What is a VPN, and How Does It Work?

With the rising risks of cyberattacks, it is critical now to secure yourself digitally. Also, streaming services like Netflix’s geographical restrictions prevent you from watching your favorite content. Despite all these hurdles, a virtual private network is one of the effective solutions.

This article will explore what a VPN is, why you need one, how it works, its functions, and its pros and cons. Read till the end to find your answers.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a security tool that protects you by masking your IP address and encrypting your data. It provides excellent privacy value to users and works as a secret tunnel, shielding your data and messages when they are going through the public network.

VPNs are not just for tech geeks anymore. They provide an extra layer of anonymity and security for your online activities. Thus blocking hackers and stopping the exposure of sensitive data based on your location. They are invisible cloaks that mask your online identity, so no one can trace or snoop on you.

How does a VPN work?

Whenever you join a VPN server, your web traffic will go through that server before reaching its target destination online. It works by directing your internet traffic through a remote server network.

The VPN supplier manages this network. This process includes encrypting all data that passes through the VPN tunnel. Thus keeping it safe from unwanted access. Furthermore, using a virtual IP address disguises your real identity and location.

What does a VPN do?

Think of your internet traffic as a river flowing from your gadget to the endless ocean of the internet. Usually, the stream goes to the ISP (Internet Service Provider) directly. However, when you use it, you’re taking a detour in the middle of your journey.

Dropping off the regular pathway, your traffic stops at a VPN node first before going to your ISP, and then it reaches the internet. But now it looks like it originates from the VPN server rather than your device.

Without this tool, your IP address, a unique identifier for your network, is visible to the web. However, using a VPN is the same as wearing a mask. You use it as a mediator, disguising your IP address and routing the traffic through its servers.

Moreover, it builds a latent protective shell of encryption around your data. Thus forming a secure covered passage around your online activities. This combination of rerouting and encryption protects you from the peeping eyes of hackers.

Virtual Private Networks act as your device’s core in the online security realm. They re-route all your internet traffic via alternative Servers. This implies that each digital move you make is a secret while you browse various sites.

When you connect to a website through VPN servers, your location changes. Your connection appears to originate from one of the many VPN routers, not your device. Consequently, website owners and anyone interested in snooping can’t determine the location.

Utilizing a VPN encrypts your link to the internet, just as the Tor network does. Unlike VPNs, Tor constantly changes your connection across a decentralized network of volunteer relays, making it impossible for anyone to see your online actions.

Although they don’t rely on this somewhat slow protocol, they offer sufficient and critical protection. It offers resilient protection in combination with other cybersecurity tools.

Is VPN safe to use?

Using this tool is safe as long as you are subscribed to a top-notch VPN. Reliable services put their users’ privacy first with transparent privacy policies. However, using an unreliable service may lead to the recording of your online activities. These providers often sell your data to third parties, affecting your privacy and security.

Even though this security tool protects your online activities, you should take precautions against malware and phishing. It can reduce your vulnerability to hacking and tracking. However, implementing some antivirus software in combination with the VPN will ensure the best protection against Internet threats.

VPN pros and cons

Pros

• Stream from anywhere: It lets you watch your desired shows even when you’re out of the country. It allows you to evade regional restrictions and access your home contents more easily.
• Access blocked websites: Whether social media at school or websites blocked at work, the service allows you to circumvent content blocks. Through its encrypted connection, you can browse the web anonymously without limitations.
• Avoid censorship: It is indispensable in countries with regulated Internet access. It masks your real location and encrypts your data. Thus, you can bypass government restrictions and access information without any hurdles.
• Beat price discrimination: Sometimes, a business sets prices depending on your location. The tool not only protects you against such traffic scrutiny, but it also keeps your online activities private.
• Avoid tracking: Protect yourself by preventing tracking by different entities such as hackers. It secures your online activity and ensures it remains private and safe, thus protecting you from snooping activities.

Cons

• Potentially slower speeds: A VPN server must add extra steps to route your internet traffic, which results in a slower internet speed. Nevertheless, current VPNs have overcome this performance issue, providing high-quality streaming.
• QoS challenges: They have no standard way of measuring and reporting service quality. So, it is hard for users to define the service’s reliability. Choosing a trustworthy service is heavily dependent on expert reviews and recommendations.
• VPN blocks: Some companies are blacklisting VPN server’s IPs. Thus preventing VPN users from overcoming geo-restrictions and accessing restricted content. However, VPNs can fight back by frequently changing IP addresses to escape detection.
• No cookie protection: Even though VPNs encrypt the data, they still can’t prevent the tracking cookies that sites use. This implies that some sites continue to trace your activity, thus damaging your privacy. Using incognito mode or clearing your cookies can help prevent this.
• Not total privacy: While it protects your online activities from prying eyes, the service can see your web traffic. Selecting a reliable and trustworthy service provider is key to keeping privacy.

