VPN Routers: Your Security Edge for Landing Remote Work During Government Shutdowns

The federal government shutdown has left many government employees, including around 750,000 furloughed workers, without pay and facing financial strain. If you are affected, you may qualify for unemployment benefits and should consider remote work options for temporary income or a career change.

It’s crucial to know that your home network security can impact your ability to secure quality remote work. A VPN router can enhance your chances. Additionally, federal employees may receive back pay once the shutdown ends, as per the Office of Personnel Management and the Fair Treatment Act of 2019. Understanding your rights regarding unemployment compensation and retroactive pay is essential during this challenging time.

Why Furloughed Employees Need Professional Security for Remote Work

While exploring remote job listings, you’ll find that employers prioritize security. They seek assurance that remote workers, including furloughed federal employees, can manage sensitive data effectively.

This trend benefits furloughed government employees, who already grasp security protocols. It’s crucial to demonstrate that your home setup complies with professional standards.

The VPN Router Advantage During the Government Shutdown

1. Demonstrate Professional-Grade Security

When applying for remote positions in fields like government contracting, IT, healthcare administration, financial services, or data analysis, you can mention that your home network runs through a VPN router with always-on encryption. This signals to employers that you take security seriously and understand professional IT requirements.

2. Protect Your Job Search

Your job search involves transmitting resumes with personal information, filling out applications with Social Security numbers, and accessing recruitment portals. A VPN router encrypts all this traffic automatically—no need to remember to connect individual devices.

3. Enable Multi-Device Protection

Job searching today means researching companies on your laptop, checking LinkedIn on your phone, video interviewing on your tablet, and completing skills assessments on various platforms. A VPN router protects ALL these devices simultaneously, unlike software VPNs that require individual installations and eat up your limited connections.

Real Applications for Furloughed Federal Workers

For Temporary Remote Work

If you’re seeking contract work to bridge the financial gap during the shutdown, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr prioritize providers in administrative support and customer service. Furloughed federal employees can explore these opportunities. A VPN router helps you apply for secure gigs, enabling you to work without interruption.

For Permanent Career Changes

Many employees furloughed from the federal government are questioning whether to return to work amid the shutdown at all. If you’re exploring private sector remote opportunities, a VPN router gives you:

• Access to geo-restricted job boards where military and international companies post opportunities for federal agencies and employees of federal contractors
• Protection during salary negotiations to keep your compensation research private and avoid workers from receiving less than their worth
• Security for portfolio work when building projects to showcase to potential employers.

For Government Contractors

If you’re a furloughed employee considering a shift to consulting or contract work with U.S. government agencies, it’s important to note that many contracts continue working during the shutdown for essential services. These opportunities may offer paychecks while you are in nonpay status due to the lapse in appropriations. To ensure secure connections as a federal government employee, a VPN router can help you meet the requirements from day one.

Best VPN Routers for Remote

Privacy Hero 2

For furloughed workers building a professional remote work setup, the Privacy Hero 2 NordLynx VPN Router is a great option. Developed in collaboration with NordVPN, it delivers enterprise-grade security through an intuitive interface that doesn’t require technical expertise.

The NordLynx protocol ensures lightning-fast speeds for video interviews and client calls, while features like encrypted DNS, malware protection, and automatic ad-blocking provide the professional-grade security employers expect.

With one-click setup and comprehensive device protection, it’s the fastest path from furlough to secure remote employment. Perfect for job seekers who need reliable security without the learning curve.

Asus BE58U WiFi 7 AsusWRT FlashRouter

For households where multiple family members are job hunting or working remotely, the Asus RT-BE58U BE3600 WiFi 7 FlashRouter is an excellent choice. Supporting 30+ devices across 2,000 sq. ft., it handles simultaneous video interviews, file uploads, and online applications without slowdowns.

The advanced AsusWRT VPN Fusion firmware gives you professional-grade control over your network configuration, allowing you to route specific devices through the VPN while keeping others on regular connections. With cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology and a powerful 2.0GHz processor, it’s built for serious remote work at an accessible price point.

Asus BE88U WiFi 7 Asus Merlin FlashRouter

For federal workers transitioning to high-security remote consulting or contract work, the Asus RT-BE88U with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware is the professional’s choice. With dual 10 Gigabit ports and 34 Gigabit total capacity across 2,500 sq. ft., it handles enterprise-level workloads effortlessly.

