What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a secure connection between your computer and a remote server. It’s commonly used to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots without the risk of being hacked. For example, you can use a VPN to access blocked sites or protect your data on public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN works best with high-speed internet.

How Does a VPN work?

A VPN works by sending your data through an encrypted tunnel. Any person within that tunnel can see the transmitted data, but they can’t hack it or trace it back to you. You connect to a VPN server via an app or software on your computer, phone, or tablet. When you connect, the data is sent encrypted to the server. The VPN server decodes the encrypted data depending on your encryption type.

When you disconnect from the VPN server, your data – along with the data of other users connected to the same server – is decrypted and forwarded to your computer as usual, so it’s safe. The only drawback is that since you can’t connect to a VPN server via a web browser (like Chrome or Firefox), all security checks on sites like Facebook and Twitter are blocked when using a VPN.

Benefits of a VPN Connection?

When you access the Internet, your data is sent out via a public network. Unfortunately, it’s vulnerable to hacking and eavesdropping and can be easily blocked. A VPN protects your data from those threats by sending it through an encrypted tunnel that makes it impossible for hackers to see your online activity. Here are the benefits of using a VPN:

Wi-Fi Security

If you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, there’s a higher chance your data can be stolen. A VPN secures your internet connection by encrypting all the data that leaves your computer; This means hackers cannot see what you’re doing on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Disguising your Whereabouts

VPN servers set up in different countries allow you to appear as if you’re browsing via that server’s location. If a VPN server is set in one place, your data will be routed through the encrypted tunnel appearing as if it were being sent from there; Allowing you to access foreign websites restricted to viewing from outside their host country.

Secure Encryption

When you use a VPN, your data is encrypted so no one can see what you’re doing. This means your information is protected regardless of it being transmitted over a public network.

Secure Data Transfer

Your data is unreadable to anyone due to the use of encryption. This way, hackers cannot find out what information you’re sending or receiving.

Access to Regional Content

Due to the use of IP address in geolocation, you can appear as if you’re browsing from a different country and can access online content or services offered by websites restricted to viewing from that country.

Anonymity and Privacy Protection

Using a VPN allows you to browse the Internet anonymously, meaning websites, advertisers, and your internet service provider will not know anything about your online activity. This makes it impossible for them to deliver targeted advertisements, for example.

Why should you use a VPN Connection?

VPNs are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to access content and services blocked in their home country, country of residence, or work. Setting up a VPN is an easy process and can be done with just a few clicks on your computer or mobile device.

What Kind of VPNs are there?

Site-to-site VPN

A site-to-site VPN connection allows an employee or executive to securely connect to a company’s private internet network from any location. In addition, the connection is encrypted for secure information transfer, so you can be sure your business stays protected.

Remote Access VPN

A remote-access VPN lets you securely connect from anywhere in the world, giving you uninterrupted and secure internet access when traveling or working abroad. You’ll have a secure connection wherever you go as long as you have an internet connection. This is perfect for anyone who works remotely, including freelancers and contractors, or anybody who regularly connects to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, and cafes.

SSL VPN

An SSL VPN connection is a secure form of VPN that allows you to connect securely from anywhere in the world. You can also keep your activity transparent, so anyone monitoring your internet activity won’t be able to see exactly what you’re doing online.

Client-to-Server VPN

A client-to-server VPN connection is the most common type of VPN connection. This is because it’s a simple process that gives you full security and anonymity. It also helps improve your internet speeds and allows you to access the web from your phone, tablet, or desktop.

VPN software for Windows

There are three types of remote access VPN software that can be used on Windows: PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP. These are popular methods of establishing a VPN connection between your computer and your online service. Below, we’ll explain the differences between them and tell you which one is best suited to individual needs.

PPTP VPN

The Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) was developed by Microsoft and is used with Windows to create a VPN connection. It’s frequently used by businesses and organizations that need to establish remote access connections across the Internet and within intranets. Unfortunately, the PPTP protocol is not well-suited for mobile devices because of its stability issues, so if you’re looking for a VPN that works with your mobile device, you should use L2TP/IPSec or SSTP.

Passwords for PPTP VPNs

PPTP uses static passwords to establish a connection. This means that the same password will be used each time you access a PPTP server. In addition, the username and password are transmitted unencrypted to the PPTP server, so anyone who has access to them can also access your data.

Security Concerns with PPTP VPNs

The biggest concern with PPTP is the static passwords used to establish connections between the user’s computer and the VPN server. This allows anyone to use the information they obtain from the PPTP server to access that user’s IP address and data.

L2TP/IPSec VPNs

The Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) uses IP Security (IPSec) to establish a connection between your VPN server and your computer. L2TP/IPSec is frequently used by businesses because of its stability and encryption features. It’s also a good choice for mobile users because of its ability to work with mobile devices.

Is a VPN Secure?

Yes, a VPN is secure, but a VPN provider is responsible for maintaining the security of their endpoints and encryption keys. While you may not be able to control the server that services your connection, you can often choose a reputable VPN provider with an encryption strength that will suit your needs.

Conclusion

Although a VPN can provide secure access to public Wi-Fi networks, it’s not a foolproof way of protecting your data. Clever hackers and criminals will often use free VPN services to steal data from users. Paid VPN services that offer the highest levels of encryption and privacy are your best bet for keeping your information safe. Let an expert at NGEN assist you with VPN selection and setup.