connections to any suspicious servers, providing an added layer of security against malicious threats.

Alternatives

NordLayer jumps out as a strong alternative to Proton VPN, of course, it also commands premium pricing but does stand out when it comes to speed. Similar to Proton, NordLayer offers a rich feature set, with complex security features that complement any business looking to stay on the safer side of the internet. Browser extensions and mobile apps are easy to use, offer granular configuration, and thanks to its Firewall as a service option, it ticks all of the checkboxes for a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution.

Twingate is another alternative that, like Proton, offers fast, scalable, and seamless deployment of services. Additionally, it offers flexible access policy configurations and comprehensive activity logging, focusing on businesses in regulated industries. Like NordLayer the focus was placed on the UX and UI part of the apps they offer, which are top-notch and very intuitive. In terms of pricing it beats out both Proton and NordLayer, but does come with different sets of features and options. Therefore, the best option is to initially figure out your needs, compare the offerings and then look at pricing to get the best feel for which VPN solution is right for your business.

Final Verdict

Proton Business VPN is a powerful business VPN solution that places a strong emphasis on being open source, highly regulated, and Swiss-based to ensure the highest level of privacy and security for its users. Over 5,000 business users trust Proton with their data, which is not a number to sneeze at.

Complex security features that extend from encryption, and log-in protection all the way to man-in-the-middle attack prevention speak to the level of detail Proton placed on security. Thanks to its Secure Core and NetShield features, businesses can ensure that phishing and malware are reduced to a minimum. Of course, there are some drawbacks in terms of speed if you simply decide to turn all of the advanced features on. However, if you focus on dedicated IP addresses and dedicated servers, and reserve the advanced features for remote workers coming from higher security risk areas, Proton can be an ideal companion. All in all, Proton makes a strong case for being one of the best solutions in the business VPN market.

GigSky eSIM
4:32 pm | December 9, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Imagine you have just landed in a foreign place, ready to explore, and then the reality hits - you have no internet connection. Here’s where GigSky enters the scene. This little eSIM solution, intended to work across the globe, promises to keep you connected nearly everywhere without any of the SIM-swapping hassles, roaming charges, and spotty Wi-Fi.

With the instant connectivity and ‘data-only’ model of its international eSIM, supported by 400 partners in the world, GigSky might be just what the data-hungry digital nomad crowd needs. But is it too good to be true and how does it really hold up against competition?

GigSky: Pricing and plans

GigSky’s pricing varies depending on the region (and situation, like if you are on a cruise ship or plane) and the amount of data you need. The paid plans range from 512MB to unlimited data, starting from $2.99 for 7 days and 1GB of data in Bulgaria, for instance, to up to $139.99 for larger plans that cover longer durations, more exotic regions, cruises, and/or more GBs.

For those who intend to visit more than one country in a particular region, GigSky has regional solutions too. Let’s say you are planning to visit Africa - you can choose among plans ranging from 1GB for 7 days at $8.99 to 10GB for 30 days, while world travelers can opt for the 5GB World Plan with a duration of 30 days and costing $69.99.

If you are on a cruise through the Americas and the Caribbean, it is possible to get just 512MB of data during one day, albeit at a slightly higher price than the other pricing plans - $19.99. Having the same amount of data for the same duration at a world cruise would set you back by $26.99.

There is also a free 100MB travel data plan, regardless of the region, and no credit card is needed. This is an extremely limited amount of data but does come in handy if you need urgent online access or just want to get a taste of what GigSky brings to the table.

It is also important to note that there are no hidden fees or subscriptions, which feel like a breath of fresh air. You only pay for what you need - a win for budget-conscious travelers. But if you are the kind that plays online games, shares large files, or streams an entire Netflix series on the go, be prepared - heavy streaming can chew through data faster than you can say ‘bonjour.’

You should also keep in mind that, due to implementing fair usage policies, GigSky eSIM slows down the traffic in its unlimited plans after you have gone through the first 2.5GB in a day - resuming normal speed on the next day, starting from the time the plan is activated.

Even at these reduced speeds, the company guarantees you will be able to perform less data-intensive tasks, like sending and receiving emails and making VOIP voice calls.

GigSky: Features

GigSky features

(Image credit: GigSky)

What makes GigSky stand out is its seamless installation. As there is no physical SIM to fumble with, you can be in any of the supported destinations and rely on this handy eSIM that is a breeze to download and install (just make sure to do so before you enter the target country).

Not only that, but it works in 200 countries and regions in the world, more than 200 cruise ships, and over 20 airlines, alongside a wide array of cruise ships and airlines, giving you a virtual backstage pass to the digital world almost anywhere. So whether you are in Paris checking Google Maps for the best croissant spot or on a beach in Bali scrolling through Instagram, GigSky can cover you.

