What Is A VPN And How Is It Useful?

Remote VPN access is essential if you are still working at home, as many people do, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

You may be wondering: What is a VPN and why do I need it?

To be brief, the primary purpose a virtual private network serves is to give you additional secure, confidential space while surfing the internet, or using the Internet. It doesn’t matter if your device is a computer, laptop, Mac, tablet or mobile phone.

This blog post will help you understand VPNs better. This will give you a detailed understanding of VPNs and what they do.

Are you ready to explore? Let’s get started right now!

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to work online in a virtual environment. It creates a virtual connection between your device and the Internet, and sends your data via an encrypted tunnel. It’s even more crucial than ever to protect your digital privacy.

We’ll split it into two cases to help you better understand it.

1. Your internet connection without using a VPN

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP), assigns your device an IP (Internet Protocol) when you surf the Internet. Your device is uniquely identified by this IP address and can send and receive information. But regular internet connections don’t have encryption.

Without a VPN your IP address can be exposed to advertisers, data miners and even hackers. They can also track, monitor and store your browsing history and private data, depending on the laws of your country.

2. Your internet connection using a VPN

A VPN is required to protect yourself from all the online surveillance. Your traffic is encrypted when you use a VPN. Your ISP can only see that you are connecting through a VPN server. The VPN hides your IP so that no one can track you.

There you have it. VPN protects your identity and encrypts data. No matter where you are located, you can still use the Internet as though you were there. This is especially useful for those who use public Wi-Fi networks or hotspots (e.g. airports, hotels, etc.).

Microsoft created the first VPN in 1996 to allow remote employees access the company’s network securely. It doubled productivity and was adopted by other companies. Remote work is now a common feature in the global business world.

VPNs are simple to use and are highly beneficial tools. We’ve put together a list of the top VPNs available for you to start using right away.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are claimed to have a variety of benefits for home users and busy workplaces, such as:

Hide your IP address and geographic location

Anybody who has your IP address can gain access to your search time, location, browsing history, and browsing activity. Your IP address is like a return address on a letter. It would then lead to your devices.

It is essential to mask your IP address online. A VPN allows you to change your location and ensures that your torrent download history, country, and city are not tied to your identity.

Public Wi-Fi protection

VPNs are able to protect your data when you log in to public Wi-Fi networks, such as at a coffee shop, or while on the train, to access the internet.

Although public Wi-Fi is a good option, it is not as secure as your home or work internet connection. Your data is encrypted through a VPN tunnel. Your data is encrypted until it reaches its destination. This means that you can securely browse, email and pay with credit cards even when there’s no Wi-Fi.

Access blocked websites

VPNs allow you to view content anywhere, regardless of your geographical location.

If you are in China and want to access your social media accounts from there, it is possible that some of these sites are blocked. However, you can configure your VPN so that your internet will reflect the US IP.

Streaming from anywhere

You might not be able to access certain shows if you’re abroad. If you use a US-based IP, however, your favorite shows will be available to you just like if they were yours.

You can now enjoy Netflix and Hulu with no hassles!

Preventing price discrimination

Price discrimination is when prices are offered at different prices to people based on their ability to pay. This happens more often than you might think.

Price discrimination is largely based on where you live. If you live in New York, London or other major cities, it is more likely that you will have a higher income. This means that you are more likely to be charged higher prices for goods.

This type of targeting can be avoided by using a VPN to keep your anonymity and privacy.

What is a VPN?

Once you have chosen a reliable VPN provider you can download their software. Next, select your security settings and create a secure connection to your chosen VPN server. After the connection is established, you will see the following.

#1. The VPN software on your device encrypts the data traffic and sends it to the VPN server through a secure connection.

#2. The encrypted data from your device is decrypted by the VPN server.

#3. The VPN server sends your data on to the Internet and then receives a reply, which is meant for the user (you).

#4. The traffic is encrypted again by the VPN-server and is sent back to you.

#5. The VPN software on your device decrypts the data so you can actually understand and use it.

Encryption is a way to make normal text unreadable by converting it into a jumbled code. The process of decryption is a way to break down text into easily readable parts. Only your VPN provider and your device can access the decryption keys when you’re using a VPN . Any other person trying to spy on you would only see a few characters.

VPN providers also use Internet Protocol Security to “package” your data. This ensures that it remains secure until it reaches its destination. This is called Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP). When you browse online, your IP address will not be displayed as the IP address that your ISP assigns to you. Instead, it will display as the IP address of the VPN server.

What is an IP Address?

An Internet Protocol Address is a combination of numbers that can be used to identify your device whenever you connect to the Internet. It is used to identify you and pinpoint your exact location.

This can be advantageous in certain situations. Let’s say you run a small business that needs your website and address to be securely logged for local customers. There are specific VPNs that allow you to use a VPN connection while still keeping your IP address.

VPNs can hide your IP address, but they can also reveal your location. A hacker, or a Phishing Attack can gain access to your IP address and see your online activity. They could then hack into your accounts.

