What is VPN and how does it work

What is VPN

The word VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, it is the protocol used for data encryption and masking of the user's IP address amidst his visits to internet websites. Using VPN ensures the total encryption of your data traffic and the privacy of your information.

How do VPNs work?

VPN or virtual private network as the name suggests works by collecting plain text data from a device and converting it to coded texts in a way it can not be read by a third-parties, including spies, hackers, intruders, and even the user’s Internet Service Provider (ISP), who might want to intercept it. 

The data first travels to the VPN server where it is then encrypted and transmitted to its destination.

In nutshell, VPNs work by rerouting and encrypting your internet connection through the VPN server.

When a user activated it on his phone device or computer and visited an unsecured website we can say his private data are safe because even if the hackers managed to trace his data, they could only see a complex coded and unreadable texts. Hence they have nothing to do with it.

Some people are saying there will be no code that can't be decrypted. Yes! But to be able to decrypt the coded text one must be smart enough and must possess an expansive and gigantic kind of computer system. If that were the case how could he waste his time and resources trying just to do a worthless job which could lead him to an unconditional life in jail? None of the smart brains would do such a troublesome job. So feel free that nothing like that happens, even if it happens, it was among the rare types of hacking that befall the multi-millionaires people. 

The VPNs also mask the actual IP address. For instance, the user can use it to hide his actual location and pretend to be in a different location.

Difference between HTTPS and VPNs

HTTPS and VPNs were considered to be similar in terms of work because both have the habit of encrypting and securing the network traffic over the internet. But the VPNs' work is broader than HTTP. 

• VPN masks your IP address and changes location while https do not.
• VPNs encrypt all your device data. It gives maximum security while browsing on an unsecured website.
• VPNs unblock websites.
• With VPN you can visit restricted websites and platforms.

Why do you need VPNs

If you are using public internet connections like public WiFi to make online banking or other financial transactions that dealt with sensitive data transfer then it is recommendable to use the VPN because it helps you to not expose your sensitive information by encrypting your online data traffic.

If your hobby was watching or downloading movies from the internet then using VPN would help you to protect your private data against intruders, particularly for the sites that you didn't trust reliably. 

Online gaming particularly multi-player games also need VPN for full privacy.

Also Read: What is 5G Network 

The solution to a puzzle regarding  VPNs' security

Many believe that using VPNs was not a solution to cyber crimes, they rather regard it as a method intruders manipulate to get users' private information.

But we may say this belief was not entirely positive, it has some points of correction.

As we know that anything good can have bad, and Nothing good comes for free. So is the case for VPNs, free VPNs may not have the capacity for the technology required to provide maximum cyber security, and unverified VPN vendors may leak or steal users’ data.

However, some technologists prove that some VPNs do not encrypt data, while others leak it. In this case, using VPNs can be bad for you.

Hence, we recommend using licensable VPNs from verified and reliable vendors.

Disadvantages of  using VPNs

While you are searching for a legitimate VPN to use, put in mind that as anything has good and bad also VPNs have their disadvantages.

These are some disadvantages of using VPNs: 

1. Not every website can be visited with VPN. Some websites don't allow using it, they automatically block you, if you intend to visit such websites you must disconnect your VPN to avoid being rejected.
2. Some government officials nullify VPNs. Therefore, using them in some countries and regions is illegal. Because it makes it more difficult for the government to track down an internet user who can easily order an internet service provider ( ISP ) to produce a target citizen’s data.
3. Using VPNs could result in a slow motion of your internet speeds, so if you want accelerated internet you may consider disconnecting it from your device.
4. Some VPNs particularly free one leak or sell users' private data. Moreover, some VPNs don't have the capacity for total encryption and masking of users' data.

Conclusion

Before using VPNs make sure it is legal to use them in your country and purchase premium ones from a trusted vendor. Otherwise, if you use free ones make sure you don't expose your sensitive information, and if you have a suspicion about using any VPN avoid it completely.