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

In today's digital age, ensuring secure and private communication over the internet is more crucial than ever. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). With a plethora of VPN services available, finding the best deals and understanding how to configure them can be overwhelming. This guide not only highlights some of the best VPN promotions currently on offer but also provides a detailed step-by-step guide on setting up an Azure Point to Site VPN, which is particularly useful for businesses and remote workers.

Why Choose a VPN?

Before diving into the specifics of promotions and configurations, let's understand why VPNs are essential. VPNs offer several benefits including:

Privacy Protection: VPNs mask your IP address, making your online actions virtually untraceable.
Security: They encrypt your internet traffic, safeguarding your data from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi or any unsecured network.
Access Geo-blocked Content: VPNs allow you to bypass geographic restrictions, accessing content from around the world as if you were physically there.
Remote Access: For businesses, VPNs provide secure access to company networks from anywhere in the world.

Best VPN Promotions Currently Available

Here are some of the top VPN services offering promotions that can help you save while securing your internet:

NordVPN: Offers a 70% discount on their 3-year plan, bringing the monthly cost down significantly.
ExpressVPN: Known for speed, they occasionally provide up to 49% off on their annual plans with additional months free.
CyberGhost: Provides up to 83% off with an additional 2 months free on their 3-year plan.
Surfshark: A newcomer with aggressive pricing, often offers up to 81% off on their 2-year plan.
Private Internet Access (PIA): Known for its value, PIA has deals where you can get up to 79% off with extended subscriptions.

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

Now, let's walk through how to configure an Azure Point to Site VPN, which allows secure remote access to Azure virtual networks:

Step 1: Set Up the Virtual Network Gateway

Begin by creating a Virtual Network Gateway in your Azure portal:

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Go to the Azure Portal, select 'Create a resource', then search for 'Virtual Network Gateway'.
Choose your subscription and resource group, name your gateway, select the region, and ensure you choose 'VPN' under Gateway type.
Configure the SKU and VPN type. For Point to Site, choose 'Route-based'.
Set up your IP configurations and under 'Point-to-site configuration', click on 'Configure now'.

Step 2: Configure the Point to Site Connection

Here you'll set up the client address pool and authentication:

Select 'OpenVPN (SSL)' or 'IKEv2' as your tunnel type. OpenVPN is recommended for better cross-platform compatibility.
Configure the address pool for VPN clients. This should not overlap with your on-premises or Azure virtual network address space.
Choose between Azure AD authentication or certificate-based authentication. For simplicity, certificate-based is often used.
Download the VPN client configuration package after setup.

Step 3: Create Certificates

If you've chosen certificate-based authentication:

Generate a root certificate using tools like OpenSSL or Microsoft Certification Authority.
Create client certificates, ensuring each client has a unique certificate.
Upload the root certificate's public key to Azure.

Step 4: Install and Configure VPN Client

Now, install the VPN client on your device:

Download and install the VPN client software from Azure's provided package or use an OpenVPN client if you've configured for OpenVPN.
Import the client certificate into the VPN client software.
Configure the VPN connection using the details from your Azure setup, including the server address, tunnel type, and certificate.

Step 5: Test the Connection

Finally, test your connection:

Connect to the VPN from your client software.
Verify connectivity by accessing resources within your Azure virtual network.
Ensure all security policies are enforced and the connection is secure.

By following these steps, you can establish a secure Point to Site VPN connection to Azure, ensuring that your remote workforce or personal access to cloud resources is both private and secure. Remember, while setting up a VPN, also consider the ongoing promotions from VPN services to maximize value for money. VPNs not only provide security but also can save you money through strategic promotions, making now a great time to invest in your digital privacy and security.