What is a VPN(Virtual Private Network)?

VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” and describes the opportunity to establish a protected network connection when using public networks. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and disguise your online identity. This makes it more difficult for third parties to track your activities online and steal data. The encryption takes place in real time

How does work ?

A VPN hides your IP address by letting the network redirect it through a specially configured remote server run by a VPN host. This means that if you surf online with a VPN, the VPN server becomes the source of your data. This means your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other third parties cannot see which websites you visit or what data you send and receive online. A VPN works like a filter that turns all your data into “gibberish”. Even if someone were to get their hands on your data, it would be useless.

Here’s what happens to your web traffic when you use a VPN:

1. You download, install and open the VPN app on your computer, smartphone, or TV.
2. In the VPN app, you connect to a VPN server in a location of your choice.
3. When you visit a website or use another application, the VPN software on your device encrypts the connection request using an encryption cipher. This makes the location and content of your request unintelligible to anyone looking at it.
4. The connection data is sent to your chosen VPN server, where it is decrypted.
5. The VPN server connects to the website and sends your connection request on your behalf. The website then sends the requested information back to the VPN server.
6. This information is encrypted by the VPN server and forwarded back to your device.
7. Your VPN app decrypts the information and the requested website or service responds to your request.

What does a VPN hide?

A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address. As a result, it also hides your location, browsing history, searches, downloads, and any other activities, such as gaming or streaming. A VPN hides this information from bad actors, ISPs, websites, and even oppressive governments.

If you’re surfing the internet without a VPN, you’re leaving a digital footprint on every website you visit. Be it lurking on forums, using social media, or simply searching for information, your activity can be backtracked along with your real IP address, location, and other personal information.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your actual IP address automatically when you connect to a VPN server, masking the physical location, browsing history, and online activities performed on your device. By providing you with a VPN IP address instead, it blocks your ISP and self-interested third parties from breaching your privacy and monetizing your personal information.

And while a VPN cannot make you anonymous, accessing the internet through a VPN can provide layers of protection to your online activity from unwelcome eyes. Let’s take a look at how that works.

Internal protocol (IP) addresses are digital labels every device or a device network receives before it can access the internet. Because of that, your IP address is roughly linked to your physical location, ISP, and search history. 

Your IP address is tied to your online identity
Maybe you’re browsing forums or Reddit under a pseudonym, or perhaps you just don’t want to have your true identity displayed on social media.

But if your IP address is not hidden, it can be used for doxxing, something that hackers and online vigilantes do to acquire information for malicious intent about public and private figures. Tie that information to a person’s name or an organisation and imagine how many stories can be spun when it is taken out of context.

IP addresses are used to set online prices
Doxxing is not the only thing someone can do with your IP. Companies and service providers can use your IP information and cookies to track your purchases and tailor prices and deals for you accordingly.

When you use a VPN, it hides your public-facing IP by changing it to your VPN server’s IP address. Anyone trying to backtrack your information requests will not be able to see where it originated from. A good VPN provider can even help against governments and fancier companies trying to track you.

“Why do I need a VPN?” Why, to hide your location, of course. While your IP address can show someone your location, it’s not exactly the most accurate of information. Usually, your IP can only display information provided by your ISP, i.e., the city or place where the internet servers you’re connected to are located. However, aside from your IP address, there are other ways for third parties to track you.

Many apps, for example, do this by using your device’s physical GPS location. Sometimes, access to your smartphone’s GPS is one of the conditions for using certain apps at all. Then these apps track you everywhere you go or visit.

But if you turn off GPS tracking and use a VPN, they won’t be able to track you even on public Wi-Fi hotspots. That’s something that Google can do by triangulating the location of Android users connected to the hotspot in the past while using GPS. Yet, iOS devices have a whole other story regarding location tracking.

Airports, coffee shops, hotels, and other venues offering free Wi-Fi are prime targets for hackers and cybercriminals.

To safeguard your data, it’s advisable to steer clear of unsecured public networks or Wi-Fi hotspots unless you’re utilising a VPN. Without protection, individuals with malicious intent and basic technical skills could easily intercept your logins, passwords, or other sensitive information you transmit.

By encrypting all data before transmission, a VPN ensures your privacy remains intact. This means that even if intercepted, your personal information appears as indecipherable gibberish to unauthorised observers. It’s recommended to always activate a VPN app when travelling to eliminate concerns about connecting to public hotspots when necessary.

