NordLayer VPN: Ensuring Internet Security

Company Overview

NordLayer is a business VPN solution developed by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. Designed specifically for corporate use, they cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, offering an easy-to-deploy and scalable solution.

Their services focus on providing businesses with secure remote access, network segmentation, and compliance with global security standards such as SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR. With a global presence and over 30 server locations, they enable businesses to operate securely from anywhere.

The provider stands out for their advanced cybersecurity features, including next-generation encryption protocols, network access control, and deep packet inspection. Unlike consumer VPNs, their service is designed to offer enterprise-grade security while maintaining high-speed connectivity.

Industry recognition and awards further validate their reliability. Expert Insights has named them a top enterprise VPN solution, and they have garnered trust from major companies like Hostinger, SoundCloud, and WeTransfer.

Features & Services

Secure remote access
With more employees working remotely, secure access to company resources is crucial. This feature ensures that employees can safely connect to internal systems, cloud platforms, and corporate applications from anywhere without exposing sensitive data to cyber threats. Encryption protocols and multi-layer authentication prevent unauthorized access, keeping remote work environments secure.

Network segmentation
Not all employees need access to every part of a company’s network. Network segmentation allows businesses to control and limit user access based on roles, departments, or security levels. By restricting access to only necessary data and applications, organizations can minimize the risk of internal breaches and improve compliance with industry regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Rather than assuming trust within a corporate network, Zero Trust security ensures that every user and device is authenticated before granting access. This approach minimizes risks by verifying identities and assessing device security posture in real time, making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit compromised credentials.

Site-to-site VPN
For businesses with multiple locations, a Site-to-Site VPN establishes a secure, encrypted connection between different office networks. This allows teams across various sites to share data and resources as if they were on the same local network, improving collaboration while maintaining strong protocols.

Dedicated IP address
A dedicated IP ensures that businesses can operate with a consistent and secure online identity rather than sharing an IP with other users. This feature enhances security by enabling allowlisting for company-approved IPs, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized logins, and improving reliability for remote access to company systems.

Cloud firewall
A cloud-based firewall helps businesses block unauthorized access and filter out harmful traffic before it reaches the network. This adds an extra layer of defense against cyber threats, preventing malware, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities from compromising corporate systems.

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
DPI goes beyond basic traffic monitoring by analyzing data packets at a deeper level, allowing businesses to filter, detect, and block suspicious or non-compliant traffic. This feature helps prevent data leaks, stops malware before it spreads, and ensures that network usage adheres to company policies.

Threat prevention
Cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks are constantly evolving. This feature proactively blocks access to malicious websites, restricts harmful downloads, and prevents unauthorized connections, reducing the risk of breaches and protecting corporate assets.

DNS filtering
DNS filtering adds another layer of protection by preventing access to harmful or unapproved websites. Businesses can restrict employees from visiting potentially dangerous sites, reduce the risk of phishing scams, and ensure that web traffic aligns with company policies and security best practices.

Device posture security
Not all devices accessing a network are secure. This feature assesses the security posture of devices before allowing them to connect, ensuring that only compliant, up-to-date devices with proper security measures can access business resources. If a device does not meet requirements, access can be restricted until the necessary updates or configurations are applied.

NordLayer utilizes NordLynx, a proprietary VPN protocol based on WireGuard, which is known for their speed and security. Compared to traditional protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, NordLynx offers faster connections while maintaining strong encryption.

Their network infrastructure supports speeds of up to 1 Gbps, making it suitable for high-performance tasks such as video conferencing, file transfers, and cloud access. Businesses that require uninterrupted connectivity will benefit from this feature, especially when dealing with remote teams or global operations.

Security & Privacy Measures

NordLayer prioritizes security and privacy with advanced encryption, strict no-logs policies, and regulatory compliance to safeguard business data.

AES-256 and ChaCha20 Encryption: NordLayer uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, ensuring top-tier data security. AES-256 is used by governments for their unbreakable encryption, while ChaCha20 offers faster speeds without sacrificing security.

