What Does 'VPN (Virtual Private Network)' Mean?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between a device and a network. This allows the device to connect to the internet as if it were on the same private network as the VPN server, even if it is physically located elsewhere.

This can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as making it possible for remote workers to access the company’s internal network or giving users the capacity to access content that is restricted by their geographic location. A VPN can also help protect a user’s internet connection from being monitored or accessed by third parties.

How does it work?

A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between a device and a VPN server. The device connects to the VPN server, and all internet traffic between the device and the server is encrypted. This encryption makes it much more difficult for anyone to intercept or access the internet traffic, including hackers, governments, and internet service providers (ISPs).

There are different types of VPN protocols that can be used to create this secure connection, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some common VPN protocols include OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and PPTP.

Benefits

One of the main benefits of using a VPN is that it provides users with the ability to access content that is restricted based on their geographic location. For example, a user in China may not be able to access certain websites or apps that are blocked by the Chinese government. But by connecting to a VPN server in another country, the user can “virtually” change their location and access the restricted content.

Another benefit is that VPNs allow remote workers to securely access a company’s internal network as if they were in the office. This can be useful for accessing files and resources that are only available on the internal network, as well as for securing internet connections while working on public Wi-Fi networks.

In addition to security and privacy benefits, VPNs also provide some level of anonymity, as it is difficult for third parties to track and identify a user based on their internet traffic. However, VPNs are not a perfect solution for privacy because, even though they encrypt your traffic, they do not protect you from other forms of tracking, such as browser fingerprints.

It’s worth noting that not all VPN services are created equal, and some providers may have issues with logging, reliability, or the use of weak encryption. It’s important to do research and choose a reputable VPN provider.

VPN providers

There are many VPN providers available, and each one may have its own unique features and capabilities. Here are a few examples of popular VPN providers:

NordVPN: This provider is known for its strong security and privacy features, including double encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It also has a large server network with over 5,500 servers in 59 countries. NordVPN also has some features that may be useful for more advanced users, like Tor over VPN, dedicated IP, and an automatic kill switch.

ExpressVPN: This provider offers fast speeds and a large server network with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. It is considered one of the most well-regarded VPN providers in the market, and it has been praised for its easy-to-use apps and strong security features, including a no-logs policy.

Malwarebytes VPN (Private VPN): This VPN is a recent addition from Malwarebytes, that well-known anti-malware company. It focuses on providing a secure and private browsing experience with built-in ad-blocking and anti-tracking features.

CyberGhost VPN: This provider offers a high number of servers (over 6,800) and user-friendly apps. They also offer various options to customize the service, like dedicated IPs, port forwarding, and anti-DDoS servers.

Surfshark: This provider offers a large number of simultaneous connections and a budget-friendly price point. It has a large server network with servers in more than 63 countries and a strict no-logs policy.

These are just a few examples of popular VPN providers, and there are many other options available. When selecting a VPN provider, it’s important to consider factors such as the number of servers and server locations, the strength of the encryption used, the provider’s privacy and logging policies, and the quality of the provider’s apps and customer support.