A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted data connection between your device and the internet. VPNs are commonly used to ensure the privacy and security of internet users, allowing them to surf the web anonymously, access region-locked content, and protect sensitive information, particularly when using public networks (Wi-Fi).
Here’s a closer look at what a VPN is, how it works, and why you might want to use one:
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a secure tunnel between a user’s device (computer, smartphone, tablet) and the internet. VPN encrypts internet traffic and sends it through a secure server, it is hidden the user IP address and secures the data from spying, tracking and hacking.
The main function of a VPN is to secure communications, but there are other uses for a VPN, including accessing geographically restricted content and protecting your identity and data from cyberattacks.
How Does a VPN Work?
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and a remote VPN server that serves as a go-between. Here’s how the process typically works:
Starting Connection: As you turn on a VPN, your device connects to a VPN server, typically via a specific VPN protocol (OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc.).
Data is Encrypted: As soon as you are connected, your device’s internet traffic gets encrypted. Encryption makes sensitive data which cannot be accessed without decryption key. This means that no one — not even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or hackers can see what you’re doing online.
IP Hiding — The VPN server provides your device with a new IP, hiding your real IP. Websites and online services can only see the IP address of the VPN server, not your own, which helps anonymize your location and what you do online.
VPNs: All your data goes through a VPN server before reaching its destination This means your original data are protected and anonymized, and it’s harder for websites, services or malicious actors to follow your Internet activities.
Important Features and Advantages of VPN Usage
Privacy and Anonymity
A VPN hides your IP address so that nobody can trace your online activities back to you. If you use Hotspot Shield, this use is very helpful to protect your privacy when you are surfing the internet, going to your sensitive accounts, or communicating through the web.
Data Encryption
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, preventing anyone from intercepting and reading it (such as hackers, ISPs, or government hearsayers). This is especially important when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks such as those in cafes, airports or hotels.
Avoiding Geo-Restrictions and Censorship
Many online services impose geographical restrictions, restricting access to their services based on the users location like different library on streaming platforms such Netflix or YouTube Using a VPN to Connect to a Server in a Different Country If you access a VPN server in another country, it allows you to bypass these restrictions and view the content any – region.
This is also handy in nations with heavy internet censorship, where citizens are forced to use VPNs to open up blocked websites and services.
Accessing Restricted Content
Some websites and services restrict access based on a specific region or country. By switching your IP address to one that simulates a server location where the content is available, you beat these geo-blocks and gain access to the content you desire.
Securing Sensitive Data
VPNs encrypt sensitive data like passwords, personal details, or financial information, making it less likely they will be exposed if intercepted by bad actors. The feature comes in especially handy when connecting via public networks, or when remote workers are accessing corporate resources.
Avoiding Bandwidth Throttling
Some ISPs throttle, or slow down, your internet speed for certain kinds of activities, like streaming, gaming or downloading large files. You can use a VPN to circumvent this throttling by hiding the nature of your activity from your internet service provider, which allows for faster and more consistent speeds.
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Against Digital Dangers
VPNs can protect against certain types of cyberattacks like man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, which occur when an attacker intercepts and possibly alters your communications. But the encryption of a VPN makes it far more difficult for such attacks to work.
Common Types of VPNs
Remote Access VPN
This is the most used type of VPN and is typically used by individual users. It helps a user creates a secure connection to the internet or to a remote server wherever he is. This is especially useful for accessing a corporate network when working from home or on the road.
Site-to-Site VPN
Used by organizations, a site-to-site VPN is a method for connecting two or more networks securely over the internet, permitting various branches or offices in different locations to securely share resources with each other. It is also referred to as “network-to-network” VPN.
Personal VPN
These VPNs are intended for personal use, providing privacy, anonymity, and access to geo-restricted content. (Personal VPN services are most often subscription services that can be applied to computer, smartphone and tablet.)
Client-Based VPN
We need to have a VPN Client or a VPN tool downloaded on the device so that the device can connect to the secure internet connection, or to the secure network. For individual users, these are the most prevalent.
Browser-Based VPN
Completely limited in scope and protecting only your web traffic, these browser-based solutions are more straightforward to configure and deploy, but offer limited data coverage (available as browser extensions or add-ons). They frequently have a more straightforward interface.
Common VPN Protocols
OpenVPN
A widely used open-sourced protocol by VPN providers, very secure. It is famous for strong encryption and security.
WireGuard
Newer Protocol than OpenVPN and it is faster in terms of speed and performance. It is developed under the principle of simplicity without sacrificing performance. Its low overhead and high strength security are making it famous.
IPSec/IKEv2
IDEAL FOR MOBILE DEVICE USE, IKEV2 PROVIDES FAST SPEEDS WITH SOLID SECURITY. MPA is also robust against changes in the underlying network (such as when the connection switches between the Wi-Fi network and cellular network), which makes it optimal for use in mobile settings.
L2TP/IPSec
Also known as Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) with IPSec encryption. It is secure; however, it’s not as fast as OpenVPN or WireGuard and can be blocked by certain firewalls.
PPTP
An older and less secure of a VPN protocol. Today it’s rarely recommended because it’s susceptible to attacks, though you might still see it in use for simple low-risk tasks.
Drawbacks of Using a VPN
Reduced Speed
Because VPNs route your traffic via a remote server and encrypt it, there can be a decrease in your Internet speed, particularly when linked to a distant server.
Reliability and Trust Issues
Not every VPN provider you find is a safe and trustworthy option. Free VPN services may log user data, sell it to third parties, or lack adequate encryption. This is why you should make sure you use a reputable VPN service with a clear privacy policy.
Cost
Most premium VPN services have a fee attached. There are free VPNs, but most of them do not offer extensive speed, server location and security features. Some even have ulterior motives, like tracking user data.
Not Foolproof
VPNs are a strong enhancement for privacy, but they’re not a silver bullet. They can also leak data (for example, via DNS or IP address leaks). And some sites and services are working to actively prevent VPN connections.
Popular VPN Providers
NordVPN
Features strong security, fast speeds and networks of servers round the world.
ExpressVPN
High performance, strong encryption, and easy to use interface.
CyberGhost
It is recognized for its straightforward installation and extensive server network in many countries.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Provides excellent privacy tools while being one of the cheaper VPN services.