You’ve probably heard of VPN services. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.
There are many VPN services available but the intent behind each is really threefold: to enhance your online safety, protect your online privacy and expand your online freedom.
I’ve had many years of researching and implementing security protocols in my business as well as personally. The issue of online security and privacy is an increasingly pressing one and I’m surprised how many folks are unaware of the benefits of a VPN. It’s not just about streaming Netflix! A VPN has many other benefits you should consider both for yourself, your family and work environment.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts, routes, and tunnels your internet traffic through a remote server. This makes it seem as though you are located somewhere else, and keeps your data private. Having a basic understanding of VPNs will really help you appreciate their benefits and limitations. So, what is a VPN and how does it work? And should you invest in one for yourself or your family? We break down the tech into simple terms so you can understand what and how these tools work.
What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that secures your online connections and makes them private. A virtual private network server protects your data across the internet by hiding you online. And it protects your data by establishing an encrypted connection.
When you use the internet, your device constantly exchanges data with various sites. A virtual private network (VPN) builds a secure digital tunnel between your device and those sites.
With a VPN your data is sent via an encrypted, secure connection to an external server, called the VPN server. This is the secured, private tunnel. Your data will then be forwarded to its intended destination on the internet. The destination will see the internet traffic from the VPN server but won’t be able to identify that it is from your device. Hence, your location is private.
This rerouting of your internet traffic through a VPN server has three advantages. A VPN…
- Assists in hiding your identity online.
- Helps secure your data.
- Allows you to use the internet more freely.
A VPN basically extends your local network to include a remote server in a different location from which your online data exchange is done. And that’s how most of us are will use VPN services personally or in our families.
VPN in Business
But another major use of VPNs is in the business environment where a secure tunnel from a local business network, like an office, is extended to include devices in other locations that need to be “seen” on the local network. A direct tunnel is created between the office local network and the remote device.
For example, assume you need to share a large amount of data with one of your coworkers. However, your colleague is working from home and must be connected to your company’s local network for the data to be shared. One of the best solutions is to set up a VPN connection between your local network at the office and her laptop, located in her home. From your colleague’s perspective, it will appear that she is at your office, accessing the data. There is in effect, a secure tunnel between the office and her laptop, and no one else can see it.
How does a VPN work?
To comprehend how a VPN works, you must first grasp how internet traffic functions.
When you go online you are constantly sending requests. These requests are generated when you are browsing, navigating, downloading, basically any online activity. These requests are made from your local network. Your local network is anything using the internet connection provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). And when you send requests, the IP (the address of your internet connection), along with other information become visible and are traceable. In other words, your connection is neither private nor anonymous.
BUT when you connect to the internet through a VPN server, things change. Your Local Area Network (LAN) won’t be used to request information, but rather your request will be made through the VPN server via the VPN connection you created.
Set Up An Account with a VPN Provider
Typically you will set up an account with a VPN provider. After subscribing, you download their VPN client software. The VPN client will run in the background of your device. You will continue to access the internet as normal and won’t notice any real performance differences.
The VPN client can be turned on or off. When you turn it on, you will be given options to select a VPN server to use (these are usually listed by their location in the world). After that, the VPN client will do its thing.
What Happens When I connect to a VPN Server?
When the connection with the VPN server is made, your data will be processed as follows:
- The VPN client on your computer will encrypt your data and send it to the VPN server through a secure connection (or tunnel). The data still passes through your ISP, but they can’t see the data because it’s now encrypted.
- When the encrypted data reaches the VPN server, it will be decrypted.
- The VPN server will forward your decrypted data onto the internet. The destination website won’t see your IP and location but instead will see only the IP and location of the VPN server you’re connected to.
- The VPN server will receive a response from the destination site.
- The VPN server takes that response, encrypts it, and then sends it back on to you.
- The VPN client on your device will then decrypt the data so it becomes useful and understandable again
Basically, your local network will be hidden. Your IP address won’t be visible to anyone and the data you send will be encrypted.
Is a VPN connection the same as a proxy server connection?
You may have heard about proxy servers. And it may seem they do the same thing as VPN servers. They are very similar. With a proxy server, the ISP will only see the connection between you and the proxy server. In that respect, they are the same as a VPN. But the difference with a VPN is that this connection is not encrypted and remain traceable.
Types of VPNs
If you go and research VPNs things might get a little complicated. That’s because there are two main types of VPN connections.
Remote Access VPN
This is what most people will be familiar with as a VPN. This is the type of VPN where a secure tunnel is created. The data is encrypted and sent through the tunnel. This type of VPN is used by employees to connect to their company’s network and access resources when they work remotely. And it’s also used by home users to ensure their internet connection is private and avoid geographic restrictions.
Site-to-Site VPN
A site-to-site VPN is often called a router-to-router VPN. You can also find it referred to as Router-to-Router VPN. This allows networks from multiple locations to be connected through the Internet. It creates private and secure communication between networks located in different geographic areas. Larger corporations will use this kind of VPN connection across multiple remote offices.
What Benefits Does a VPN Offer?
There are several benefits to using a Virtual Private Network. These benefits generally fall under online anonymity, online security, and online freedom, but these are expanded further below.