As previously noted, effective VPNs can conceal their own activity by enabling you to access the internet through obfuscated VPN servers. This approach obscures the fact that you’re utilizing a VPN, thereby aiding in circumventing VPN blockers implemented by government, ISPs, or other institutions such as schools and universities.

What are the benefits of a VPN connection?

A VPN connection disguises your data traffic online and protects it from external access. Unencrypted data can be viewed by anyone who has network access and wants to see it. With a VPN, hackers and cyber criminals can’t decipher this data.

• Secure encryption: To read the data, you need an encryption key . Without one, it would take millions of years for a computer to decipher the code in the event of a brute force attack . With the help of a VPN, your online activities are hidden even on public networks.
• Disguising your whereabouts : VPN servers essentially act as your proxies on the internet. Because the demographic location data comes from a server in another country, your actual location cannot be determined. In addition, most VPN services do not store logs of your activities. Some providers, on the other hand, record your behaviour, but do not pass this information on to third parties. This means that any potential record of your user behaviour remains permanently hidden.
• Access to regional content: Regional web content is not always accessible from everywhere. Services and websites often contain content that can only be accessed from certain parts of the world. Standard connections use local servers in the country to determine your location. This means that you cannot access content at home while traveling, and you cannot access international content from home. With VPN location spoofing , you can switch to a server to another country and effectively “change” your location.
• Secure data transfer: If you work remotely, you may need to access important files on your company’s network. For security reasons, this kind of information requires a secure connection. To gain access to the network, a VPN connection is often required. VPN services connect to private servers and use encryption methods to reduce the risk of data leakage.

Types of VPN connections

There are several types of VPN connections commonly used:

A Site-to-Site VPN, also known as a Router-to-Router VPN, is a type of VPN connection that enables secure communication between two or more networks located in different physical locations. Here’s more information about Site-to-Site VPNs:

• Usage: Site-to-Site VPNs are commonly used by businesses with multiple office locations or branch offices. They allow these geographically dispersed networks to communicate with each other securely over the public internet as if they were connected on the same local network.
• Setup: Site-to-Site VPNs are typically established by configuring VPN tunnels between the routers or gateway devices at each site. These tunnels encrypt data traffic passing between the networks, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.
• Topology: Site-to-Site VPNs can be configured in various network topologies, such as hub-and-spoke or full mesh. In a hub-and-spoke topology, one central site (the hub) serves as the main point of connection for all other sites (the spokes). In a full mesh topology, each site is connected directly to every other site.

Allows individual users to connect to a private network from a remote location over the internet. This type of connection is commonly used by employees to access corporate networks from outside the office.

• Usage: Ideal for employees or individuals who need secure access to a company’s network resources from a remote location.
• Setup: Users typically install VPN client software on their devices, which connects to a VPN server hosted by the company.
• Benefits: Provides secure access to internal resources such as files, applications, and printers, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.

VPN Protocols

VPN protocols are the set of rules and procedures governing how data is transmitted and encrypted over a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. These protocols determine how VPN clients and servers communicate with each other securely. Here are some common VPN protocols:

• OpenVPN: An open-source VPN protocol known for its flexibility, robustness, and support across various platforms. It can operate over both TCP and UDP, offering configurable encryption and authentication methods.

• IPsec (Internet Protocol Security): A suite of protocols used to secure internet communications by authenticating and encrypting each packet of data. IPsec can be implemented in tunnel mode or transport mode and is often used in enterprise VPN deployments.

• L2TP/IPsec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol/IPsec): A combination of L2TP for tunneling and IPsec for encryption, providing both tunneling and encryption capabilities for VPN connections. L2TP/IPsec is widely supported across different platforms and devices.

• PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol): An older VPN protocol known for its ease of setup and compatibility with older devices. However, it is considered less secure due to vulnerabilities discovered over time.

• SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol): Developed by Microsoft, SSTP creates a secure connection over SSL/TLS and is integrated into various Microsoft operating systems. It offers strong security and is often used in Windows environments.

• IKEv2/IPsec (Internet Key Exchange version 2): A VPN protocol known for its speed, stability, and ability to quickly re-establish connections in case of network interruptions. It is commonly used in mobile VPN applications.

• WireGuard: A newer VPN protocol designed for simplicity, speed, and strong security. WireGuard aims to be lightweight and efficient while providing high performance and modern cryptographic protocols

What are the constraints of VPN service?

When utilizing a VPN, it’s crucial to understand the limitations that come with this tool. While VPNs offer enhanced privacy and security, one lesser-known drawback is the potential reduction in internet speed. This decrease in speed can be significant and impact your online activities.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to VPN limitations. Stay tuned to uncover three more essential aspects you should be mindful of to make informed decisions about your online security.

