Virtual Private Network Pros and Cons

Although today VPNs are a staple of the corporate IT arsenal, it was not too long ago that a case had to be made for why they were so useful. The success of VPNs eventually led to the need for a more scalable approach to them, which would rely on digital certificates. The types of users that require VPN technology could include mobile users who need to access corporate information securely as well as users who need to access sensitive information securely whether or not they are mobile.

However implementation of VPN is having pros and cons. Here is the explanation

Pros of VPNs

• VPNs are useful is that they reduce costs dramatically for remote access to corporate networks (they are less expensive than modem banks or dedicated leased lines).
• Cost savings can be realized through reduced toll charges because the remote user uses a local dial-up access number to connect to the main office through the Internet.
• The hardware and IT support costs usually associated with modem banks and dedicated leased lines are also reduced.

Cons of VPNs

• Setting VPN can incur additional complexities and security risks. Given that an organization with a VPN exposes itself to security risks on the Internet,
• Additional expertise is required for setting up and protecting a VPN properly.
• The need for client software and related configurations.
• VPNs require an access control list, which adds to IT administration.

Do you have any suggestions or comments about VPN? Any experience of VPN implementation