But hackers are not the only ones who do this. You may have seen ads on social media that look exactly like what you are looking for. This is because your ISP sells information regarding your browsing activities. Your IP address can be hidden with a VPN to prevent this.

Different types of VPN

Remote VPN Access

Remote-access VPNs use public infrastructure such as the Internet to allow users to connect to private networks and remotely access their resources. This type of VPN is beneficial for both home and business users.

A VPN allows corporate employees to access company resources remotely from a remote location. To bypass certain regional restrictions and access blocked sites, VPN services can also be used by home users.

Site-to-site VPN

Site-to-site VPN (also known as router-to VPN) is most commonly used in corporate environments, particularly when there are multiple locations for the company’s headquarters.

Intranet-based VPN – The site-to site VPN establishes an internal network that allows offices from the same company to connect. This is known as an intranet.

Extranet-based VPN: This is when companies connect to another company’s office via site-to-site VPN. It is also known as an extranet.

Different types of VPN protocols

VPN providers use a tunnel, which is an encrypted connection. A VPN connection can be established using many VPN protocols. These protocols ensure that your data is secure and cannot be accessed by anyone else.

The most popular VPN protocols are:

PPTP

One of the most popular VPN protocols is Point-to-point Tunneling Protocol. This protocol was created by Microsoft in the mid-1990s to be integrated into Windows 95. It is specifically designed for dialup connections. This type is used primarily to connect intranet and the Internet.

Technology has advanced rapidly and PPTP’s encryption methods have been quickly cracked. This compromises its underlying security. It can provide the fastest connection speeds for users who don’t require heavy encryption.

Pros:

One of the fastest VPN protocols
It is easy to set up
Integrated into many operating systems
This is a great way to stream content that is geo-restricted

Cons:

Extremely low security
Firewalls can block this.
It is possible to compromise anonymity

IPSec/ L2TP

This VPN was created by Cisco and Microsoft in the 1990s. It is used when privacy and security are top priorities.

L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol), can’t provide privacy or encryption until it is paired with the IPSec. It can take longer than PPTP because the traffic is converted to L2TP form and then encrypted for extra security.

Pros:

L2TP can be used on mobile operating systems. IPSec encrypts data according to military standards.
Data is protected between the sender/receiver to prevent any data being altered

Cons:

It can be challenging to configure
It can cause slow connections due to the fact that it uses a lot of computing power.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a widely-used VPN protocol and is the most popular on the market.

This type of code is open-source. It was created by James Yonan in 2001. This allows the community to access the source code to identify security flaws and address them. It does not allow for backdoors or potential flaws within the code.

OpenVPN offers a combination of speed and security. It is available for Windows, Mac and Android.

Pros:

Modern security measures are used to protect data
It can bypass firewalls as it is easily disguised and used as normal internet traffic

Cons:

It can be challenging to configure
Security can be compromised if security settings are not correct

IKEv2

Microsoft and Cisco developed Internet Key Exchange volume 2 (“IKEv2), which is paired with IPSec to provide authentication and encryption. It is designed for mobile devices on 3G and 4G LTE networks.

Dropped connections can occur when you travel through a tunnel or switch from your mobile connection to WiFi. This is why the VPN connection will not drop during the transition.

Pros:

Relatively quick, stable, and safe
Network changes can be handled without any hassles

Cons:

If you don’t have a Blackberry, it isn’t widely supported
It can be difficult to implement the VPN server-side

SSTP

Microsoft developed Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol, which was first implemented in Windows Vista. It was created for remote access and may not work with site-to-site VPN access. SSTP is primarily used by people who prefer Windows as their operating system.

Pros:

Secure and can bypass firewalls
It is easy to use because it is fully integrated into Windows technology

Cons:

It is not supported by other OS’s, such as mac
Software is not open source, which means it has not been independently audited.

SoftEther

The SoftEther protocol was started as a Japanese University project. It has since grown to be a huge open-source, multi-protocol VPN software program.

It can refer to either the VPN protocol or the VPN server.

The server can support multiple VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and SSTP.

Protocol: Uses Secure Socket Layer to secure client-server VPN communications. It uses a variety of technological innovations that make it faster and more secure.

This type of VPN is relatively new but is rapidly growing in popularity. It is compatible with multiple operating systems, and it can be used to create clients for Linux.

Pros:

Use it free of charge
Stable, secure, and fast

Cons:

No native OS support
This needs to be installed on the device and connected to a server

Are VPNs legal?

VPNs are legal in most countries, including the United States. A web page is provided by the Federal Trade Commission in the USA that advises residents on how to select reliable VPNs. The FTC recommends VPNs, but warns users to carefully research VPN providers. The FTC cautions consumers that VPN providers often sell user data and insert annoying pop-up advertisements. They are also not the best security solution for computers.

You should be aware that a VPN doesn’t automatically make all internet activity legal. Even if your VPN is enabled, you can still be held responsible for downloading or uploading pirated content.

Many countries have disclosure laws, including Canada, the UK and Ireland, France, and possibly the USA. Anyone working for VPN companies might be required to report activity to law enforcement. Keep in mind, however, that file-sharing networks can be populated by so-called patent trolling. They might forward your activity to authorities if you share pirated material.