Speed Reduction

When using a VPN, you may experience a reduction in speed due to the encryption processes involved. This slowdown occurs because the VPN encrypts your data before sending it through a secure tunnel, which can add extra steps and processing time.

While this encryption is crucial for maintaining your privacy and security online, it can lead to a decrease in internet speed, especially when connecting to servers located far away.

Limited Geographical Access

Limited Geographical Access may restrict your ability to access certain online content or services based on your physical location.

This limitation occurs because VPN servers are located in specific regions, and if the server you’re connected to is in a different country, you may encounter restrictions accessing content only available in your actual location.

Data Logging Policies

Be mindful of VPN providers’ data logging policies as they can significantly impact your online privacy and security.

Some VPN services may keep logs of your internet activity, which could potentially be accessed by third parties.

It’s crucial to choose a VPN that has a strict no-logging policy to ensure that your personal information remains private and secure while you browse the web.

Always review and understand a VPN provider’s data handling practices before subscribing.

Vulnerability to Malware

Vulnerability to malware is a critical consideration when using a VPN, as it can expose your device to various online threats. While VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, they don’t provide complete protection against malware.

If you inadvertently download malicious files or visit infected websites, the VPN won’t shield you. It’s essential to combine VPN usage with robust antivirus software to enhance your device’s security against malware.

Do you really need a VPN?

It seems like you’re referring to a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Whether you need one depends on your specific circumstances and concerns. VPNs offer several benefits:

1. Privacy and Encryption: One of the primary functions of a VPN is to encrypt your internet connection. When you connect to a VPN server, your data is encrypted before it leaves your device and travels through the internet. This encryption prevents anyone from intercepting and reading your data, including your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, or government agencies. This is especially important when you’re using unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks, where your data is more vulnerable to interception

2. Anonymity: VPNs can also help protect your online anonymity by masking your IP address. When you connect to a VPN server, your real IP address is replaced with the IP address of the VPN server. This makes it more difficult for websites, advertisers, and other third parties to track your online activities and identify your location.

3. Security: In addition to encrypting your data, VPNs can provide additional security features such as firewall protection and malware scanning. Some VPN services offer built-in security features to protect against online threats such as viruses, phishing scams, and malicious websites.

4. Bypassing Geo-restrictions: Another benefit of using a VPN is the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked or restricted in your region. For example, you can use a VPN to access streaming services, social media platforms, or news websites that may be unavailable in your country due to censorship or licensing restrictions.

5. Remote Access: VPNs are also commonly used for remote access to corporate networks. By connecting to a VPN server provided by their employer, employees can securely access company resources, files, and applications from anywhere in the world.

How to choose the right VPN?

Choosing the right VPN can seem daunting given the multitude of options available, but here are some key factors to consider:

• Privacy Policy: Look for a VPN provider that has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep records of your online activities. Read their privacy policy carefully to understand what data they collect and how they handle it.
• Security Features: Check what security features the VPN offers, such as encryption protocols (e.g., OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard), kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. These features ensure your data remains secure and your identity protected.
• Server Locations and Speed: Consider the number and location of servers offered by the VPN provider. More server locations mean better access to geo-restricted content. Additionally, ensure the VPN provides fast and reliable connection speeds by reading reviews or testing their service through a free trial if available.
• Device Compatibility: Make sure the VPN supports the devices and platforms you use, whether it’s Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, or others. Some VPNs also offer browser extensions for added convenience.
• Ease of Use: Look for a VPN with a user-friendly interface and easy setup process. You shouldn’t need to be a tech expert to use it effectively.
• Customer Support: Consider the quality and availability of customer support. Look for VPN providers that offer responsive customer support through live chat, email, or phone, especially if you encounter technical issues.
• Price and Payment Options: Compare pricing plans and payment options offered by different VPN providers. While some VPNs offer free versions or trials, premium VPNs usually provide better performance and security features for a subscription fee.
• Reputation and Reviews: Research the reputation of the VPN provider by reading user reviews, independent assessments, and expert opinions. Look for any red flags or security breaches associated with the provider.
• Compatibility with Streaming Services: If you intend to use the VPN for streaming purposes, ensure it can bypass geo-restrictions and access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.
• Trial Period or Money-Back Guarantee: Opt for VPNs that offer a trial period or a money-back guarantee. This allows you to test their service risk-free before committing to a long-term subscription.