VPN Archives - PC Expert Services

What is a VPN? How can you find the right VPN for your phone, and how much is it gonna cost you, if anything at all?

A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network. Applications running across a VPN may therefore benefit from the functionality, security, and management of the private network. Encryption is a common, although not an inherent, part of a VPN connection.

By Michel Bakni – This file was derived from:✦ Server symbol-blue.svg✦ Network cloud symbol.svg✦ Workstation symbol-Blue.svgDulaney, Emmett (2009) CompTIA Security+ Deluxe Study Guide, Wiley Publishing, Inc., p. 124 ISBN: 9780470372968., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84020759

VPN technology was developed to provide access to corporate applications and resources to remote or mobile users, and to branch offices. For security, the private network connection may be established using an encrypted layered tunneling protocol, and users may be required to pass various authentication methods to gain access to the VPN. In other applications, Internet users may secure their connections with a VPN to circumvent geo-blocking and censorship or to connect to proxy servers to protect personal identity and location to stay anonymous on the Internet. Some websites, however, block access to known IP addresses used by VPNs to prevent the circumvention of their geo-restrictions, and many VPN providers have been developing strategies to get around these blockades.

A VPN is created by establishing a virtual point-to-point connection through the use of dedicated circuits or with tunneling protocols over existing networks.[2] A VPN available from the public Internet can provide some of the benefits of a wide area network (WAN). From a user perspective, the resources available within the private network can be accessed remotely.

How does a VPN work?

A virtual private network refers to a secure connection through which users can transmit and receive data over a public network. Connecting to the internet with your smartphone, tablet, or PC without a VPN exposes you to specific privacy and security risks. But VPNs offer online security and privacy.

Establishing a connection through a VPN first encrypts the packets of data to be sent even before the public network sees it. The encrypted data is transmitted to a VPN server, which in turn, forwards the data to the destination. The VPN server offers anonymity because it hides your IP address, with the transmission carrying its address instead. You can surf the internet from one country while your VPN indicates another location.

What Can a VPN Do and What Advantages Does It Provide?

In today’s technologically advanced world, network security is of primary importance. A VPN can secure your online activities from infiltrators and spies. It can even do much more. Here are some benefits of the VPN:

Security Enhancement

The primary purpose of the VPN is to be able to establish a secure connection free of hackers and spies. It keeps your private information, such as passwords, IP address, and even your financial information from intruders.

Anonymity

With the VPN, you can surf the internet freely while protecting your identity from exposure. Anonymity is vital even as you surf through websites and web apps. There are certain online activities (not fraudulent ones) we usually don’t want to be traced back to us.

Remote Control and Access

You can use a VPN for a secure remote connection. It’s ideal for businesses because remote access enables their employees to work remotely.

IP Change

You can keep your IP hidden as you surf the internet. This also allows you to connect to certain websites where IP addresses from some locations are blocked.