Introduction
Business travelers carry sensitive corporate data across international borders and connect to unfamiliar networks. A VPN is not just a convenience tool for business travel; it is a security necessity. Many companies now require VPN usage as part of their security policy.
Corporate Data at Risk
Business travelers handle confidential emails, financial data, client information, and proprietary documents. A data breach during travel can result in regulatory penalties, loss of competitive advantage, and reputational damage. Hotel and conference WiFi networks are prime targets for corporate espionage.
Accessing Corporate Resources
Many companies restrict access to internal tools, VPNs, and cloud platforms from foreign IP addresses. A commercial VPN connected to a server in your home country ensures continuous access to these resources without triggering security alerts.
Compliance Considerations
Industries like healthcare (HIPAA), finance (SOX), and legal services have strict data protection requirements that apply even when employees travel. Using an unencrypted connection on foreign networks could constitute a compliance violation.
Best VPNs for Business Travelers
ExpressVPN with a dedicated IP on the Pro plan ensures consistent access to corporate resources. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro provides malware protection beyond the VPN tunnel. Proton VPN Secure Core provides extra protection for high-sensitivity data.
Business Travel VPN Checklist
Install and test VPN before departure. Enable kill switch to prevent unencrypted data transmission. Use dedicated IP if your company whitelists IPs. Configure split tunneling to route all work apps through VPN. Verify VPN works in your destination country. Save customer support contact information offline.
Company vs Personal VPN
If your company provides a corporate VPN, use it for work-related tasks. Use a personal commercial VPN for personal browsing and streaming. Never use a personal VPN for corporate resources unless explicitly authorized by your IT department.
The Bottom Line
Business travel without a VPN is a security risk that no company should accept. The cost of a premium VPN subscription is negligible compared to the potential cost of a data breach.
