What is VPN and How it Works?

In the world of digitalisation, where online privacy is a central topic of discussion every day, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide a technological shield against various threats.

In this article, We will explore everything you need about VPNs and how they can enhance your online security and privacy.

Table of Contents

• What is a VPN?
• The History of VPNs
• How Does a VPN Work?
• Why use a VPN?
• What should a Good Virtual Private Network Do?
• How to choose a good VPN?
• Conclusion

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What is a VPN?

A virtual private network, or VPN, makes your public web connection private, making sure your web surfing stays secure and private. It will hide your IP address, making it nearly impossible for anyone to trace your online actions.

Your online surfing behaviour, the links you click and the files you view are hidden by a VPN so that hackers, organisations, governmental bodies, or other spies don’t see them.

The History of VPNs

A movement to safeguard and protect browsing data has existed since people started accessing the internet. In the 1960s, the US Defence Department began to participate in programs focusing on encrypting online communication data. Their work resulted in the development of the packet-switching network known as ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), which in turn produced the Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

The first VPNs started rolling out in the early 2000s and were only used by companies. However, after a wave of privacy breaches, particularly during the early 2010s, the consumer VPN market began to grow.

The major surge in VPN users was seen during 2016-2018, when the number of users was nearly fourfold. One in five web users used a VPN in nations like Thailand, Indonesia, and China, where access to the internet is restricted. The percentage of Virtual Private Network (VPN) Users was lower in the USA, UK, and Germany, at roughly 5%.

How Does a VPN Work?

A VPN routes your device’s internet connection through a VPN’s private server chosen by you rather than routing directly from your internet service provider (ISP), resulting in your data coming through a VPN instead of your device.

Your ISP provides your device with an IP address, which is a string of numbers, and the VPN functions as a type of middleman as you access the internet, masking your IP address and safeguarding your identity. Additionally, until the data reaches its targeted location, your data will be unreadable if it is somehow intercepted.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) uses encryption to build a secure “tunnel” between your device and the internet and conceal your personal data.

Why use a VPN?

You are at risk of exposing your personal information if you browse the internet on an unprotected Wi-Fi network. For everyone concerned about their internet security and privacy, a VPN must be a necessity.

Public Wi-Fi networks:  Found at airports, coffee shops, and other public places are extremely dangerous. One hacker connects to the same network, and he can easily monitor all of your online activity. A VPN makes all of your online activity on a computer or phone invisible, similar to an invisibility cloak.

In order to prevent snoopers from discovering who is accessing the internet, downloading files, and leaving comments on Instagram, a VPN can also mask your IP address. How does that function? Whether you’re using a phone, laptop, tablet, or another device, a VPN encrypts the information you send and receive. Your data is transmitted to a VPN service provider’s servers through a secure tunnel. Your information is encrypted and forwarded to the website you’re trying to reach.

What should a Good Virtual Private Network do?

Your VPN should be utilized to complete multiple tasks and must be secured against hacking. You should look for the following characteristics in a good VPN solution:

1. Encryption of your IP Address

Your VPN’s main purpose is to hide your IP address from your ISP and other third parties. This provides you comfort knowing that only you and your VPN provider will have access to the data when you send and receive it online.

2. Encryption of Protocols

Additionally, a VPN needs to forbid users from leaving traces like cookies, search history, and browsing histories. Cookie encryption is incredibly important since it prevents unauthorized parties from accessing private data, such as personal information, financial information, and other website content.

3. Kill Switch

If your VPN is unexpectedly shut down, your connection will be lost. A powerful VPN will be able to recognize this small period of downtime and pause specific activities, reducing the danger of data compromise.

4. Two-Factor Authentication

A reliable VPN uses a variety of authentication methods to validate each user who logs in. For instance, before a code is transmitted to your smartphone, you can be prompted for a password. As a result, unauthorized parties will find it more challenging to access your encrypted connection.

How to choose a Good VPN?

A VPN is a fantastic tool for protecting your online privacy. Your internet connection uses it as a tunnel. With VPN enabled, nobody but your VPN provider has access to what you do. VPN providers play a crucial role in your online privacy because they have access to all of your browsing data.

How can you choose a trustworthy VPN among the many options available?

Here are a few things to consider while choosing your VPN service.

Location

Example: If you want to access Netflix US from India, choose a VPN provider with servers in the US.

Speed

Example: If you stream 4K videos or play online games, select a VPN known for high-speed connections, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Privacy and Logging

Example: Opt for a no-logs VPN like Surfshark or Mullvad if you want to ensure your browsing data isn’t stored or shared.

Technical Features

Example: Look for features like split tunnelling or a kill switch. Split tunnelling lets you route specific apps through the VPN while others use the regular internet.

Client Features

Example: Some VPNs, like CyberGhost, offer user-friendly apps with one-click connection options, making them suitable for beginners.

Restrictions

Example: Be aware of VPNs that restrict torrenting. For instance, some VPNs like Tunnel Bear may have limited functionality for P2P activities.

Price

Example: Compare monthly and annual plans. For instance, a yearly subscription with ProtonVPN may save more than a month-to-month plan.

Payment Options

Example: If you prefer anonymous payments, choose a VPN that accepts cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, or gift cards, such as Winscribe.

Customer Support

Example: Look for 24/7 live chat support if you need immediate assistance, which is available from providers like ExpressVPN.

Conclusion

A VPN is responsible for securing the connection of your device while accessing the Internet by sending your whole data traffic over an encrypted virtual bridge. It also hides your IP address, preventing online scammers from accessing your location. Another big feature of VPN is that you can access all streaming services or, say, websites that might be blocked for your location.