What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “virtual private network” — a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online.
VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your data, protect your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allow you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
VPN benefits
Using VPN apps makes your digital life safer, easier, and smoother.
- Privacy online: Changing your IP address, hiding your virtual location, and encrypting your connection allow you to increase your privacy online.
- Digital security: A VPN shields you from cyber threats, like man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, and dangerous Wi-Fi networks.
- Open internet: With a VPN, you can avoid online censorship and restrictions and enjoy the free and open internet.
- Safe data sharing: Share files securely while at home or at work — a VPN encrypts your connection so that no snoopers can see what data you’re transferring.
Why do you need a VPN?
A virtual private network — better known as a VPN — is an essential privacy tool when you’re logging onto the internet from a coffee shop, library, hotel lobby, or any other spot that offers access to free public Wi-Fi
While using public Wi-Fi
VPN is used to secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, so you can browse in full privacy. Hackers have many methods to steal your data on public hotspots, but with a VPN your online traffic is invisible to them
While traveling
If you want to access your home content while traveling around the world, a VPN can help. Install Client VPN on your device and never miss a Office environments & friend’s post on social media.
While browsing
Government agencies, marketers, and internet service providers would all love to track and collect your browsing history, messages, and other private data. Best way to hide it? Using a VPN to keep your data to yourself.
While shopping
Avoid targeted pricing, fake websites, and bait and switch attacks with a VPN. Shop securely, knowing your credit card details are safe from snoopers even on public networks.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN works by creating a secure encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. This way, your data can travel in secrecy instead of through your internet service provider. A VPN hides your real IP address and encrypts your internet connection to make your browsing safer and more private.
It’s worth finding out how a VPN works so you can make use of its full potential. Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:
- Authentication. When you connect to a virtual private network service, it authenticates your client with a VPN server.
- Encryption. The server then applies an encryption protocol to all data you send and receive.
- Tunneling. The VPN service creates an encrypted “tunnel” over the internet. That secures the data traveling between you and the VPN server.
- Encapsulation. To ensure each data packet stays secure, a VPN wraps it in an outer packet, which is then encrypted through encapsulation. That is the core element of the VPN tunnel, keeping the data safe during transfer.
- Decryption. When the data arrives at the server, the outer packet is removed through a decryption process.
Types of VPN
There are many types of VPN, but the vast majority of them fall into three main categories:
An IPSec VPN is a VPN software that uses the IPSec protocol to create encrypted tunnels on the internet. It provides end-to-end encryption, which means data is scrambled at the computer and unscrambled at the receiving server.
SSL Portal VPN
In this type of SSL VPN, a user visits a website and enters credentials to initiate a secure connection. The SSL portal VPN allows for a single SSL connection to a website. Additionally, the user can access a variety of specific applications or private network services as defined by the organization.
SSL Tunnel VPN
An SSL tunnel VPN allows a web browser to securely access multiple network services that are not just web-based via a tunnel that is under SSL. These services could be proprietary networks or software built for corporate use only that cannot be accessed directly via the internet.
Site-to-site VPN
Site-to-site VPNs are mostly used by businesses — large corporations in particular. They allow users in selected locations to access each other’s networks securely. It’s a great way to connect all offices and enable different branches to safely share resources and information.