What is a VPN and what can you do with one A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that protects your identity and changes your virtual location online. While they are simple apps to use, a lot happens behind the scenes to keep you secure and private. What is a VPN? Originally used to access work networks remotely, commercial VPNs for individual use have become popular. These services operate servers around the world. When you connect through one, every website you visit sees the VPN server instead of your personal computer and its location. The VPN acts as a mask, interacting with the internet on your behalf. All communication between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, a process known as tunneling. How does a VPN work? VPNs create a secure, encrypted tunnel for your data. This process starts with a handshake, where your device and the VPN server confirm each other’s identity using complex keys. Once this secure tunnel is established, all data you send is encrypted before it leaves your device and is only decrypted when it reaches the VPN server. The same happens for data coming back to you. This means your internet service provider can see you are connected to a VPN, but cannot see what you are doing online. VPNs use protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard to manage this process quickly and efficiently. What are the benefits of using a VPN? Using a VPN offers several key advantages. Anonymity Your ISP can see and even sell a detailed record of your online activities. A VPN prevents this because your ISP only sees an encrypted connection to the VPN server, not the final destinations you visit. This also hides your real IP address, which can reveal your location. Prevent ISP speed throttling Sometimes ISPs slow down your internet if they think you are using too much bandwidth. Since a VPN hides your activity, your ISP cannot identify you to apply these slowdowns, potentially restoring your speeds. Public Wi-Fi safety Public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or hotels can be insecure and vulnerable to hackers. A VPN encrypts your connection on these networks, making it much safer to use. Get around content blocks and firewalls Because a VPN changes your virtual location, you can bypass restrictions. This can range from a school blocking social media to accessing a different country’s streaming library or evading government censorship in restrictive nations. Will a VPN keep me completely safe online? A VPN is a powerful privacy tool, but it is not a complete security solution. It protects you from being spied on without your consent. However, it cannot stop you from downloading malware, falling for phishing scams, or using weak passwords. A VPN is best used as part of a broader security strategy that includes antivirus software and good online habits. Can VPNs be trusted? This is a critical question. The VPN provider itself could potentially see your activity. This is why reputable VPNs have strict no-logging policies, meaning they do not record what you do. To verify these claims, look for services that have undergone independent security audits and use technical measures like RAM-only servers that physically cannot store logs. Are VPNs legal? VPNs are legal in most free countries. However, some nations with heavy internet censorship, like China, Russia, and Iran, heavily restrict or ban them. In a few countries, only government-approved VPNs are allowed. It is also important to remember that a VPN does not make illegal activities legal. Are VPNs free? While free VPNs exist, they often come with risks. Many free services make money by tracking and selling your data, or worse, by hiding malware. The safest free options are usually limited versions of reputable paid VPNs, which may restrict data usage, speed, or server access but do not compromise your security. Do I need a VPN? If you use the internet, a VPN can be beneficial. Consider if you answer yes to any of these questions. Do you want to stop your ISP from seeing and selling your browsing history? Do you want to safely use public Wi-Fi networks? Do you want to access content that is blocked in your region, like foreign streaming services? Do you live in or travel to a place with internet restrictions? Are you concerned about your online privacy and anonymity? If so, a VPN is a tool you should consider. Leading providers like Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN offer robust security, good speeds, and reliable performance for various needs.
