You’ve probably heard the term “VPN” floating around, especially in tech circles, but what exactly is it and how does it work? In this blog, we’ll explain what a VPN is and how it works, why it’s essential for your security, and how to get started using one.
What Is A VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a network connection type that enhances the security and privacy of private and public networks. Some apps offer VPN services for free downloads. WiFi Hotspots or even your Internet connection at home are common examples. It is commonly used to protect sensitive data and conceal your IP address, making it the best way to ensure online privacy. This network enhances privacy by replacing your original IP address with an IP address from a VPN provider or proxy. If you live in Sydney and use a VPN, your internet activity may appear as if it comes from France, Japan, or any other city where your VPN provider has a server. This allows you to access geo-restricted content, such as Netflix.
How Does a VPN Work?
If we imagine the internet as an expressway where information travels like cars, a VPN can be likened to a private tunnel. Instead of your car (information) traveling on the open expressway where everyone can see it, it travels through a private tunnel. With a VPN, your information never travels directly, but rather it is routed through a third party, which is your VPN provider. From there, your VPN provider delivers the information to its final destination. This means that anyone sending you information thinks that you received it at your VPN provider, but they have no idea where you are.
Why Use VPN?
- VPN enhances your privacy and security.
VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which enhances your privacy by making it difficult for others to intercept your data. For instance, when you send information to a website, it can be intercepted by unauthorised individuals while it is in transit between your computer and the website’s server. However, a VPN encrypts this traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who may try to intercept it. - VPN bypasses geographic restrictions or censorship.
VPN gives you access to geo-restricted content such as Netflix. By rerouting your connection through a VPN server or proxy, the websites you visit and online services you use cannot determine your actual location. Instead, any website you visit will assume that you are in the same location as the VPN server or proxy, making it the best way to access sites or services that are only available to people in that specific location.
How to Set Up a VPN
Setting up a VPN involves several steps. Choose a reliable VPN provider, install the necessary software on your device, and configure the VPN settings according to your preferences.
Explore our step-by-step guide on setting up a VPN on your devices:
