James Phang

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What is a VPN and how it works?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network which enables individuals or businesses to share information securely across computer networks. For example, if you are travelling and using public WIFI and in need of logging into your bank account to check your account, you would use a VPN to secure your connection and encrypt the data you are sending.

How does a VPN work?

You would start up your VPN software from your VPN service, the software encrypts your data before your Internet Service Provider or the public WIFI sees the data. The data goes to the VPN server and from the VPN server to your online destination. VPNs can encrypt any data from bank details to video sharing or search engines searches. Your online destination sees the data coming from your VPN server rather than yourself.

A normal connection without a VPN means all the data you send to websites is open and free to anyone and everyone if they know how to access it. When using a VPN it solves a few privacy issues:

  • Websites see the VPN server as traffic rather than you keeping your identity anonymous

  • No one can identify you or your computer as a source of the data being sent

  • Your data is encrypted so anyone snooping will only see encrypted data

How does encryption works?

Encryption works by applying a key to transforming data by using modern encryption algorithms to change the data being sent. At the end of the process the data is encrypted and only readable by people who have the original key.

Summary

With today’s privacy concerns in regards to companies storing our data and browsing history, VPN exists to give us back our privacy when on the internet. There are a number of reasons that you would want to use a VPN:

  • Encrypt your activity on the web

  • Hide your activity

  • Hide your location

  • Make yourself anonymous on the web

  • Keep your connection protected when using public WIFI hotspots

VPNs provide the perfect solution in today's world. There are a number of different companies offering VPN services at different prices that will be able to encrypt your connection whether you are browsing on your desktop at home or on the go on your smartphone.

Video: VPNs or Virtual Private Networks as Fast As Possible by TechQuickie