VPN Full Form

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It provides online privacy and protects your internet connection. VPN creates a private network from a public internet connection. It encrypts your internet traffic, disguises your online identity and hides your IP address allowing you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely. It is a key privacy tool that you should use when you use the internet from a public space like a mall, coffee shop, movie theatre or hotel lobby. VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that is capable of hiding your online activity, including the links you click and things you download. This means that hackers, businesses or government agencies won’t be able to see what you are doing online. 

Why do you need to use a VPN?

When you are using the internet, would you like it if a stranger sees your browsing history and files you download? 

Marketers, government agencies would love to track your online data to understand your needs and wants. If they understand exactly what you like they can show you targeted ads and generate revenue. To avoid this you can use VPN as it provides a shield on your internet data.

That’s why you should use a VPN since it encrypts online data so no one can see it. If you use free public Wi-Fi regularly then VPN is a must since it is very easy for hackers to steal your data on public hotspots.

Gamers, unfortunately, have to face DDoS attacks and bandwidth throttling. Although, if you use VPN all of these problems will vanish. Most importantly, as using VPN is legal in almost every country you can use it without worrying about anything.

How does a VPN Work?

Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your IP address by making the network redirect it through a specially configured remote server. This means that when you use the internet the VPN server becomes your source of data.

So, now your internet service providers won’t be able to sell your entire browsing history to the highest bid. Third parties won’t be able to see which websites you like visiting the most. VPN turns your data into a coding language. So, even if hackers get their hands on your data they won’t be able to see anything.

How does the Encryption Tunnel Work?

In simple words, encryption is the method of turning plain text into an unreadable jumble of code. This is done by a key or decryptor.

When you use a VPN to access the internet the key to decrypt your data into plain text is only with the VPN provider. Mainly, you will these 3 types of encryption:

• Hashing
• Symmetric cryptography
• Asymmetric cryptography

All of these have their strengths and weaknesses. Different VPN providers offer you varying degrees of encryption strength. 

How does a VPN Provide Protection against Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when hackers steal your data and commit crimes in your name. Theft can buy property or expensive electronic devices or open new bank accounts. The identity of the hacker is safe but yours is exposed.

In this scenario, VPN protects your data by creating an encrypted tunnel. So, all the data that you send or receive is now safe. You would be surprised to know that even keeping your mobile’s Wifi on at all times can make you vulnerable to online attacks.

Routine activities like shopping online, browsing on the internet can make you vulnerable to cybercrimes. A VPN will provide a protective layer to your data at all times. This is especially helpful when you use public Wi-Fi as hackers won’t be able to see your login credentials or your credit card number.

You need to understand that it is almost impossible to prevent identity theft. Even VPN won’t be able to provide you sufficient protection against it. But, it is better to have something than nothing right?

Different Types of VPN

Mainly, there are 2 basic types of VPNs. A remote-access VPN provides you with a private encryption tunnel that allows users to connect to another network. This can be simply the internet or your company’s internal system.

The second one is the site-to-site VPN also commonly referred to as router-to-router VPN. Usually co-operates opt for this type of VPN. When a company has headquarters in several different locations they use site-to-site VPN

The site-to-site VPN secures your internet data by creating a closed internal network where the various locations can all connect. This is commonly referred to as an intranet. Now, there are several internet protocols such as:

• PPTP (least secure)
• IKEv2 
• L2TP/IPSec 
• SSL 
• TOOLS 
• SSH 
• OpenVPN

Conclusion

We hope that you now understand the importance of using VPN in today’s age. Since cybercrime is increasing and most marketers, government agencies want your online data using a VPN is highly recommended. Remember your online data allows hackers to understand your mindset. Your data represents your personality. Due to the growing VPN companies nowadays you can get VPN at affordable prices.  At the same time, it is a piece of cake to install and use VPN. Although don’t just choose any VPN service provider blindly. Do your research and then only select a trustworthy VPN service provider that provides you maximum security. Although you should always remember that VPN is not an all in one solution. Even if you use VPN there are chances of data theft. VPN just provides a layer of projection to your online data.