The open-source Merlin firmware provides unmatched customization—configure up to five simultaneous VPN servers, use policy routing to selectively protect specific devices, and enable kill-switch protection for sensitive work.

Perfect for government contractors, cybersecurity professionals, or anyone requiring granular control over their secure remote work environment. Maximum performance meets maximum security.

Best VPN Providers for Remote Work

NordVPN

NordVPN is our top recommendation for remote workers seeking reliable, fast connections. With over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, it ensures consistent access to job platforms and client systems worldwide. The optional dedicated IP feature is perfect for professionals needing stable connections for remote work applications. Get 60% off 2-year subscriptions through our link.

Key Features:

• NordLynx (WireGuard-based) for top speeds
• Audited no-logs; broad server coverage
• Great balance of streaming + security

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is ideal for budget-conscious furloughed workers prioritizing privacy. From the trusted ProtonMail team, this Switzerland-based provider offers AES-256 encryption and lightning-fast WireGuard protocol support at an affordable price point. Perfect for first-time VPN users building secure remote work setups, with comprehensive tools for managing business and personal data securely.

Key Features:

• Under Swiss privacy jurisdiction
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Servers in 60 countries

SurfShark VPN

Surfshark VPN is perfect for furloughed households with multiple job seekers. With 3,200+ servers across 100 countries and unlimited device connections, entire families can search for remote work simultaneously under one affordable subscription. WireGuard protocol ensures fast video interviews, while Multihop provides extra security for sensitive applications. Exceptional value for multi-user households.

Key Features:

• Independent audit verified no-logging policy
• Comes with Hackblock and BlindSearch
• VPN servers in 60+ countries

Beyond Job Searching: Your Remote Work Foundation

Once you secure a remote position while navigating the challenges of being a furloughed government employee, a VPN router becomes even more valuable:

• Client Communications: Keep video calls, file sharing, and email protected to ensure that you can continue to work for furloughed government employees effectively.
• Compliance Requirements: Meet industry standards for HIPAA, GDPR, or other regulations, which is crucial for those eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
• Multi-User Households: If your spouse is also working remotely, one router protects everyone, allowing your family to stay connected and productive.
• IoT Device Security: Smart home devices can create vulnerabilities—VPN routers close these gaps, ensuring that resources for federal workers get safeguarded.

FlashRouters: Pre-Configured and Ready

The beauty of FlashRouters is that you don’t need to be a networking expert. Every router comes pre-configured with your VPN service of choice (we support 20+ major providers), so you can have enterprise-grade security running in under 10 minutes. This is especially important for those in the US who are furloughed due to a lapse in appropriations that has ended.

For furloughed workers facing financial pressure, this isn’t just about security—it’s about speed. You need to start earning again quickly.

Affordable Options for Tight Budgets

We understand that during a furlough, every dollar counts. That’s why we offer:

• Financing options through Shop Pay
• Budget-friendly router models starting under $150
• Multi-device support (30+ devices on most models) so the whole household benefits
• No monthly fees beyond your chosen VPN subscription

Consider it an investment in your career transition. The cost of one router could be offset by a single week of remote work.

Getting Started: Your Action Plan for the Shutdown

If you’re a furloughed federal employee ready to take control of your career path:

1. Assess your target industry’s security expectations by researching job postings in your field
2. Choose a router that matches your needs based on devices and home layout
3. Select a VPN service with strong business application credentials
4. Set up your professional home office with secure infrastructure
5. Update your resume and LinkedIn to mention your secure home network setup where relevant

The Bottom Line

The government shutdown has created uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of workers, but it also presents an opportunity to reassess your career path and build the infrastructure for modern remote work. With the lapse in appropriations has ended, many furloughed government employees are looking for ways to navigate their employment options.

If you’re wondering whether you qualify for available opportunities, it’s essential to stay informed about state-by-state options. A VPN router isn’t just about privacy—it’s about positioning yourself as a serious, security-conscious professional in a competitive remote job market. Whether you’re seeking temporary contract work to weather the shutdown or making a permanent move to private sector remote employment, protecting your network is protecting your career.

Ready to secure your remote work future? Browse our collection of pre-configured VPN routers and take the first step toward professional-grade home network security.

Have questions about which router is right for your remote work setup? Contact our team for personalized recommendations.