A virtual private network ( VPN ) is a service that increases your security when connecting to the internet, whether you’re at home, work, or using public Wi-Fi. When you use the internet, a VPN masks your IP address, keeping your online activity private and your identity safe.
Consider a virtual private network(VPN) to be a covered bridge or tunnel for your data. It protects your IP address, identity, and any online data you send or receive from prying eyes. Because your IP address is masked when you use a virtual private network(VPN), you are virtually untraceable.
What Is the Purpose of a virtual private network(VPN)?
When you go online, a virtual private network(VPN) app encrypts your data. It sends that encrypted data to your ISP in order to establish the connection and get you online. The VPN then decrypts your data so that it can be used wherever you’re sending it.
Consider it a decoder ring. You write a message in code (VPN encryption) and send it to someone (a website) using the decoder ring (decryption by VPN). If someone intercepts that message (say, your checking account login information), it will appear to them as gibberish because they cannot crack the code.
The same is true for data returned to you—the VPN encrypts it before sending it.
When you connect to the internet without a virtual private network(VPN), your device sends a request to your ISP or a Wi-Fi network. The information sent between you and your destination is not encrypted. This exposes you to anyone who wants to view your online activity. Furthermore, your IP address could be traced, revealing your identity.
How to Make Use of a VPN
The majority of today’s VPNs are extremely simple to use. You only need to download the VPN app on your computer or smartphone after you’ve created an account with the provider. After signing in with your account, you typically select from a list of remote servers located all over the world. Click on the one you want, and the system should connect you automatically. Once you’ve received confirmation that you’re connected, you can use your device normally without your virtual private network(VPN). From the app’s home screen, you can disconnect or change your server.
How Much Does a virtual private network(VPN) Cost?
VPN pricing, as shown in the chart above, ranges from free to around $13 per month. Free VPNs typically limit the number of devices and locations to which you can connect. The cheapest VPNs typically offer substantial discounts for agreeing to pay for a VPN for several years in advance. Higher prices are typically reserved for business VPNs, which typically connect multiple devices at the same time (justifying the premium cost).
How VPNs Protect and How They Do Not Protect Your Privacy
A VPN can be used safely on personal and business devices, and it’s an excellent way to keep your personal data and browsing habits private. Because the scrambled data is nearly impossible to decipher, it is useless to hackers and sites looking to track that data.
VPNs, on the other hand, cannot protect you from everything you do on your computer, laptop, or mobile phone.
A VPN can protect you from:
- Your online identity
- Data sent and received over the internet
What a VPN does not protect you against:
- Phishing scams involving malware
- Data stored on your devices
A virtual private network(VPN) only protects active data transmissions over the internet; it cannot protect data stored on your phone or computer. Antivirus and anti-malware software are required for physical data protection. It’s also critical to be cautious about which links you click in emails and online. Phishing attacks are often disguised as emails from people you know.
How Do VPNs Function?
To begin, a virtual private network(VPN) service hosts servers where VPNs reside. When you sign up for a service, you’ll be given software to use before connecting to the internet. When you log into your account, the VPN encrypts your data before it goes online and continues to encrypt and decipher that data until you log off. VPNs accomplish this by following a script or a set of protocols.
Protocols for VPN Encryption
A VPN protocol is a set of instructions, similar to “if this, then that” scripts. The protocols instruct the VPN to encrypt data when a user logs in and to encrypt data sent or received over that connection. These protocols also dictate the type of encryption and security to be employed.
OpenVPN:
To run encryptions, many virtual private network(VPN) providers use OpenVPN, an open source VPN protocol. It is a versatile option that operates on either the transmission control protocol (TCP) or the user datagram protocol (UDP) network protocols (TCP is most commonly used for its reliability in data transfer, while UDP is better for fast transfer).
SSTP:
Microsoft developed the secure socket tunnelling protocol (SSTP), which works well for any VPN, regardless of the server’s operating system (OS). It is protected by AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard. However, because it is a Microsoft product, some users are sceptical of its security and the existence of backdoors.
IKEv2/IPSec:
One reason to look for a VPN service that uses the IKEv2 protocol is its ability to keep your VPN connection while switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, for example. It employs IP Security (IPSec) to ensure secure data transfers (typically on UDP networks). Like SSTP, Microsoft created the IKEv2 protocol, but it is less versatile—it can only be used on Windows OS.