Benefit 1: Ensure Anonymity Online
Your IP address alone can reveal a lot about you without the use of a VPN. Because your IP address is unique to your internet connection, it’s possible to identify where you are and even who you are. It’s like having an online postal code that identifies who you are and where you live. And so, your actions on the internet can be easily linked to you.
A VPN will hide your IP address and location. Your behaviour online can be traced back to the VPN server, but not back to you.
And so, by using a VPN, third parties on the internet like businesses, marketers, streaming services, even governments and cybercriminals will not be able to link you with your IP address. Your physical location will be obscured by the VPN server too.
This ultimately offers the benefit of anonymity to your online activity.
Benefit 2: Secure Your Browsing on Public Networks
You take a big risk when you use a public WiFi network.
Users on the same network (and yes, that could include a hacker), can easily intercept your data and personal information with ease. Of course, you don’t want others to have such important information as your email address and login credentials, personal photos or credit card information. That’s where a VPN becomes essential.
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, the VPN encrypts all of your data. A hacker will only see encrypted data and will be unable to view or utilize any personal information.
Benefit 3: Protect Yourself Against Hackers and Governments
There are many folks and organisations online that want to spy on what you’re doing. A VPN encrypts your data traffic using strong encryption methods. This makes it very difficult for your data to be intercepted and read.
The security of a VPN makes it way harder for these third parties, like governments and hackers to see your data. It is worth mentioning though, that a VPN is not the be-all solution to cybercime, but it is complementary to other tools. You can enhance your security using a VPN, Firewall and Antivirus software together on your devices.
Benefit 4: Combat Online Censorship
In certain nations, the internet is heavily censored. Access to particular web services and sites is restricted in these countries. Google, Netflix, WhatsApp, Google, YouTube, Instagram, Skype, Spotify, and Facebook. These are a few examples of popular services that are frequently blocked by governments in certain countries.
News websites and journalist platforms are also frequently blocked. That’s because they are often regarded as a danger to government authorities and this means freedom of speech can be severely hampered.
Even in what we refer to as the “free world”, there can be internet restrictions. For example, the Pirate Bay website has been blocked in many nations because they do not want citizens downloading files illegally.
A VPN can help you get around internet restrictions and censorship by connecting you to a server in another nation. As a result, you may use the internet as if you were in that other country. You may also obtain access to sites and services that are not available in your own country this way.
Benefit 5: Bypass Geographical Restrictions
Some internet services impose limitations on access to their material, even in countries that don’t have any formal restrictions. Some entertainment streaming services have rights to broadcast in certain countries but not others.
This can be a pain if you travel. All of a sudden some of your services are inaccessible. But with a VPN, you can select a VPN server in your home location and continue to access your services as normal.
This can also work in reverse. Netflix, for example, offers different versions with different programming in different countries. A VPN will change your location so you can access those shows that might not be available on your local Netflix. And, you will be able to access blocked websites in other jurisdictions too.
Benefit 6: Reduce Your Digital Footprint
Through your online behavior, advertising networks like as Facebook, Google, and Twitter collect a wealth of information about you.
Using the information they gather on you, these companies can personalize the ads shown on sites. But more worrisome is the sale of that behavioural data to other businesses. Since a VPN encrypts your data third parties have a much harder task collecting and using your information.
Benefit 8: Security for Work From Home Option
Working from home has not only been an increasing option for employees over the past few years, but for countless folks, it became mandatory during the 2020/2021 pandemic.
A VPN allows employees to connect safely to their company networks, providing assurance for both the business and employees.
Benefit 9: Use As Needed
A VPN client can be turned on and off. So, you don’t have to run the VPN connection all the time, only when you need to. For example, if you find yourself having to access a public hotspot- absolutely, turn on the VPN to protect your privacy from prying eyes!
And VPN clients will allow you to change the VPN server that you access. So, as your needs change, you would simply select a different VPN server. This can be tremendously helpful when you travel.
So How Secure Is My VPN Really?
The many benefits listed above are all excellent reasons to get on board with a VPN service. But, if you’re thinking that you’re completely anonymous with a secure VPN connection, then you are mistaken.
Yes, a Virtual Private Network server hides and secures most of your online connection, but you are not 100% anonymous. You should be aware of this when selecting a VPN service.
Every VPN service provider differs. And the security levels of a VPN depend on more factors. Here are three questions you should ask when researching and subscribing to a VPN service.
What VPN Protocol is Used?
Not all VPN protocols are the same. The encryption and security standard offered by the VPN connection is determined by the protocol in use.
A VPN protocol describes the then manner in which the data is transfered between your device and the VPN server. And the type of protocol determines how secure a VPN connection is. Here are the most common protocols:
- PPTP (Point to Point Tunneling Protocol). This protocol is a protocol that is native to Microsoft machines. It is an old protocol and offers minimal security and so should be avoided.
- L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol). This protocol uses keys (passwords) at either end of the VPN tunnel to make it more secure. It is combined with IPSec (Internet protocol security) to enhance security.
- SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol). This protocol was also developed by Microsoft. It uses symmetric-key cryptography That basically means that the data can be decoded only at either end of the tunnel.
- IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2). Dveloped by Microsoft and Cisco, it’s typically combined with IPSec for authentication and encryption. IPSec stands for Internet protocol security.
- OpenVPN. This is an open source project. It’s being constantly developed, refined and enhanced. It’s based on SSL and TLS protocols and that makes it the most secure VPN protocol.
Does the VPN Provider Keep Records?
You will want to find out if the VPN provider keeps records, including payment records, that contain identifying information on you. If privacy is important to you, then check that your browsing history, online behaviour, IP addresses and payment records are not being stored.
Where Is The VPN Server Located?
You should be aware that in some countries, VPN server operators are being required by law to maintain records. This allows government officials to access your information if necessary. So, make sure you look at their server locations.
What Operating Systems Does Their VPN Work With?
Not all VPN companies provide VPN software for all devices and operating systems. So, if you use Microsoft and Mac and Linux, and then perhaps iOS or Android, then be aware of that and include that in your search. Ideally, you want to have the option to establish an encrypted VPN connection from any device you use for internet access. Most VPN providers will provide a mobile app for your smartphones and tablets.
How much does a VPN cost?
What is the price for a VPN? VPN’s typically run about $10 a month. But if you pay annually, the price can drop dramatically to as low as $2.50/month. Typically a VPN provider will provide the service in tiers that include a limitation on the number of devices you can use the VPN with. They may also include multiple VPN users in the package. This is useful for families.
There are free VPN services, but it is better to pay for VPN software to avoid issues.
Do I Need a VPN at Home?
While you may not use a VPN constantly, it is definitely recommended to have one if you are working with sensitive, private information. Maybe you are filling in legal forms, or making an application for financial services. Then it’s advisable to use a VPN. Maybe you want to share photos or other personal files. Again, a VPN is useful to have at home. And maybe you or your family want to access some streaming services from another location- a VPN is required.
So do you need to use a VPN at home? No. But it is highly advisable to use a VPN for certain online activity.
What are the Drawbacks of Using a VPN?
We have focused on the benefits of using a VPN. But, are there any drawbacks? Well, yes there can be.
Firstly, there’s the cost. You can find free VPN software. However, it’s recommended to pay for a VPN service. The cost won’t break the bank, but it is a regular expense.
Secondly, when using a VPN service you may find internet speed drops a little. That’s because you are doing more through your internet connection: encrypting the internet traffic, then sending it to the server, decrypting the data at the server, then forwarding the traffic to the destination. Then the process repeats backwards. So, of course, there is the possibility of loss in internet speed. But, for most internet users, it will usually be negligible.
Finally, and as previously mentioned, laws can force VPN companies to share their data. That’s why selecting a VPN service that does not store your records and history is important. You may want to consider the country in which the VPN company is established. Some countries have superior privacy laws.
What Are The Best VPN Providers Worth Considering?
There are several excellent established VPN companies worth considering. Here are some to get you started:
Best All-round for Features and Security
NordVPN is probably the best all-around VPN service. It is well-established, lightning-fast and offers 5,5000+ servers in 61 countries. It has a great track record for privacy and security. It’s not the cheapest but is fairly priced.
Best for Speed & Streaming
With well over 3,000 servers in over 160 locations in 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides good options. It’s also very fast and is excellent for torrenting and streaming. It isn’t bound by restricted national privacy laws. It’s moderately priced too. ExpressVPN is usually right up there with NordVPN, competing for the top spot because of speed, features and security.
High Performance, Good for Gaming
CyberGhost is Romania-based and has a great privacy track record. It offers a monstrous 7,000+ servers in 90+ countries and it’s available on all kinds of devices including Fire TV. It’s ability to bypass censorship restrictions (China, Iran etc) are more limited than ExpressVPN or NorVPN. It has a moderate monthly price, but it’s 3-year plan is great value.
Great for Torrenting & Streaming
IPVanish provides a fast VPN service and over 1000 servers. It is especially good for torrenting and streaming. IPVanishN allows unlimited connections too. It does offer good security, but it is US-based, so could be vulnerable to privacy issues.
SurfShark – Best for Budget Conscious
This is the best budget VPN option. But SurfShark also has great features and options with 3,200+ servers in 65 countries. It supports unlimited devices too. A great option for family sharing under a single plan.
The Final Score: Should you use a VPN service?
As you will have seen, there are many benefits to using a VPN service. It can greatly protect your online privacy, enhance online security, and expand your online freedom.
VPN services are really easy to set up, and can then be turned on or off as needed. The secure tunnel that is created by a VPN will help cloak your identity, your location and any data you are transferring across the internet. But make sure you research VPN providers and are happy with their reviews and policies before signing up.
The reality is that we live in an highly monitored world. We are all being watched, and our data is in demand; that includes your online behaviour too. This information can then be used against you by cybercriminals, advertisers or even governments.
Using a VPN server reduces the risk of having your data and online habits sold, or your identity stolen. It also opens ensures access to your web services when you travel, and provides options to access otherwise blocked sites from other jurisdictions. A VPN is definitely one of the three security tools you should consider investing in.