VPN usage may be restricted in certain countries outside the USA. China, Iran and Russia are just a few examples of countries that allow VPN use only with approved providers. A heavy fine or other punishment could be imposed if you use a VPN that is not approved by the government. A six-figure fine and jail sentence are possible in the UAE.

Some countries ban VPNs completely, including Oman, Belarus, Oman and North Korea. Before you use a VPN, ensure you are familiar with the legal implications.

Is there anything negative about using a VPN?

A VPN can provide many great benefits, as you can see. There are, however, some disadvantages to using VPN technology.

Before you decide to use a VPN, consider the pros and cons.

Potentially slower speed A VPN connection can cause your web traffic to go through more steps than normal. This could lead to a noticeable slowdown. If the VPN service is not fast enough, people who use the internet can experience problems. It is important to test a VPN’s speed before you try it.

QoS challenges. QoS (Quality of Service), refers to the performance of a network/service. VPNs don’t have a standard to measure and report these measurements. There are no metrics that can be used to assess a VPN’s reliability so you will need to rely on professional reviews and word of mouth to find the best one.

No cookie protection. No cookie protection. VPNs are good at keeping your information secure and encrypted, but it is impossible for them to block cookies that are essential to the operation of websites. Tracking cookies, which can be used to identify you, are one of the worst types of cookies.

No total privacy. VPNs do not protect your internet privacy. However, they can block ISPs, governments, hackers, advertisers and other snoopers. The VPN provider can also see all of your online activities if they wish. It is important to select a reliable provider that does not keep logs.

VPNs can be a good investment if you are concerned about your online privacy.

How to select a reliable VPN

There are many VPN companies available on the Internet. While some VPN companies are free, the best ones require a monthly fee. These are some of the factors to consider before you decide to download a VPN.

Cost. Although VPNs can be affordable, prices vary between vendors. If price is your primary concern, you can choose a cheaper or free VPN service. It is important to remember that premium paid services have more secure security features. Always verify the countries that the paid service operates servers in before you sign up for it.

High security. High security. A reliable VPN will usually have the following features: 128 bit encryption, anonymous DNS (Domain Name System), servers and no connection logs.

Operating systems. Picking a VPN service should be compatible with your operating system. A VPN client for Linux may be different from one for Microsoft Windows.

Device. You may need a different VPN to access a VPN on your tablet or mobile phone than the one you have installed on your laptop.

Customer support. Customer support is an important feature of the best VPN services.

Here are 4 steps to get started with VPN

After you have read the list of top VPNs and selected one that you like, sign up for it and pay.

Most accounts will require your email address to be created. While most VPN providers will guarantee your email address is not used for any other purpose than customer support, you might want to create a dummy to increase your privacy.

Standard payment options like credit cards, debit cards and PayPal are available. You can use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, local payment wallets or gift cards.

You can try out some VPN services like CyberGhost or NordVPN to see if they work for you.

An app is included with every good VPN service. It can be used on Windows, iOS, Android, macOS and macOS. If you require it, check to see if the VPN service is compatible with other devices such as Linux, streaming sticks, or gaming consoles.

Download the app and complete the signup process. Or, you can set up everything on the VPN website. Apps for mobile devices are available in the App Store and Google Play Store. Links to other operating systems can be found on the VPN’s website. Do not try to download from another source as they might contain malware.

Step 3. Connect to a VPN server

Many apps will have a button to connect the VPN. The fastest speed and the lowest latency will be offered by the server closest to you or the one that the app chooses. You can quickly get started by tapping the button.

However, you may want to be able to connect to specific servers in a particular location. To access streaming services, for example, you will need to connect to the correct server.

ExpressVPN is an example. It chooses the “smart place” for you. To search for something in particular, tap on the “Selected location” button to display the complete list of servers. To make it easier to find your favorite options later, you can also “favorite”.

CyberGhost, a VPN service that offers Modes and Purposes, takes the guesswork out. The app will choose the best option for you, so you can pick what you want. This is ideal for new users.

Step 4. Settings and features

While the settings and features may be different, the fundamentals will remain. You should activate the kill switch when using any VPN service. Although it might be called Internet Kill Switch, Network Lock or something else, the concept is the same. If the VPN connection is lost, this feature will block all Internet activity and traffic.

The option to choose the VPN protocol might be displayed. There are options such as OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP/IPSec. The app can also set it to Automatic. This isn’t always the best option, especially if older protocols such as PPTP are still supported by the app.

You will also find advanced features depending on which service you choose. Some provide malware protection, ad removal, obfuscation server, and many other advanced features. Consider the essential features you need to choose the best VPN provider.

The bottom line

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are secure connections between you and the Internet. It gives users more freedom, privacy, and security online. There are many ways to set up a VPN connection. However, most people subscribe to a VPN provider.

We hope you found this article helpful in understanding VPNs. If you have any questions or find it difficult, let us know! We are always available to help you, as usual!

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