No-logs policy: They operate under a strict no-logs policy, meaning no user activity or connection data is stored, ensuring complete privacy from third parties.

Independent audits: Regular independent audits verify NordLayer’s data protection standards, reinforcing transparency and trust.

RAM-only servers: Using RAM-only servers, all data is wiped upon reboot, preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of data breaches.

Obfuscated servers: For businesses operating in restricted regions, obfuscated servers hide VPN traffic, bypassing censorship and restrictive firewalls.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, requiring users to verify their identity through multiple steps to prevent unauthorized logins.

Compliance with major security regulations: NordLayer meets SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR standards, ensuring compliance for businesses handling sensitive customer and financial data.

With strong encryption, privacy-focused policies, and industry certifications, NordLayer provides businesses with a secure and reliable VPN solution.

Plans & Pricing

NordLayer offers a range of pricing tiers designed to meet different business security needs, from basic internet protection to advanced network segmentation and compliance. Each plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, ensuring businesses can test the service risk-free before committing.

The Lite Plan, priced at $8 per user per month, provides basic internet security with limited threat prevention. It is best suited for small businesses looking for an affordable way to enhance online security. However, it requires a minimum of five users per account.

The Core Plan, available for $11 per user per month, includes advanced security features and basic network access control, allowing businesses to manage employee access more effectively. Companies that require a dedicated IP address can add one for an additional $40 per month, improving security and access control.

For organizations needing full network segmentation and enhanced security compliance, the Premium Plan costs $14 per user per month. This tier provides greater control over user access and data security, making it an ideal choice for businesses with strict compliance requirements. Like the Core Plan, a dedicated IP is available for an extra $40 per month.

Large enterprises with 50 or more users can opt for the Enterprise Plan, which offers customized network solutions based on specific business needs. Pricing is tailored to each organization, ensuring that security requirements and budgets are met efficiently.

NordLayer’s flexible pricing structure allows businesses of all sizes to choose the level of security that fits their needs while maintaining scalability and compliance.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

• Easy deployment and management: Setting up NordLayer takes less than 10 minutes, making them an ideal solution for businesses that need a quick and hassle-free security upgrade. Even non-technical users can easily configure and manage the platform without requiring specialized IT expertise
• Scalable solutions: Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, NordLayer adapts to your needs with flexible security solutions. Companies can add or remove users easily, ensuring security scales with their growth
• High-speed performance: With server speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps, businesses can operate without the frustration of lag or slow connections. This makes NordLayer a great choice for data-heavy tasks, such as video conferencing and large file transfers
• Strong security and compliance: NordLayer meets top security standards, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR compliance. Businesses handling sensitive data can rely on their strong encryption and security protocols to protect their network
• Dedicated business features: Companies benefit from advanced security options like network segmentation, Zero Trust access, and cloud firewalls, which provide greater control over user permissions. These features help prevent unauthorized access while ensuring a secure work environment
• Seamless cloud integration: NordLayer works smoothly with popular cloud platforms like AWS, Google Workspace, and Azure, making it easy to incorporate into existing IT infrastructure. Businesses using cloud services can maintain security without disrupting operations
• 24/7 customer support: Businesses can rely on round-the-clock customer support, ensuring that any technical issues or concerns are quickly resolved. Their live chat and email support provide timely assistance whenever needed

Disadvantages

• Higher cost for small businesses: NordLayer’s business-focused pricing may be too high for startups or small businesses on a tight budget. Unlike consumer VPNs, their advanced features come at a premium cost
• Limited free trial: Instead of offering a full free trial, NordLayer only provides a 14-day money-back guarantee, which may not be enough time for businesses to fully evaluate the service. Companies that need more time to test integrations may find this restrictive
• Extra costs for dedicated IPs: Businesses that require a dedicated IP address for security or allowlisting must pay an additional $40 per month, which can add up over time. For companies with multiple users, this extra expense could become a significant cost factor

Customer Experience

NordLayer has received strong ratings across multiple review platforms, reflecting their reliability and effectiveness as a business VPN solution. On G2 rates the service at 4.6/5, while Capterra gives them 4.5 out of 5, showing that businesses find NordLayer to be a secure and user-friendly option for their network needs. These ratings highlight consistent performance, strong security features, and ease of integration, making it a trusted choice for companies looking to protect their digital infrastructure.

