NordLayer Review 2023

Importance To Stay Secure Online

Web-based commerce and daily activities have changed the business scenario dramatically since their inception. Every time we connect to the internet, we have access to a vast network of information and resources worldwide. For businesses, this means that individuals worldwide will work together simultaneously on a single task. Individuals can use this function to send cash from their checking account to a savings account without calling their financial institution. You’re not just getting access to lovely stuff on the internet but welcoming a potential threat too. Using this technology puts us in danger of encountering dishonest people. Our personal information is constantly being targeted by hackers, which could be a nightmare for any company’s human resources department.

Security and privacy concerns are expected to rise significantly in 2022. A company’s customers’ personal information is at risk since the entire population is vulnerable to hacking. Companies with remote structures must now address this issue to ensure that their employees can safely access their cyber systems. A wide variety of choices are now available from cybersecurity firms.

Securing with VPN

To protect your data, use a virtual private network (VPN). Normally, data sent from your computer to another person would be routed directly to them. Because they can see where the traffic is coming from, they can perform a man-in-the-middle assault. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all data before it is delivered from your computer to the recipients.

What is NordLayer?

All businesses can benefit from NordLayer’s VPN-based network security solution.

With NordVPN’s regular package, you may connect to 59 countries worldwide. This has been lowered to 31 for NordLayer. You do, however, have a broader range of choices than you would with a consumer VPN. You have the option of creating your custom gateways and deciding who has access to them. It is possible to link your team to a distant server.

It is possible to employ two-factor authentication in various ways with this service. Some of your choices are Azure AD, GSuite, Google Authenticator, Okta, Sami, and OneLogin. Another option is to use your mobile contact as an authentication mechanism. The software allows you to grant access to only a few IP addresses. This safe listing method can limit the access to the IPs of your firm. Your VPN will be unavailable to everyone but you.

The Features of NordLayer

Safety

Using two-factor authentication is a must if you’re worried about unauthorized access to your VPN (and, by extension, your company’s data). It’s a good thing that NordLayer has this feature because you can pick whether you want the code given to you via email or SMS.

In addition, NordLayer employs Single Sign-on (SSO) (SSO). Users can access various applications with just one set of credentials, allowing for greater ease and security at the same time.

The Kill switch feature

Using a kill switch will ensure that your private details are never exposed online if your internet connection is lost for even a second.” User accounts can be further protected using two-factor authentication. Authentication can be done using Authy, Google Authenticator, or your phone.

Network segmentation

Businesses, particularly those with a large workforce, can benefit from network segmentation, an advanced feature. Security and network speed can be improved by dividing the network into subnets.

You can, for example, prevent specific branches from gaining access to your company’s financial reporting system. It’s possible to restrict your employees’ use of corporate assets.

Design

A beautiful design is used throughout the Windows client, making it appear very familiar at first glance. Using the location selector, visitors are presented with a list of nations to select from, which is simple to use. A smaller set of features is available through the mobile apps (available for Android and iOS). They do, however, have a user interface that is extremely comparable to desktop editions, making them quite simple to operate.

Blocks potential threats

Since NordVPN’s CyberSec function is very similar to this one, you may be familiar with how it works already. As a result, ThreatBlock will prevent users from accessing rogue sites which do not only exhibit dangerous adverts but may also steal vital company data. Ads were prohibited, and malware-infested pages were generated for testing.

Customize the portals

Custom portals are supported, as is the ability to transfer a license. Custom portals enable the creation of portals for individual teams and corporate divisions, assigning specific corporate servers, and the selection of virtual locations for team members. It is also possible to add, cancel or transfer NordLayer accounts for commercial purposes. A user license can be moved to a fresh employee if an employee leaves the company.

Auto-connect

NordVPN has a customized app for users that includes this capability. VPNs can be activated automatically when an internet connection is found, reducing the danger of workers failing to turn on their VPN software.

However, as we discovered in our testing, NordLayer’s ability to link to a server was frequently plagued by long connection times.

Customer support

There are guides, tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and documentation in NordLayer 81’s help area. It is possible to discover tutorials to assist you with installing the client, protocol changes, error correction, and more.

You’ll be able to reach a live person with the basic plan’s 24/7 customer care and priority support in the Advanced plan’s 24/7 service. Aside from Enterprise levels, all choices include in-app chat support available around the clock. As a last resort, contact help if you can’t identify a feature and need it enabled or disabled.

