What is VPN?

We live in an era that demands constant internet connectivity. Smartphones have revolutionized communication. Whether it is to make phone calls anywhere globally, send money anywhere in a single click, do remote work from any part of the world, and many more, we can access the internet 24/7.

However, cybercrime rates are also increasing, making online surfing in India more vulnerable to hacking and private information theft. However, you can protect your data and browse safely using VPN. This article will help you know what is VPN and how it works. What is the best VPN and how to get it and more. Additionally, Cyber Security courses will help you get familiar with the latest cyber security trends.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is one of the most secure software for internet privacy. By masking your IP address while browsing online and using highly encrypted tools, VPNs allow you to remain anonymous while browsing online. As a result, you can shop, browse, transfer data, pay online, and use social media without worrying about someone collecting your information.

You can use VPN on mobile devices to protect your online privacy. VPN connection is also available for laptops, and you can choose a free or paid subscription. However, the free VPN server list comes with a limitation of the data you can use.

Importance of VPN in Network Security

The fact that public places now provide free Wi-Fi makes you happy. It connects you easily, and you can exchange unlimited messages with your family and friends, transfer payments online, shop online, post on social media, taking endless selfies and photos for social media; suddenly, you discover that your bank account is zero and all your private photos have been flashing on some shady website.

This happens because you trusted the open and free Wi-Fi — the most vulnerable network anyone, including hackers, can access. While the internet makes the world smaller, the risk of using an open network is higher.

Hacking and the theft of private information have become a bigger concern for Indian users due to the rise of cybercrime. Therefore, it is high time for internet users to use VPNs while surfing. 

There are two main roles of a VPN:
 
1. Privacy:  VPN masks information such as your location, IP address, search history, username, and passwords and keeps them from being traced by ISPs (internet service providers) and others like hackers.

2. Security:  VPN helps protect your online data by encrypting and shielding it from being transmitted to another device. To decrypt the data, one needs an encryption key. In the event of a brute force attack, a computer would take decades to decipher the code. Thus, you can hide your online activities even on public networks with the help of a VPN.

Other Importance of Using VPNs

1. Hide your Actual Location

VPN servers hide your actual location on the internet by acting as your proxy servers. Since a server in another country provides the demographic location data, it is impossible to specify your actual location. Also, most VPN providers don’t store logs of your activities. However, some VPN service providers do record your behavior but do not disclose it to third parties.

2. Access Regional Content from Anywhere in the World

There is only sometimes an easy way to access regional web content. Many services and websites contain content only available in certain regions. For instance, Hulu, the famous US streaming platform, is only available in the US region. Changing your current location to the US network with VPNs is an effective way to “change” your location and access the content.

3. Securely Access Important Files

If you are someone who works remotely and must access important files, such information should be downloaded securely, as someone may gain unauthorized access. With VPN, you can securely access the data. A VPN reduces the risk of data leakage by connecting to private servers and encrypting the data.

How Does a VPN Work?

When you go online, your internet service provider (ISP) provides your connection. Every action you take online is logged and monitored by your ISP's servers.

Even though your internet service provider (ISP) may seem legit and trustworthy, they could monitor each activity you do and sell it to the government or third parties. You could also be at risk if your ISP gets hacked: if they do, your personal and private information could be compromised.

This is mainly important if you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks. Somebody can easily steal your passwords, personal data, payment information, and even your whole identity can be compromised.

Rather than using the user’s normal ISP  (Internet Service Provider), VPNs route the device’s connection over a private network and hide the IP address of users when they access the internet by acting as an intermediary. VPN helps to encrypt the data, and in the event, someone gains access to your data, it would be useless to them as it will take them forever to decrypt it. 

Let us understand how a VPN works and why it is important to use an online VPN for PC or smartphones, and understand how VPNs work to make your browsing safe.

Scenario 1: Surfing Using Open and Free Wi-Fi in a Public Space Without VPN 

Once you connect to a free public Wi-Fi, it directly connects to the Internet Service Provider (ISP), giving you access to the internet. When you browse the internet to shop, make transactions, book tickets, post on social media accounts, etc., it uses your IP address (a unique identifier for your device on the internet).

Unfortunately, the unsecured open network can be tracked by hackers who constantly monitor network traffic. Without detection, they can collect your data while you are surfing online, including usernames, passwords, and personal information. The next thing you can know is that all your data is hacked.

Thus, your IP address and sensitive details are at risk of being compromised while using an unsecured network.

Scenario 2: How to Use VPN Securely While Surfing Using Open and Free Wi-Fi in a Public Space?

To begin, install VPN software on both your smartphone and laptop. Once installed, activate the VPN server. After the VPN tool boots up, it will encrypt your data to ensure its utmost security. As encryption is in process, the VPN software creates a secure tunnel that links to a VPN server within the public network. Through this tunnel, your information will be protected against hacker's interception. Not only that, but the VPN server also modifies your IP address and location, enhancing privacy and security in your connection.