Positive feedback

Many customers highlight NordLayer’s ease of use, strong security features, and quick deployment process. Businesses appreciate how the centralized control panel simplifies network management, allowing IT teams to monitor and adjust security settings with minimal effort. Additionally, fast connection speeds and seamless integration with existing cloud services make them a preferred choice for companies with remote employees and multiple office locations. Users also commend their Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) feature, which ensures that only authenticated users can access company resources, significantly reducing cybersecurity risks.

Another commonly praised aspect is NordLayer’s dedicated customer support and security compliance. Many businesses dealing with sensitive financial, healthcare, or corporate data appreciate that the service meets SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR compliance standards. This not only protects businesses from cyber threats but also ensures they meet industry regulations, preventing potential fines and security breaches.

Critical feedback

Despite the positive reviews, some users report occasional connection drops that can disrupt workflow, especially for businesses that rely on constant connectivity. Others find that NordLayer’s pricing is higher compared to some competitors, particularly for small businesses or startups. Additionally, while the service offers advanced features, some customers mention that these require additional setup, making them less intuitive for those without technical expertise. While the dedicated IP feature is useful for businesses needing secure access, the additional $40 per month fee per IP is seen as an unnecessary cost for some.

Another common concern is the limited trial period. Unlike some VPN providers that offer free trials, NordLayer only provides a 14-day money-back guarantee, which some businesses feel is too short to fully assess the platform’s capabilities. Companies with complex security needs may require a longer period to test all features, integrations, and scalability before making a final commitment.

Customer Support

NordLayer provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring that businesses can receive assistance whenever they need it. Their live chat feature allows users to connect with a support representative in real time, making it a convenient option for resolving urgent issues. For more detailed inquiries, businesses can reach out via email support at support@nordlayer.com, where they receive prompt and professional responses tailored to their specific concerns.

Conclusion

NordLayer stands out as a powerful business VPN solution, providing enterprise-grade security, fast speeds, and seamless scalability. Their robust infrastructure ensures that businesses of all sizes can protect their sensitive data while maintaining efficiency and connectivity. With features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), network segmentation, and dedicated IPs, they offer advanced security options that go beyond traditional VPN services.

Additionally, their compliance with major security standards, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR, makes them a trusted choice for companies operating in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.

One of NordLayer’s strongest advantages is their easy deployment and management, allowing businesses to implement network security without the need for extensive IT resources. Their centralized control panel, cloud integrations, and scalable pricing plans make them a flexible solution that can adapt to growing security needs. With speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps, businesses can maintain high performance without worrying about lag or downtime, ensuring smooth operations for remote teams and global offices.

However, NordLayer’s higher pricing and additional costs for advanced features may not fit the budget of every business. Small companies or startups looking for a cost-effective VPN solution may find the monthly fees, particularly for dedicated IPs, a bit steep. Additionally, while their 14-day money-back guarantee provides some level of trial, businesses of any size that require a longer testing period to assess integrations and scalability may find it limiting. Despite these concerns, organizations that prioritize security, compliance, and ease of use will find NordLayer to be one of the most comprehensive and reliable VPN solutions available.

To help businesses find the right VPN solution, we offer a range of resources, including detailed reviews of top VPN providers, a comparison tool for evaluating features side by side, and a blog with expert insights on online security and VPN best practices. Exploring these resources can help businesses make an informed decision, ensuring they choose the best VPN for their specific needs.