Can providers handle the new influx of pandemic usage?

Atlas VPN, a personal and business VPN provider, recently published data usage statistics for their service. This rare release of internal information has allowed an inside look at how people are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A VPN, or__Virtual Private Network, connects the user’s device to a third party server in a seperate location- the device, in turn, connects to the internet or specific network from that server. This can have a range of benefits, including a hidden IP, change in apparent access location, and increased security from hackers. The most popular consumer brands include NordVPN, Express VPN, CyberGhost, and Norton Secure VPN.

Atlas found that VPN usage in Italy had surged by 112% in one week, and 53% in the United States. This pattern holds true in all countries significantly affected by the virus — a usage increase of 36% in Russia, 38% in Iran, 29% in Germany, and 21% in France. Atlas projects that United States usage could increase by a staggering 150% in the coming weeks.

With an increasing number of companies asking employees to work from home, demand for VPN services is skyrocketing. Larger companies have business VPNs that allow employees to connect to the secure company network from anywhere with an internet connection. Small businesses are asking their workers to utilize the benefits of a personal VPN when working from home in order to promote data security at home.

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