Best VPN Promotions | Azure Point to Site VPN Configuration Step by Step: A Complete Guide

In today's digital era, securing your online presence is more crucial than ever. One effective way to ensure privacy and security is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Azure's Point-to-Site VPN provides an excellent solution for remote access to Azure virtual networks from any location. This guide will walk you through the steps to configure an Azure Point-to-Site VPN, alongside discussing some of the best VPN promotions available, offering you a blend of security and savings.

Understanding Point-to-Site VPN

A Point-to-Site (P2S) VPN allows you to create a secure connection from an individual client computer to an Azure virtual network. This setup is particularly useful for remote workers or users who need occasional access to resources in Azure. Unlike Site-to-Site VPN, which connects entire networks, P2S is tailored for individual access, making it both flexible and scalable.

Step-by-Step Configuration of Azure Point-to-Site VPN

Here’s how you can set up a Point-to-Site VPN in Azure:

1. Create a Virtual Network

First, you need to set up a virtual network in Azure: - Navigate to the Azure portal and create a new Resource Group. - Within this group, create a new Virtual Network. Configure the address space, subnets, and location. Ensure your address space does not overlap with your on-premises network to avoid conflicts.

2. Gateway Subnet

Within your virtual network, add a gateway subnet: - Select your virtual network and go to 'Subnets'. - Add a new subnet named 'GatewaySubnet'. This subnet is crucial as Azure uses it to manage the VPN gateway.

3. VPN Gateway

Now, create a VPN gateway: - Under your virtual network, click on 'Create VPN Gateway'. Choose 'VPN' for the gateway type, 'Route-based' for VPN type, and 'Basic' SKU for cost efficiency in a test environment. - Configure the Public IP address for the gateway.

4. Configure Point-to-Site Connection

Set up the P2S configuration: - Go to the VPN Gateway you've created and select 'Point-to-site configuration'. - Here, choose your tunnel type (SSTP or OpenVPN), the authentication method (Azure AD, Certificate, or RADIUS), and add the address pool from which clients will be assigned IP addresses.

5. Download VPN Client

After setting up the VPN configuration: - You can download the VPN client configuration package from the Azure portal. This package includes necessary certificates and configuration files for your client devices.

Best VPN Promotions for 2023

While setting up your own VPN with Azure is cost-effective for enterprise solutions, sometimes opting for a commercial VPN service can be more convenient for personal or small business use. Here are some of the best VPN promotions currently available:

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1. NordVPN: Known for its robust security features, NordVPN often offers a 3-year plan with a significant discount. Look out for deals that might include additional months for free.

2. ExpressVPN: Although typically more expensive, ExpressVPN occasionally provides substantial discounts on their annual plans, sometimes with a 49% off deal plus three extra months free.

3. CyberGhost: This service offers frequent promotions, including up to 83% off on their long-term plans, which also come with an extended trial period.

4. Surfshark: With unlimited device connections, Surfshark provides one of the best value deals with up to 81% off on their two-year plan, plus additional months free.

5. Private Internet Access (PIA): PIA frequently runs promotions like 77% off on their three-year plan, making it an affordable option for those looking for long-term security solutions.

Conclusion

Configuring an Azure Point-to-Site VPN gives you the flexibility to access your Azure resources securely from anywhere in the world. Meanwhile, taking advantage of VPN promotions can provide additional layers of security at a reduced cost. Whether you choose to set up your own VPN or opt for a commercial service, the key is to ensure your online activities are shielded from prying eyes. Remember, while this guide provides a step-by-step approach, always keep your configurations up-to-date with the latest security practices and Azure updates to maintain optimal performance and security.