The best part? GigSky eSIM works with most recent smartphones and some tablets, so there is no need to lug around any extra hardware. Simply purchase a data package for the region you are headed to, install the eSIM profile, and you are ready to go. Just make sure your device is unlocked for international carriers beforehand, or you might get an unpleasant surprise at the airport.

GigSky: Installation

GigSky

(Image credit: GigSky)

Installing GigSky eSIM is as simple as it gets, especially since there is no physical card involved (great news if your nails have seen better days or you can’t find that tiny needle).

After downloading the app, the platform guides you through each step, starting with creating your account, choosing your destination (or situation - like a cruise or flying) and package, hooking up the eSIM, activating it, and getting online as soon as you arrive.

A word to the wise - install your eSIM before you head out or while you still have Wi-Fi access in your country/point of departure. It is just one of those things that can save you a heap of trouble if the airport Wi-Fi suddenly decides to go on strike.

Furthermore, GigSky is compatible with lots of devices, including iPhone XR and newer, a long list of Android systems, all cellular-enabled iPad Pro 12.9-inch and newer, as well as others, including Microsoft Surface Pro X, Fairphone 4, Honor Magic 4 Pro, and many more.

That is, as long as your device is not locked for international use by your current carrier (as might be the case with financed phones on a prepaid contract).

GigSky: Support

GigSky

(Image credit: GigSky)

In terms of customer support, GigSky offers its own through email and its apps, with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that is actually quite helpful and detailed. There is also a Help Center with categories that include troubleshooting, getting started manuals, and announcements.

Responses tend to be fairly quick and knowledgeable, and it is a 24/7/365 service - available whenever you need it. The apps are very intuitive as well, guiding you through the process and ensuring a smooth experience. You can use them to top up, change plans, or just get in touch if you hit a road bump.

Gigsky: Final verdict

So, should you give GigSky’s eSIM a whirl? If you are a frequent traveler who values convenience and does not mind paying a bit more for the simplicity of staying connected, it is a solid option. That said, this is not the cheapest data source, particularly for those who plan to burn through data fast.

But for the average traveler who wants to avoid the hassle of changing SIMs in every new country and does not mind the ‘data-only’ model, GigSky eSIM is a nifty travel companion that will get you (and keep you) connected in just a few taps. Just make sure to first look up the experiences of other users visiting the same place.

All things considered, if the idea of exploring the globe with easy connectivity and no extra plastic to worry about appeals to you, GigSky might just become your new best friend - only don’t expect it to cover all your communication needs.

Gigsky: FAQs

Can I install GigSky eSIM using QR code?

Yes. Just like with other eSIMs, you can install a GigSky eSIM on your device using a standard QR code activation method. To do this, you will need to visit the Gigsky website or app and purchase a plan. After this, you will receive a QR activation code in your email. Scan the code on the device you want to install the eSIM on and follow the prompts.

Do I get 5G connectivity with GigSky?

Yes, GigSky currently offers 5G connectivity where available, since some places may be at 4G or 3G speeds. So if your device is compatible with 5G, you are good to go. Keep in mind, though, that 5G connections consume a lot of data, so you may run out of your data limits quickly.

Does GigSky eSIM cover phone calls or SMS?

No, GigSky eSIM is a data-only service, which means it does not come with a telephone number, so regular phone calls and SMS are not supported. That said, texting and VOIP apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger, iMessage, and the like can be used.

How many plans does GigSky offer?

All new customers receive a free 100MB eSIM just by signing up on the GigSky app. Beyond that, you only pay for the data plan you need and scale it up based on duration and data volume. There are multiple one-time plans with various data limits for different regions or cruises, as well as unlimited data options.

Twingate Business VPN
3:43 pm | November 6, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Features

Built on a zero-trust architecture, it ensures secure access by requiring authentication at each step, minimizing the attack surface. The platform is cloud-native, making it highly scalable and adaptable to modern business needs, which means it's not just a VPN client but a comprehensive security package aimed at businesses and organizations.

Twingate supports device authentication and integrates with single sign-on (SSO) providers like Okta and Azure AD, which simplifies identity management across distributed teams. Besides this, Twingate offers a range of integrations with mobile device management and endpoint protection vendors. You can find the list of their extensive integrations on their site.

Unlike traditional VPNs that rely on a single point of failure, Twingate separates identity, control, and data planes, ensuring higher resilience and security. All user connections are encrypted end-to-end, while user access is granted (or denied) in real-time based on contextual information such as user identity, device security status, time of login, and the user's or device's geolocation. This data is used in conjunction with admin-defined access policies to ensure secure and tailored access control policies.

Speaking of defining policies, all of this is done through the admin console, which is intuitive and features a modern UI. From this web-based management console, admins can get granular, viewing reports and resource usage, and add or remove users. The granularity extends to configuration on a per-use, per-device, and per-resource basis. This allows administrators to enforce strict access controls by applying the principle of least privilege, reducing the risk of unauthorized account access. It also ensures compliance with regulations that mandate higher levels of security for sensitive or privileged accounts.

