The online world is full of many joys, such as social media sites that keep us connected with our loved ones, streaming sites and games that ensure we are never bored, and cute cat pictures that bring us a smile on our faces.
But there are also many prying eyes and other dangers lurking in all corners of the Internet. For starters, your broadband company may actively monitor your Internet activity.
Meanwhile, cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to hack into your online accounts to steal your data and sell it to the highest bidder on the dark web. Then you have companies increasingly using your browsing history to spam you with targeted ads.
While dealing with these issues may seem complex, there is a simple solution in the form of a reliable virtual private network. A VPN is basically an online tool that hides your internet protocol address, the number assigned to every device connected to the internet, and your browsing activity from all those pesky snoopers.
However, in addition to providing increased online security and privacy, VPNs can also be used to unblock geo-restricted content and services, improve streaming and gaming speeds, find the best online deals, and more. rather. But how do they work and why do you personally need one? We explain.
What is a VPN and what does it stand for?
Also known as a virtual private network, a VPN is a software application that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your connected device and a private server owned by a VPN provider.
Also known as a VPN tunnel, this connection serves as a secure passage for your internet traffic and personal data as it travels across the internet.
It will bypass your Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the process, which means they can’t see the websites and online services you access. Using strong encryption methods such as AES-256, VPNs will scramble your internet data so that it is unreadable to third parties such as ISPs, cybercriminals, advertisers and government agencies. That way, they can’t track your online activity or intercept your personal data.
In addition to encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN service will hide your device’s original IP address and instead show a specific one to the VPN server you connect to. This will help prevent third parties from knowing where you live, allowing you to surf the web safely and securely.
By connecting to a remote VPN server in a location of your choosing and getting a new IP address, you can also appear to be in another country and bypass geo-restrictions to access content not available where you live .
Who Should Use a VPN?
VPNs are useful tools for many different types of people. Overall, they are ideal for anyone concerned about online security and privacy. Using one of these services will provide an extra layer of online protection by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address.
But because VPNs hide users’ IP addresses and encrypt their data, there’s no real way for ISPs to track customers’ online activity.
VPNs can also improve your online experience by allowing you to access geo-restricted online content. By connecting to international VPN servers, you can also shop for the best deals online and get a bargain.
It’s also worth downloading a VPN service if you regularly use public Wi-Fi hotspots, whether for remote work or just to check your online accounts when you’re out and about. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are extremely insecure and can easily be breached by cybercriminals. However, VPNs increase public Wi-Fi security through strong encryption and IP masking.
VPNs can benefit students by allowing them to bypass the firewalls used by their academic institutions and access online resources that are blocked on campus. They will also be able to use library and campus Internet networks without worrying about their school tracking their web activity or hackers seeing their online activity.
VPNs are also useful for globetrotters. When you go abroad, you may not be able to access online content from your home country due to geographic restrictions. However, by using a VPN server located at home, you can make it seem like you never left the country and you don’t have to miss your favorite TV shows or sports. You will also be able to use public Wi-Fi networks more safely and securely during your travels.
Many businesses and organizations are also increasingly investing in VPNs. With these tools, companies can enable remote workers to access corporate IT systems, applications and secure data. They will also prevent cybercriminals from stealing sensitive corporate data and using it to extort businesses through ransomware campaigns.
What are the different types of VPNs?
Today, there are many different types of VPN services available in the market, accommodating all user needs by offering different features and implementation methods.
- Personal VPN: This VPN helps people protect their personal Wi-Fi networks and devices. It targets individuals more than businesses.
- Mobile VPN: This VPN is aimed at mobile phone users who want to stay secure when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Mobile VPNs, which are always on, will also protect your data if your internet connection drops or if you turn off your device for a short period. They are ideal for people who spend a lot of time on the move.
- Remote Access VPN: This type of VPN allows people to access corporate and private networks from an off-site location. It is useful for remote workers or professionals who travel frequently for meetings. Organizations that choose remote access VPNs will typically own on-site servers and network equipment.
- Cloud VPN: This VPN, deployed in cloud environments, helps users securely access their organization’s cloud-based services and systems. Compared to remote access VPNs, these VPNs are highly scalable and can be cheaper for businesses because they run in the cloud.
- Dual VPN: With one of these VPNs, your internet traffic will go through two different servers rather than a single connection. It effectively provides double the protection you would get with a standard VPN.
- Site-to-site VPN: This VPN facilitates secure communication between multiple networks located in different geographic locations. It’s a great option for businesses with multiple sites and branches. You can use site-to-site VPN with corporate intranets and extranets.
- Secure Sockets Layer VPN: This VPN uses the SSL protocol and its predecessor, the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, to provide users with secure access to corporate systems and applications through a simple web portal. Because SSL VPNs require no additional software to install, they are a more user-friendly alternative for organizations with remote workforces.
How to install a VPN?
You can install VPN services on almost any device, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, game consoles, and Wi-Fi routers.
If you want to use a VPN on a mobile phone or tablet, you can download the VPN provider’s app from the Play Store on Android devices or the App Store on Apple devices.
Once the mobile app is installed, you can log into your account and connect to a VPN server within seconds.
On a desktop or laptop computer, you’ll usually need to download the VPN software from the provider’s website and go through a short installation process. Mac users can download most VPN apps directly from the App Store. Setting up a VPN on a computer is not much different from using a mobile VPN – just log into your account and you can start using VPN servers all over the world.
With most major operating systems, it is possible to set up a VPN service manually. You can do this by going to the connection settings on your device and adding a VPN profile. You will be prompted to enter your account, password and server information.
Something to keep in mind is that not all devices, such as smart TVs and game consoles, support VPNs natively.
Whichever device you install a VPN on, you’ll benefit from clear installation guides and 24/7 customer support by choosing one of the best VPN providers on the market. Our choice would be Norton VPN.
Is VPN draining your battery?
VPNs use a number of complex processes, including strong encryption and data routing methods. These require a significant amount of CPU power, which can potentially drain your device’s battery.
Using a VPN also generates more internet traffic on your device, which can reduce battery life. Factors like weak signal and regular streaming make VPNs work even harder, demanding more battery from your device.
Of course, how quickly your battery will drain due to VPN usage will depend on the size of your device’s battery and how often you use your VPN service. Modern phones are generally better suited to the power-intensive demands of VPNs.
But you can limit VPN battery drain through a few simple steps. These include using Wi-Fi instead of cellular networks and choosing a battery-friendly VPN protocol.
Either way, given the profound online security and privacy benefits of VPNs, sacrificing a little battery life doesn’t seem like a massive trade-off. Just remember to keep a charger in your bag or pocket when you plan to go out and have a VPN constantly running on your device.
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