History of VPNs — when was the VPN invented?

The idea of Virtual Private Networks dates back to the late 1900s when businesses sought secure ways to connect their remote offices. In 1996, American software developer Gurdeep Singh-Pall proposed the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).

It was the foundation for VPN technologies. PPTP was a milestone in developing secure internet communication. It enabled the creation of encrypted tunnels between connected devices. It later became the basis for modern VPNs.

Nevertheless, the tool did not become popular amongst individual users till the late nineties. The boost in interest resulted from growing concerns about online security and privacy. During the internet boom, security concerns arose, and so did the demand for secure connections.

This demand contributed to the mass adoption of VPN services to protect private information. VPNs continue to evolve today, offering users enhanced privacy, security, and accessibility to online content anywhere.

Types of a VPN

These are four different types of services. One is the Remote Access VPN, which allows users to access private networks remotely. This is great for those who work from home or travel a lot. Data encryption from remote access points to the internet through VPNs ensures security and privacy.

The second is Site-to-Site, which provides secure connections by combining multiple offices and networks from different locations. It allows organizations to distribute resources and information among all their locations safely. It is like building a virtual bridge that connects different physical spaces.

The Client-to-Site technology utilizes a different kind of VPN. It connects the devices to a central server or network. Businesses frequently adopt this type of VPN. It securely provides employees access to company assets, regardless of physical location.

Lastly, there is the Peer-to-Peer VPN. The service connects single devices directly to each other without needing a central server. It is suitable for file sharing, online gaming, or other communication activities. It allows users to encrypt their messages without the help of a third-party server. Peer-to-peer VPNs provide decentralized connectivity and are good for specialized applications.

What is a double VPN?

Double VPNs are called “double-hop” or “multi-hop” that double your security by sending your internet traffic through two VPN networks. In simple terms, it’s analogous to adding an extra lock to your online data.

Multi-hop means that your network data is encrypted twice. As a result, it becomes extremely difficult for anyone to unravel your information. This method is more secure than the traditional single VPN connection because it uses double encryption.

Why do you need a VPN?

Is a VPN necessary? Absolutely. It is like a shield around your online activities, ensuring privacy and access. Open public Wi-Fi networks you use at coffee shops or airports; they are the hotbeds for potential hackers. Thus, with a VPN, you mask your online actions. It protects you from the watchful eyes, even those usually on the same network.

And it’s not only when you go out. Even in your home, this security tool keeps you out of the view of your ISP, governments, and advertisers. It blocks censorship, prevents price discrimination, and allows you to bypass media geo-blocks.

Let’s discuss the problem of net neutrality. Due to its abandonment in the US, ISPs now have the liberty to collect and sell your data. They can slow down your connection or discriminate against certain users. It makes these attempts invalid by blocking ISPs from seeing your browsing history and other sensitive data.

Can I use a VPN on any device?

You can get a VPN on many devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Most services have applications for popular Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices. These applications make it simple for users to connect to a VPN with just a few clicks or taps.

Moreover, you can manually install it on devices that lack native apps. This encompasses devices ranging from smart TVs to gaming consoles and routers. Following the simple instructions given by your VPN service provider, you can secure your internet connection on any device you use.

What to look for when choosing a VPN

Selecting a good VPN is critical for your Internet privacy and security. Here is how to select the ideal option for you:

• Check for a no-log policy: Choose a service with a no-log policy regardless of cost. This implies that the service doesn’t hold any records of your online activity.
• Consider speed and performance: Log into the VPN that promises to be fast. Some services can slow down the internet, so opt for one that is less likely to slow it down.
• Look at server locations: Choose a service with servers in the locations you need. If available, you need to connect to servers in certain countries to view content from these countries.
• Security features: To protect your data, look for robust encryption (AES-256), kill switches, and DNS leak protection.
• Customer support: Make sure that the service provider offers quality customer support in case you experience any problems.
• Price and plans: Consider the VPN subscription cost and whether it fits your budget. Some services have different plans and different features.
• Read reviews: Check out the reviews and ratings from reliable sources to get comments from other users who have used the VPN.

Considering these factors, you can get a VPN that meets your privacy, security, and online freedom requirements.

Should I get a free VPN?

