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

In today's digital era, securing your online activities is paramount, whether for personal privacy or corporate data protection. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) play a critical role in this regard by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address. Azure, Microsoft's cloud platform, offers a robust solution for setting up VPNs through its Point to Site VPN feature. This guide will not only walk you through the step-by-step configuration of an Azure Point to Site VPN but also highlight some of the best VPN promotions available to enhance your online security experience.

Understanding Azure Point to Site VPN

Azure Point to Site VPN allows you to create a secure connection from an individual client computer to an Azure virtual network. This is particularly useful for remote workers or those who need occasional access to resources within an Azure-hosted environment. Unlike Site to Site VPNs, which connect entire networks, Point to Site VPNs are tailored for individual access, providing flexibility and scalability.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Azure Environment

First, ensure you have an Azure account and an existing virtual network. If not, create a new virtual network in Azure Portal. Navigate to "Create a resource", select "Networking", then "Virtual network". Define your address space, subnet, and other parameters according to your organizational requirements.

Step 2: Configure Gateway Subnet

Go to the virtual network you created or selected. Add a Gateway Subnet. This subnet is specifically for the VPN gateway and must be named 'GatewaySubnet' for Azure to recognize it. A /27 or larger subnet is recommended to ensure future scalability.

Step 3: Create and Configure VPN Gateway

In the Azure Portal, initiate a new Virtual network gateway. Choose the VPN type as "Route-based", which is necessary for Point to Site connections. Configure your Public IP address, and ensure the SKU is set to something like VpnGw1 for basic needs or higher for more throughput. Wait for the deployment to complete, which might take some time.

Step 4: Set Up Point to Site Connection

Once the VPN gateway is active, navigate to the 'Point-to-site configuration' under your gateway settings. Here, you'll define the address pool for VPN clients, choose the authentication type (either Azure certificate or native Azure AD authentication), and upload root certificates if using certificate-based authentication.

Step 5: Download and Install VPN Client Configuration

After setting up the configuration, Azure provides a download for the VPN client configuration. This package includes all necessary settings for clients to connect. Install this package on your client machines. For Windows, this might involve running the installer and following the prompts; for other systems like Linux or macOS, you might need to manually configure the VPN settings.

Best VPN Promotions to Consider

While setting up your Azure VPN is crucial for secure remote access, enhancing your overall security with a consumer VPN can provide additional layers of protection and privacy:

- NordVPN: Currently offering up to 70% off on 2-year plans, making it an excellent choice for long-term security with features like Double VPN, CyberSec, and Onion Over VPN.

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- ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and security, they occasionally run promotions like 3 free months on an annual plan, alongside their standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

- Surfshark: With unlimited device connections, Surfshark often provides significant discounts on their 2-year plans, sometimes up to 81% off, ideal for families or small businesses.

- CyberGhost: Frequently offers promotions like 79% off on their 18-month plan, which includes a suite of specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and privacy.

- IPVanish: Offers competitive pricing with regular promotions, like a 75% discount for new subscribers, which can be paired with their SugarSync cloud storage for added value.

Conclusion

Configuring an Azure Point to Site VPN provides a secure pathway for accessing cloud resources, essential for remote work or managing cloud infrastructure. Complementing this with a consumer VPN service not only enhances your online privacy but can also offer additional features like ad-blocking, malware protection, and secure access to geo-restricted content. By taking advantage of current VPN promotions, you can maximize security while minimizing costs, ensuring your digital life is both private and protected.