Twingate tracks all network activity, logging each user's access attempts and providing detailed insights into which resources were targeted. For reporting and logging purposes you can also integrate with logging platforms like DataDog, Elastic, and Splunk for enhanced reporting capabilities. Yet, the platform itself has enough capability for reporting without a need for integrations, unless you have specific needs and requirements.

Twingate Business VPN

(Image credit: Twingate)

Pricing & Plans

Twingate offers flexible pricing plans with the entry-level Starter plan costing nothing and allowing up to 5 users and 10 remote networks, making it ideal for small teams or those wanting to explore the platform without a financial commitment. For growing teams, the Teams plan is priced at $5 per user per month, supporting up to 100 users and 20 networks, along with a 14-day free trial and a money-back guarantee.

For larger organizations, the Business plan is priced at $10 per user per month, offering support for up to 500 users and 100 networks. It includes more advanced features such as enhanced integrations and management options, making it suitable for companies with more complex security needs. This plan also ensures scalability, with options to expand as the organization grows.

Finally, the Enterprise plan offers tailored pricing and features based on specific business requirements. Companies interested in this plan will need to contact Twingate’s sales team to create a customized package. The Enterprise plan is designed for businesses with extensive remote access needs, offering the highest level of flexibility, support, and integration capabilities.

Note that if you opt to try out Twingate via the free plan, you will be limited in terms of integrations and DNS capabilities, but all of this is covered in paid plans.

Performance

Due to its design, Twingate offers faster average speeds compared to traditional business VPNs. The maximum and minimum speeds users experience primarily depend on their internet connection. Factors influencing performance include the type of traffic generated, with Twingate using split tunneling to route only business-related data through its network, encryption protocols, and overall network conditions. This ensures efficient data flow and minimizes latency for business activities.

Furthermore, the cloud-based admin console worked to perfection during our test, without any hiccups. We did not experience any slowdowns or crashes.

Privacy & Security

Twingate uses AES-256 encryption and SSL/TLS protocols to secure data transmissions, safeguarding business information from cyber threats. Additionally, it integrates multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) capabilities. The aforementioned split tunneling feature routes business traffic through encrypted “tunnels” while keeping non-essential data flowing through the VPN. Moreover, the fact that Twingate utilizes the Zero Trust approach, means that strict verification protocols require verification of every user and device before granting access, ensuring that only verified entities can interact with sensitive resources.

What’s more, it enables companies to implement the necessary security controls to comply with various regulatory standards such as CPRA, GDPR, PCI DSS, and SOC 2.

Support

Twingate provides support through a ticketing system, messaging, and email. While assistance might not always be immediately available, their comprehensive guides and FAQs are particularly useful for addressing common issues. These resources offer detailed instructions, making it easier to troubleshoot independently. Overall, the written materials and support options can be helpful, but availability may vary depending on your needs and the timing of your request for assistance.

Alternatives

An equally attractive offering can be found with NordLayer Business VPN, which also offers a complete security package, complex security protocols, and a ZTNA approach. We enjoy the UI of NordLayer a bit more, but that is more of a personal preference. However, there are no free plans and you will have to pay a bit more per user. With that, you do get a bit more compared to Twingate though. Its proprietary VPN protocol is quick and secure and you can count on speeds of up to 1Gbs regardless of the pricing plan you go for. It is important to point out that additional features like auto-connect, ThreatBlock, and the Cloud Firewall do set a high bar for the competition, which is why you should consider it if you need more complex security.

Another potential alternative is the Check Point VPN Solution, which is geared more toward larger enterprises that are not afraid to break the bank to get premium solutions. Of course, to be fully covered here, we would recommend going with the hardware + software combo offered by Check Point, since this will ensure you get a ZTNA approach and have access to all of the bells and whistles. The admin console is powerful, with granularity extending from the setup into reporting and across all touch points. While it is powerful, for newer entrants into the field it can be a daunting task to set up the entire system. Pricing is not publicly available, as it depends on the size of your company and the specific needs that you have. But be sure it is not the cheapest solution in the market, but with the offering it has, it cannot be.

Final Verdict

With all that has been said, we can conclude that Twingate is an effective and efficient zero-trust network access solution. If you’re an organization or business looking to secure corporate resources, yet you want to have a remote workforce easily and securely access your resources without causing too much user friction, then Twingate may be the right tool for you.

High granularity, will surely expedite and secure work for organizations in highly regulated industries, which is one area that the company is aiming at. Another benefit is that this complexity doesn’t translate into a complex and clunky UI but an easy-to-use and highly intuitive cloud environment.

Sure, it is not the best option in the market, but it does tick most of the boxes while offering easy scaling which will not break the bank. What’s equally important, you can have your IT department spin up the free version, test out the performance, and see whether it is the right fit for you before deciding to scale up.

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