VPN Basics: How Virtual Private Networks Work to Protect Your Data

Did you know VPNs (Virtual Private Network) are a safe way to browse the internet? You may feel that using the incognito mode on your web browser is secure. It is not so, since other people can still track you. If you value your privacy, safety, and security, opt for a VPN.

How does a VPN work?

You need an internet connection for VPN usage to use the internet. While your data may be safe to a certain degree, you are still easily trackable via tracking cookies and other means and your activity is on display at your ISP’s servers. They may share valuable information with advertisers, government agencies, the police, or other law enforcement departments if called upon to do so. Their sites can also be hacked.

A VPN creates a remote connection between your browser (or any kind of program that uses the internet) and the server of the VPN. So your internet connection is routed through the VPN. The VPN works digitally, you don’t need any wires or cables, you just a net connection.

How does a VPN keep you safe?

A virtual private network works on multiple levels so that you can use the internet freely without fear of getting tracked.

• It hides your internet address since all the information you feed in is sent via the remote host server of the VPN.
• The data is encrypted, so if anyone tries to hack into your data, all they will get are lines of gibberish. Your online activities are safe.
• Your geographical location is changed from the one your ISP provides. So it becomes even more difficult to track you.
• Most VPNs offer you different country locations that you can opt for when you log in. This helps if you are traveling and want to access local content or the content available in other countries at home.
• Another benefit of using VPNs is that you bypass government restrictions, censorship, and surveillance using different locations from where you are.
• If you have secure items located on the cloud or other networks, when you use a VPN your connection is private, and the risk of any data being compromised is minimized. This is very important when you have private and confidential information to deal with in the office or elsewhere.

These are only some of the benefits of using a VPN program.

What you should look for before opting for a VPN?

Many VPNs now exist since they are running businesses. As you have to pay for your VPN, here is what you should look for before choosing one:

• How many devices can you use the VPN on? Is it also available for mobile usage, since these are increasingly being used for all surfing purposes?
• What are the authentication protocols in place?
• What is the speed you will get when you use the VPN? Some VPNs reduce speed when too many devices or people are using it.
• What is the level of encryption provided? If you are using a VPN for security then it should use a high level of encryption that is difficult to access.
• How many servers does it have? The more the servers, the better the speed.
• Is using the VPN legal in your country?

Put your research in place before choosing a VPN plan.

Final words

With increasing malware, ransomware, data leakages, identity theft, and worse, it makes sense to use a VPN for safety and security. It provides an increased layer of protection for all kinds of internet activities, not just browsing but also gaming, shopping, information gathering, and more. if you want to be even more secure, you can even use a double VPN, which will make tracking you even more difficult.