PPTP:
The point-to-point tunnelling protocol (PPTP) was one of the first VPN protocols to be widely adopted. This protocol is no longer used by virtual private network(VPN) services because it is far less secure than newer protocols. Still, if you want a VPN that uses this protocol, you should have no lag and it should work on almost any system.
L2TP/IPSec:
Layer 2 tunnelling protocol (L2TP) is an updated version of the outdated PPTP. It is not an encryption protocol, but rather a protocol that aids in the establishment of a connection between your device and a VPN.
WireGuard:
WireGuard, like OpenVPN, is an open source protocol. It is a tunnelling protocol that quickly establishes a connection between a user and a virtual private network(VPN). However, there are concerns about its security, so if you want a virtual private network(VPN) that uses WireGuard, make sure it also uses strong encryption protocols.
NordLynx:
Using WireGuard, NordVPN developed its own version of a private and secure protocol. The advantage of this blended protocol solution is that you’ll still get secure encryption from NordVPN’s proprietary encryption while also benefiting from WireGuard’s foundation for speed.
VPN Tunneling:
VPN tunnelling is used to prevent prying eyes from seeing your IP address and internet activity when you go online. When a user connects to a virtual private network(VPN), an encrypted tunnel is established from you to your destination (the internet). Tunneling protocols are not all created equal. When you log into a VPN that uses the older PPTP tunnelling protocol, it can quickly establish a connection, but it isn’t the most secure method of encryption. L2TP (with IPSec) on the other hand, provides multiple layers of encryption and thus a higher level of security.
VPN Servers and Locations
Most VPN services provide you with a selection of servers and locations to choose from. So, does it make a difference where a VPN server is located? There are several answers to this question, and they all boil down to why you’re using a virtual private network(VPN). Here are some things to think about:
Speed:
Choose a VPN server that is closest to your own location if you want the fastest load times, quick downloads, or you’re gaming or streaming online.
Content unblocking:
If you live in the United States and want to watch U.K.-based television shows on streaming services, you’ll need to connect to a virtual private network(VPN) in the United Kingdom. This also applies to accessing content on websites that your government may require ISPs to block—select a VPN based in a country where these restrictions are not enforced.
Security:
When it comes to security and privacy, any location should suffice. However, there is a catch. If you are concerned about data collection and retention laws, you should select a VPN server that is located in a country that does not have data retention laws, such as Switzerland or Panama.
VPN Service Types
There are various types of VPN software that you can use in various situations. Personal VPNs are the most common, but you may also require a remote access VPN, site-to-site VPN, or mobile VPN.
VPN for individuals
A personal VPN (also referred to as a consumer VPN) simply masks your IP address and encrypts active data transfers (from you and to you). It also impersonates your location, allowing you to access previously inaccessible content from your country.
VPN for Remote Access
A remote access VPN is most commonly used if you work for a company that requires you to log into a private network when you’re on the open/public internet. The VPN secures the employee’s connection and data transfer to the private network.
VPN Site-to-Site
A site-to-site relationship VPN is useful for businesses that want to connect two or more networks into a single wide area network (WAN). A company with multiple branches across the country with employees who need to access data across the combined network, such as AT&T or PetSmart, is a good example of this.
VPN for mobile devices
A mobile VPN is similar to a remote access VPN, except that it is designed for those who use mobile devices and expect their internet service to be on Wi-Fi or a cellular network. So, if you log into a company’s network via Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi goes down, your phone may switch to cellular data, but the VPN maintains the connection.
How to Configure a VPN
Most people who want to start using a VPN will most likely look for a personal VPN to protect their home and mobile internet data, so installation should be simple. Begin by signing up for a VPN service, and then install the software or app on the devices where you intend to use your VPN. The apps should guide you through the configuration process.
You can manually configure your VPN by following the steps specific to your operating system. Many of the apps go through a similar process, which is outlined below.
- Install the app or software after downloading it.
- Select “Settings” or “System Preferences” from the menu.
- Select “Network” or “VPN.”
- Fill in the “Server Name,” “VPN Type,” “Remote ID,” “Local ID,” and account information fields (some of the fields may vary depending on the OS)
- Connect to your VPN service.
Summery
A VPN gives you privacy, security, and freedom—all for a low monthly fee with most VPN services. When you use a VPN, you can be sure that your IP address is hidden, your internet data is secure, and you can access content that you might not be able to access in your current country. We hope that this guide has assisted you in locating the best VPN for your specific requirements.
FAQ
What is the purpose of a virtual private network VPN?
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What functions do a virtual private network?
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