Discover what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is and how it works. Learn how VPNs provide secure and private internet connections. Find out how to use a VPN to protect your online activities.
Table of Contents
What is Virtual Private Network?
Consider the following scenario: you want to transfer money from your bank account to a family member. This can be accomplished by visiting the bank’s website and entering your login information. If you don’t use a VPN, your username, password, and bank account information are all at risk.
Keep in mind that we’re not just talking about cyber criminals here. Your online activity can be monitored by various parties, including your ISP, the government, and even network administrators at your workplace.
They could access your data if they had the necessary tools because it is open and unsecured. The diagram below shows how your data can be viewed by those with the required tools and technical knowledge (within the data packets).
A VPN, on the other hand, creates a tunnel through which your data packets flow, keeping them safe from prying eyes. Using a VPN encrypts or converts your data into a code that can only be deciphered by the destination (in this case, your bank’s website).
What are the benefits of using a VPN service?
Protecting your online privacy and security
One of the main benefits of using a Virtual Private Network is that it protects your online privacy and security. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it, such as cybercriminals, advertisers, or even your internet service provider (ISP). This ensures that your online activity remains private, and your personal information is not compromised.
Accessing blocked content
Another benefit of using a VPN is that it allows you to access blocked content. Many websites and online services are restricted to certain geographic regions due to censorship or licensing agreements. With a Virtual Private Network, you can bypass these restrictions by connecting to a server in a different location. This allows you to access content that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
Protecting your devices from malware and viruses
A VPN can also protect your devices from malware and viruses. By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN can prevent malicious software from infecting your device. Additionally, some Virtual Private Network providers offer built-in malware and virus protection, which can further enhance your device’s security.
Saving money on online purchases
Finally, using a VPN can help you save money on online purchases. Many online retailers offer different prices to customers based on their location. By connecting to a VPN server in a different location, you can compare prices and find the best deals.
Virtual Private Network security: What does a VPN conceal?
Your IP address and location
One of the main things that a VPN conceals is your IP address and location. Your IP address is a unique identifier that is assigned to your device by your ISP. It can be used to track your online activity and determine your location. However, when you connect to a Virtual Private Network server, your IP address is replaced with the server’s IP address, making it appear as if you are located in a different location.
Your internet browsing history
Another thing that a VPN conceals is your internet browsing history. When you connect to a VPN server, all your internet traffic is encrypted and sent through the VPN tunnel. This means that your ISP and other third parties cannot see what websites you visit or what content you access.
Your online activity on public Wi-Fi networks
Using public Wi-Fi networks can be risky, as they are often unsecured and can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals. However, a VPN can help protect your online activity on public Wi-Fi networks by encrypting your internet traffic and preventing anyone from intercepting it.
Your identity and personal information
VPN can also help conceal your identity and personal information. By encrypting your internet traffic and replacing your IP address with the VPN server’s IP address, a VPN can prevent third parties from tracking your online activity and accessing your personal information.
What a VPN does to protect your IP address and privacy
VPNs essentially build a data tunnel between your local network and an exit node located thousands of kilometers away, creating the illusion of being in another location. This feature enables online liberty, or the ability to access your favorite apps and websites on the go.
Consider the function of a virtual private network in further detail. VPNs encrypt data sent over a Wi-Fi network. Encryption renders data unintelligible. Data security is critical while using a public Wi-Fi network, as it prevents other network users from spying on your online activity.
There is an additional aspect to privacy. Your internet service provider can see your entire browsing history if you do not use a VPN. Your search history is hidden when you use a Virtual Private Network. This is due to the fact that your web activity will be associated with the VPN server’s IP address rather than your own.
A Virtual Private Network service provider’s servers may be located all over the world. That means your search activity could appear to come from any of them. Keep in mind that search engines track your search history as well, but they will associate that data with an IP address that is not yours. Again, your VPN will protect your online activity.
Conclusion
You should be able to keep track of your browser history, IP address, and current location without revealing them to others. If this information falls into the wrong hands, you could be in danger. It is possible that your identity will be stolen and used maliciously by someone.
Another way for cybercriminals to steal your money is through bank account hacking. To avoid all of this, you must use a Virtual Private Network. If you have any questions about VPN security, please leave them in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to ensure that a VPN is working?
If you’re using a VPN, it’s important to ensure that it’s actually working and providing the level of protection you need. Here are some ways to ensure your VPN is working –
IP address verification: One of the easiest ways to check if your VPN is working is by checking your IP address. You can do this by searching “What’s my IP address?” on Google or visiting websites like whatismyip.com. If your IP address matches the one provided by your VPN provider, your VPN is working as expected.
If you’re using a VPN, it’s important to ensure that it’s actually working and providing the level of protection you need. Here are some ways to tell if your VPN is working:
IP address verification: One of the easiest ways to check if your VPN is working is by checking your IP address. You can do this by searching “What’s my IP address?” on Google or visiting websites like whatismyip.com. If your IP address matches the one provided by your VPN provider, your VPN is working as expected.
DNS leak test: A DNS leak occurs when your device’s DNS requests are not routed through the VPN, potentially revealing your online activity to your ISP or other third parties. You can check for DNS leaks using online tools like dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net.
WebRTC leak test: WebRTC is a protocol used by web browsers for real-time communication, but it can also reveal your IP address even if you’re using a VPN. You can check for WebRTC leaks by visiting websites like browserleaks.com/webrtc or ipleak.net.
Firewall testing: Some organizations and governments use firewalls to block VPN connections. If you can’t connect to your VPN, it could be because your connection is being blocked. You can test this by disabling your VPN and attempting to access a blocked website in your location. If you cannot access the website without the VPN, it could be a sign that your VPN is being blocked.
Using these methods, you can ensure that your VPN works correctly and that your online activity is protected from prying eyes. It’s essential to regularly check that your VPN is working correctly, especially if you’re accessing sensitive information or using public Wi-Fi networks.
A DNS leak occurs when your device’s DNS requests are not routed through the VPN, potentially revealing your online activity to your ISP or other third parties. You can check for DNS leaks using online tools like dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net.
WebRTC leak test: WebRTC is a protocol used by web browsers for real-time communication, but it can also reveal your IP address even if you’re using a VPN. You can check for WebRTC leaks by visiting websites like browserleaks.com/webrtc or ipleak.net.
Firewall testing: Some organizations and governments use firewalls to block VPN connections. If you can’t connect to your VPN, it could be because your connection is being blocked. You can test this by disabling your VPN and attempting to access a blocked website in your location. If you cannot access the website without the VPN, it could be a sign that your VPN is being blocked.
Using these methods, you can ensure that your VPN works correctly and that your online activity is protected from prying eyes. It’s essential to regularly check that your VPN is working correctly, especially if you’re accessing sensitive information or using public Wi-Fi networks.
