VPN (virtual private network)

There's still some debate among communication providers and network users about how exactly to define a VPN. But by breaking down the term, "Virtual Private Network," we can better understand what it is and what it isn't.

Understanding VPN with Webster’s Dictionary

V - Virtual: Webster’s Dictionary defines "virtual" as something that is in effect or function, but not in actual fact or form. This means that a VPN acts like a physical network connection but is not physically wired.

P - Private: The term "private" means something belonging to or intended for a specific person or group, not public or general. So, a VPN is a network to which only specific users have access.

N - Network: A "network" is a system where computers are interconnected to share information. A VPN allows you to share data with others through a secure, private connection over the internet rather than physical wires.

In simple terms, a VPN is a technology that allows you to share information securely over the internet by creating a private network from a public internet connection. It is the safest way to protect your online activity and maintain your anonymity.

How VPNs work

Before the internet, computers could only connect via physical cables or leased telephone lines. These were expensive, hard to scale, and provided little control to the user. With the rise of the internet and technological advancements, physical connections became unnecessary. Now, as long as your device can connect to the internet, data can be securely transmitted through local Internet Service Provider (ISP) circuits, mimicking the older physical-wire connections.

What does a VPN do?

In recent years, concerns about online privacy have grown due to government surveillance, data leaks, and new data-mining laws. Many people see VPNs as tools to protect against cyber snooping.

A VPN can also hide your location or identity, help you access restricted websites, and prevent ISPs from tracking and selling your browsing data. It ensures you can surf the web anonymously without restrictions on which pages you visit, and protects your privacy from ISPs and cybercriminals.

How does a VPN work?

Without a VPN: When you visit a website, you connect through your ISP, which assigns you a unique IP address that identifies you online. Your ISP can see every site you visit, and your browsing activity is linked to you.

With a VPN: A VPN creates a secure connection between your device (the VPN client) and a VPN server. While your traffic still passes through your ISP, they can't see its contents or its final destination. The sites you visit only see the IP address of the VPN server, not your original one, enhancing your privacy and security.

Key concepts related to VPN

Proxying: A VPN server acts as a proxy for your internet activities, masking your real location and IP address.

Authentication: The VPN client and server use complex processes to verify they are connected securely, preventing unauthorized access.

Tunneling: This involves encapsulating data packets in another packet, making your data harder to intercept during transmission.

Encryption: Data inside the "tunnel" is encrypted so only the intended recipient can decrypt it, keeping your traffic private.

Types of VPNs

There are several types of VPNs available:

1. Personal VPNs: For private, secure browsing and bypassing geographic restrictions.

2. Remote Access VPNs: Used by companies to provide remote access to their secure networks.

3. Mobile VPNs: Ideal for users with unstable internet connections, such as mobile workers.

4. Site-to-Site VPNs: Connects multiple locations or businesses to a single private network.

VPN protocols

A VPN protocol determines how data is transmitted and encrypted over the network. Here are some popular VPN protocols:

1. OpenVPN: Open source, highly secure but slower.

2. PPTP: Fast but less secure, suitable for older systems.

3. SSTP: Strong security, integrated into Microsoft systems.

4. IKEv2/IPSec: Fast and reliable, ideal for mobile use.

5. L2TP/IPSec: Secure but can be blocked by some firewalls.

How to install a VPN

Most VPNs today support OpenVPN, making them easy to set up. Here’s how to install a VPN on different operating systems:

Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, and add a VPN connection.

Mac: Open System Preferences > Network, create a new VPN network, and enter the required information.

Is a VPN really secure?

Browsing the internet exposes you to risks such as data theft and hacking. While private browsing features like Incognito mode or browser security tools can offer some protection, they do not hide your IP address from your ISP or prevent other forms of surveillance.

To fully protect your privacy online, using a VPN is the most effective method. However, a VPN alone is not enough to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity.

Why you need more than just a VPN

While a VPN is great for protecting your privacy and encrypting your data, it does not provide full protection against other online threats like malware, phishing attacks, and malicious websites. This is where a tool like Guardio becomes essential.

Guardio offers a layer of security that a VPN cannot. It actively monitors your browsing activities for malware, phishing, and suspicious websites, providing real-time alerts and blocking threats before they can cause harm. Unlike a VPN, which only secures your connection, Guardio secures your browser itself, making it a more comprehensive solution for cybersecurity.

By using Guardio alongside a VPN, you can ensure both your internet traffic and your browsing activities are protected. While a VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, Guardio actively defends against cyber threats, giving you complete peace of mind while you browse the web.

Enhancing your cybersecurity with Guardio

For maximum online safety, a combination of a VPN and Guardio is recommended. A VPN protects your anonymity and encrypts your data, while Guardio provides real-time protection against malicious threats, ensuring that your entire online experience is secure. Relying on a VPN alone is not sufficient for full cybersecurity.