- If only a limited number of employees need to access the server’s content, and you don’t need to share files with external partners, setting up a VPN connection is the safest way to go.
- On the other hand, if you want to share content with external partners or provide guest access, opening ports and setting up secure HTTPS access are the best options.
VPN

- Encrypts all traffic between the client and server, making it difficult for hackers to intercept data.
- Allows you to control access to the server by only allowing authorized users with VPN credentials.
- Allows you to configure the server to restrict access to the Internet and only grant access to the VPN connection.
- Generally, offers the highest level of security for accessing the Daminion server over the internet.
- Requires additional setup and configuration, which may be challenging for some users.
- Slower connection speed due to the additional encryption and routing of traffic through the VPN server.
- Requires VPN configuration for each user.
Port forwarding

- Easier to set up and configure than a VPN connection: the end users do not need to configure anything.
- Faster connection speeds since traffic is not being routed through a VPN server.
- Allows external partners or guests to access content on the Daminion server without requiring VPN credentials.
- The server can be accessed by the domain name corresponding to your company.
- The costs of ensuring the security of the open server can be high.
- Potentially risky if not set up correctly since opening ports may expose the Daminion server to unauthorized access.
- HTTPS requires the purchase and installation of an SSL/TLS certificate.
- Offers lower security than a VPN connection since data is not encrypted end-to-end.