Despite free VPNs seeming to be so tempting, they often come with different inconveniences and limitations. In most cases, the revenue generated by the free services comes from selling the user’s data to advertisers or third parties.

Thus, they infringe on your privacy and security. Moreover, free services have poorer connection speeds and fewer server options than paid ones, negatively affecting the user’s surfing experience.

Moreover, not all free networks can provide robust encryption protocols to protect your data from hackers or surveillance agencies. In a nutshell, always go for a trusted paid VPN that emphasizes the user’s privacy and security over a few bucks.

Which VPN should I trust?

With so many services, it is hard to select a reliable one. Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN. With its amazing speeds and latest functions, it provides a comprehensive network of servers in different countries, such as the US, the UK, Australia, and the rest of the world.

ExpressVPN allows you to bypass geo-blocking obstacles and protect your privacy from offenders such as advertisers and malicious actors on public networks.

Moreover, AES-256 bank-grade encryption and OpenVPN protocol support enhance security, making your browsing sessions safe.

VPN protocols

VPN protocols are the basis of VPN functioning, providing users with the highest internet security and speed. These protocols ensure that your information is delivered intact and without third-party intervention to the VPN server. They have encryption and special codes to protect your data during the transfer.

1. PPTP (Point-to-Point tunneling protocol)

PPTP is an effective protocol that provides a safe tunnel between your device and your internet traffic. The protocol uses a private tunnel to connect your device to the VPN server while encrypting data. However, it lacks the strongest encryption.

2. Layer 2 tunneling protocol (L2TP)

L2TP/IPsec is like multiple locks on your virtual door. They are an additional security feature for your VPN connection. L2TP sets up the tunnel for data transmission, while IPsec encrypts the data that goes through the tunnel.

Thus, it is highly secure. Different devices and operating systems widely support it. On the other hand, the double encapsulation process in L2TP may result in reduced performance, and unavailable networks can block its access, making it less available.

3. Secure socket tunneling protocol (SSTP)

The Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is one of the most robust security protocols. It works by setting up a secure tunnel from your end to the VPN server. The tunnel encrypts the transferred data between them, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or decipher your information.

A feature that gives SSTP its edge over other types of VPN is its ability to circumvent firewalls and other network restrictions, allowing users secure access to content that’s been blocked.

4. Internet key exchange version 2 (IKEv2)

IKEv2, Internet Key Exchange version 2, is another famous VPN protocol for its speed and reliability. It establishes a safe link via device verification and VPN server verification. IKEv2 is configured to reconnect automatically if a connection is lost and the user experience remains unbroken.

This model is also suitable for mobile gadgets since it successfully handles the changes in network connectivity, such as wireless and mobile data. Additionally, IKEv2 comes with powerful encryption, which secures your data from threats like hackers and spy agencies.

5. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is one of the most commonly used protocols for creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet connection. Based on end-to-end encryption, your data is incomprehensible to hackers or spies.

The VPN protocol is a flexible service that works on various platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It is widely recognized for its reliability and sophisticated security features, making it one of the most popular VPN providers.

VPN alternatives

1. Proxy

A proxy serves as a bridge connecting your PC to the internet. When you employ a proxy, your internet traffic goes through a server before arriving at its final destination. Thus, you can conceal your location by showing your IP address from another place.

Proxies are broadly used for accessing restricted content or hiding the IP address. While they normally only encrypt your web browser’s traffic, they cannot provide the same protection as a VPN.

2. Tor

Often called The Onion Router, Tor is a network that encrypts your internet traffic through a sequence of volunteer-run nodes known as servers. It shuffles your data into the encrypted fragments and sends them via different nodes. It becomes almost impossible to trace your online activity to you.

Tor is known for its particular interest in privacy and anonymity. However, It has some downsides, like low speed due to the layer of encryption and routing.

3. Smart DNS

SmartDNS is an alternative that, instead of rerouting all internet traffic, only reroutes domain names and addresses for accessing websites and streaming services. Unlike other VPNs, a smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your data or change your IP address.

Alternatively, it only modifies the DNS (Domain Name System) settings to give the impression that you are browsing from a location other than where you are in real life. Despite this, SmartDNS does not provide the same protection and security as VPNs.

4. Lantern

Lantern is an alternative that overcomes internet censorship and unblocks websites. The Lantern network works differently from traditional VPNs that use servers in other countries.

Instead, it operates on a peer-to-peer network using members’ internet connections. This technique of a decentralized routing function makes censorship combatable by sending traffic via multiple nodes.

FAQs