Getting Nordlayer For Your Device

Using NordLayer on a PC or Mac requires you to first download and install a Desktop App emulator for your computer. After getting the emulator, it is possible to work with Nordlayer.

The guide below includes all the essential steps required to install the emulator and then further.

Downloading the Emulator

Check the Mac Software Store or Windows App Store and, according to the device and OS that you are using, get the BlueStacks or Nox app. It is easy to get the emulator downloaded. If you are a beginner and have little or no knowledge of downloading the emulator, you can check out the online guides and tutorials.

Emulator Installation

• In the downloader folder, check the emulator that you’ve downloaded.
• Launch the emulator by clicking, which will start the installation process.
• Check the section marked licensing agreement to proceed ahead.
• You will see the instructions appearing in a new window to complete the download. Follow these carefully to complete the process.
• The Emulator program is now ready to use.

Time to use NordLayer on Windows

• After the Emulator app is launched, you are now ready to use the NordLayer.
• Click to open the NordLayer app.
• Find the search box and type NordLayer within the search section.
• Go to the NordLayer application icon. This will take you to the Playstore in the emulator app. From the store, install the program just like you do on handheld gadgets, be it the Android or iOS.
• Open the “All Apps” section to find the application. Check for the application and click to use the app.

Nordlayer for Mac

Like the Windows device, you can use NordLayer on a MacOS device. Downloading and installing is not much different from the Windows device. Follow the instructions mentioned above for Windows, and you will get it for Mac too.

Pricing and Plans

NordLayer’s price structure is basic, with only two plans available: Basic and Advanced. Both offer the most value for your money.

Custom Plans

There are also custom plans available through NordLayer for companies that don’t fall into one of the predefined categories. A merged pricing structure is better, so you will only receive one invoice no matter how many staff you have. Regardless of which plan you choose, NordLayer has affordable pricing and a wide range of useful features.

If you don’t have a lot of consumers, there are no price levels or long-term contracts. Start with one user and expand as necessary to get the most out of the service.

NordLayer appears to be a brilliant choice in terms of price, but it’s always good to compare the competition and pick the best solution for your needs.

How Can NordLayer Assist the Business?

NordLayer has proven to be a fantastic alternative for company security because of its inexpensive pricing and extensive privacy and security capabilities collection. As the globe becomes more and more inundated with cyberattacks, businesses of all sizes can rely on NordVPN’s solution to protect their data. NordLayer’s Basic yearly pricing is ideal for new businesses who wish to lay a solid foundation. With an app that is easy to use while maintaining a high level of security, NordLayer is a business-oriented network solution you should get your hands on right now.

The Performance

Many speed tests were done from a UK data center for NordLayer using SpeedTest, Netflix Fast.com, and more.

At speeds of 200-300Mbps, the results were satisfactory for most tasks. NordLayer is well worth a good look if you’re still looking for more. NordVPN could reach download speeds of up to 880Mbps in our tests thanks to the WireGuard NordLynx protocol.

NordLayer doesn’t emphasize unblocking streaming services, but we checked the program and found it to be working perfectly. Although Netflix’s unblocking service is a little iffy, it’s still an option at a good price.

NordVPN’s Windows kill switch failed our tests, and we’re happy to announce that it doesn’t work. When a connection is re-established, some users may feel puzzled because of the lack of a warning or notification. Our online anonymity remained unaffected because of the VPN’s kill switch, which prohibited us from connecting online if our VPN connection was lost.

The Pros and Cons

The Pros

• Easy to use Virtual private network (VPN) for business.
• There are many alternatives for authentication and security, including 2FA, biometrics, and single sign-on (SSO).
• It’s a joy to use the Web Dashboard.
• Using dedicated IP addresses to control private gateways and servers
• All main operating systems are supported via client apps.
• Customers can use client apps on any platform.
• Kill switch that works.
• User-friendly controls.

The Cons

• Only a few servers (30 or fewer) are available.
• Complex design for non-technical people
• A single user can only access app settings.
• Only the desktop app provides access to admin features.
• Sign-in problems are common.
• User activities are not monitored.

Final Words

As far as network and internet security go, NordLayer is a simple but well-engineered solution. To decide whether to use the service, you need to test it out on a small scale. It is always good to choose a digital product for long-term use after test and trial. A hasty decision can turn out to be a nasty decision causing undue problems while working online. 

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