VPNs, or virtual private networks, are protocols by which personal information such as IP addresses are encrypted through a remote network while using the Internet. Recent studies show that around 30% of all global Internet users make regular use of a VPN, and a majority of those users are primarily engaged in personal use.
But VPNs were originally created for business use, and half of people who utilize a VPN as of 2024 do so for business purposes. This means that a similar majority of Internet-based products need to be compatible with a VPN in order to stay competitive.
But first, how does a VPN work?
VPNs work by creating an access tunnel between a secure server and the end user. This is accomplished by first routing the connection through the VPN server. When a user wants to connect to a specific website or service, the request is first sent through the VPN server, which passes along the information to the desired endpoint. Once the VPN determines that the connection is safe, the request is completed. Along the way, the VPN service uses its own encryption processes in order to keep your data safe.
The Increasing Importance of VPNs
Cyber security risks are on the rise all over the Internet and those industries which work adjacent and in tandem with it, a product of an increasingly technology-dependent world. The construction industry isn’t immune from these benefits, nor the risks that come along with them.
The construction industry overall has an estimated value of over $1 trillion; not a number to sneeze at by any means. There has been a relative surge in cyberattacks aimed at the construction industry in recent years, many of which still operate on basic network connections and legacy systems.
A 2019 study conducted by cybersecurity software company Trend Micro found that construction cranes especially are potentially vulnerable to remote attack. While VPNs should never be understood as the ultimate solution, taking precautionary steps is the best approach when considering security for the future.
SharpeSoft Offers Full VPN Compatibility
Civil construction job estimates can range into the millions of dollars. For that reason alone, turning to the protection provided by a VPN can prove imperative. SharpeSoft allows its users to access its amazing estimating solution while working under a VPN without a drop in production quality at all.
Accessing Estimator Remotely (No VPN)
Connecting to an on-premise instance of Estimator remotely is quite easy. Simply open your computer's RDP wizard and select a computer on your network that has Estimator installed on it. Once connected, run Estimator from the remote session.
However, this direct method is not always advisable for the reasons listed above.
Accessing Estimator Remotely (VPN)
If your company has a VPN and you plan on accessing Estimator remotely, you MUST sign in to your VPN as the first step. Once this has been completed, you can access a computer remotely through your RDP as before.
It should be noted that all VPNs are different, and may require different credentials or have differing login procedures. Contact your company's IT department for additional information regarding your company's VPN and remote access policies.
Conclusion
Security has never been more important to the construction industry. As jobs get bigger, and legacy systems become more and more obsolete, it should come as a sign to the industry as a whole that an investment in technology-based solutions is necessary. Working with compatible software like the SharpeSoft Estimator can take away some of that headache.
As the construction industry grows more competitive and demanding, ensuring your estimates are secure, reliable, and accurate is more important than ever before.
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