Thus, no one can see your original IP address, and you can browse, shop online, transfer money, post on social media, etc., securely without worrying that hackers could monitor what you are browsing and compromise your data.

Though, unlike public Wi-Fi, your home Wi-Fi is less sensitive to attacks by hackers. However, security remains a concern as your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can access your Internet data and can monitor your browsing habits. Therefore, data can still be collected and sold even when you’re using the “private” browsing function, and it can lead to a data breach. If you use mobile data from any telecom provider, you can always use a VPN to hide your IP address from your own ISP (Internet Service Provider). Opt for CEH course and get trained by EC Council-certified trainers and ace the CEH v12 exam.

What Kind of VPNs are Available?

There are two main types of VPN — Remote Access and Site-to-Site:

1. A Remote Access VPN 

It creates a private and secure connection between a user and the internet network, regardless of location. Companies can securely share files and resources with their employees through a remote access virtual private network. Connecting safely to your company’s servers from home is a great option if you work remotely. 

2. Site-to-site VPN 

It is another type of VPN. Alternatively, it is also called router-to-router VPN. When an organization has branches in multiple locations globally or within the country, they commonly use site-to-site VPN. Through this VPN, multiple locations employees can connect to one another on a closed, internal network.

In addition to this, there are two more commonly used VPNs:

a) Cloud VPN 

A Cloud VPN is a network designed for secure connections to cloud-based services. Both VPN gateways encrypt and decrypt traffic traveling between the networks in Cloud VPN. Unlike traditional VPNs, which route all traffic through the headquarters network, cloud-based VPNs have higher latency.

Major organizations use Cloud VPNs to securely link their data with cloud-based counterparts, such as software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications or cloud storage.

b) Mobile VPN 

A Mobile VPN is a virtual private network designed to enable secure connections for mobile users, usually utilizing cellular networks. It establishes a protected and encrypted link between the mobile device and the VPN server, ensuring the security of transmitted data. Mobile VPNs are employed to access private corporate resources like email or internal websites, even when users are outside the office. Additionally, Mobile VPN offers a secure tool to connect to public Wi-Fi networks and protect personal information from unauthorized access.

Is a VPN Really So Secure?

Even though you will get numerous free VPN server lists online, it is important to use a reliable VPN that helps you browse safely and protect your privacy online. A reliable VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, making it difficult for third parties to access your personal information.

However, it is crucial to know that VPNs work differently from anti-virus software. VPN helps you mask your IP address and encrypt your data, but it does not protect your data or device if you download any malware-embedded files or visit phishing websites. A VPN still exposes you to Trojans, Spyware, Bots, Malware, etc. Therefore, VPNs must be used along with anti-virus software for maximum security. 

VPN Applications

1. Online Anonymity

One of the most important things that what VPNs do is — VPNs hide your IP address, ensuring your identity and location are not easily traceable. Your online activity is linked to the VPN server’s IP, providing anonymity and preventing tracking by marketers, cybercriminals, and governments.

2. Secure Browsing on Public Wi-Fi

VPNs protect your data from interception on public networks, safeguarding sensitive information and passwords from hackers.

3. Circumventing Online Censorship

VPNs help users bypass internet restrictions and connect to servers in other countries, enabling access to blocked websites and services imposed by authoritarian regimes.

4. Privacy Protection from Data Collection

VPNs encrypt your information, preventing advertising networks and internet service providers from gathering and selling your data to third parties.

5. Secure Remote Working

VPNs offer encryption features, allowing employees to connect to office networks and access confidential files securely from remote locations.

6. Access to Geo-restricted Content

VPNs allow users to bypass region-based restrictions on streaming services, accessing content that is limited to specific countries or unavailable in their location.

How to Choose a VPN?

It is important to choose a VPN that is reliable and legitimate. Any reliable VPN tool should have the following qualities:

1. Encryption of IP Address: A reliable VPN used to hide your IP address from your internet service provider and other third parties. As a result, you can send and receive information online without anyone else knowing about it but you.
2. Encryption of Logs: A reliable VPN shouldn’t save browsing histories and allow cookies. It is especially important to encrypt cookies as this ensures your personal data and activities are kept secure and confidential.
3. Kill Switch: If, at any event of time, VPN connections suddenly drop, it may affect your secure connections. To reduce the risk of data compromise, a good VPN will detect sudden downtime and will automatically close the program. This process is known as kill-switch.
4. Multi-factor Authentication: Secure VPNs will verify users through a variety of authentication methods. You will be asked to enter a password during the authorization process, followed by a code sent to your mobile device. This ensures your connection is secured and no third parties are trying to access it.

Conclusion

A VPN ensures that you browse online safely without third parties collecting your personal information. VPNs also protect users from cyber threats by masking IP addresses, encrypting data, and creating highly secure connections.

A VPN can keep you anonymous online regardless of whether you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network, browsing the internet in a cafeteria, or accessing restricted region content. However, it is important to know that effective anti-virus software should be used in conjunction with a reliable VPN service to safeguard your data from malware or viruses. Go for KnowledgeHut IT Security courses online and learn directly from industry experts.