What is a VPN and how does it work?

What does VPN stand for?

VPN is an acronym that stands for Virtual Private Network. It's a service you can purchase online, designed to protect your internet privacy and secure your data.

Think of it as a personal bodyguard for your online identity, shielding you from the prying eyes of the digital world.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

The benefits of using a VPN are numerous and can significantly enhance your online experience:

• Privacy protection: VPNs ensure that your online activities are hidden from unwanted surveillance, whether it's from hackers, advertisers, or even government entities. A VPN helps prevent you from being targeted by hackers or scammers while stopping outsiders from seeing what websites you visit

• Secure connections: By encrypting the data you send over the internet, VPNs protect you from potential cyber threats, especially on unsecured networks. The encryption hides your IP address, the unique number of your home network, meaning that your connection is encrypted and cannot be tracked

• IP Anonymity: Your IP address is hidden, making it difficult for websites and services to track your online behaviour or determine your physical location

How do VPNs work?

VPNs create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This acts as a private tunnel, ensuring that all your data traffic is routed through the VPN's servers.

Consequently, it appears as if the data is emanating from the VPN rather than your personal network, effectively masking your IP address and safeguarding your connection.

It’s best to think of a VPN like a private tunnel through which you can access the internet. When connecting to the internet without a VPN, your broadband provider and anyone with access to your network can see what you’re doing online.

A VPN routes all your traffic through its own servers, meaning that when your data reaches websites and other internet services it looks as if it’s coming from the VPN, not your own network.

What are the different types of VPN?

There are primarily two types of VPNs, each serving different needs:

Remote access VPN

• Consumer-friendly: This is the type of VPN most individuals use. It involves downloading an app that connects your device to the internet through a private encryption tunnel

• Versatile: Ideal for personal use, whether you're working from a café or streaming your favourite show while traveling

Site-to-site VPN

• Corporate use: These VPNs are used within companies to connect multiple office locations to a central server, creating a secure company-wide network.

• Data protection: They ensure that sensitive corporate information remains confidential and inaccessible to outsiders.

Should I use a VPN?

If you're concerned about online privacy, a VPN is a wise choice. They are particularly useful when you're on public Wi-Fi networks, where it only takes one hacker to compromise your web activity.

At home, a VPN can prevent your internet service provider from monitoring your browsing habits, and while traveling, it can allow you to access streaming services from your home country.

A VPN is especially useful if you're in a country where internet access is restricted or if you have concerns about your safety online.

Are there any disadvantages to using a VPN?

While VPNs offer significant benefits, there are some potential downsides:

• Data logging: Some VPN providers may log user data, which could be a privacy concern and defeats the point of using one to provide anonymity

• Legal issues: VPN use is illegal or regulated in some countries, so it's important to be aware of local laws

• Speed reduction: Encrypting and routing your data through a VPN can sometimes slow down your internet connection

• Cost: Most reliable VPN services require a subscription fee, and good VPNs can be expensive

What devices can I use a VPN on?

You can get VPN clients, or apps, for Mac, PC, iOS and Android. That means they work across desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphones.

Remember that you will need to connect to the VPN each time you want to use it to protect your personal information when online.

How do I get a VPN?

Obtaining a VPN is straightforward. For mobile devices, you can download VPN apps from Google Play or the App Store.

For desktops, you can visit VPN providers' websites to sign up and download the necessary software.

Once you've subscribed, you'll have access to dedicated apps that make logging in secure and simple.

Do I really need a VPN at home?

While VPN providers often advocate for the use of VPNs at home, the necessity might not be as pressing for everyone.

Modern routers and broadband connections come with improved security features that, when combined with antivirus software and strong passwords, provide a decent level of protection.

However, if the idea of your ISP monitoring your internet usage is unsettling, investing in a VPN could offer peace of mind.

In an age when ISPs are improving security, you may not feel the need to use a VPN at home.

If you have antivirus software installed and a strong password, you can prevent hackers from accessing your home network, which may reduce the need for a VPN at home.

Without a VPN, your ISP will still be able to see what services and web domains you access, which might influence the decision to use one.