What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that establishes a secure and encrypted connection over an otherwise vulnerable network like the Internet. It allows users to expand a private network across a public network, essentially forming a ‘virtual’ private network, enabling users to access a local network from a remote location. VPNs utilize tunneling protocols to ensure data security.
By definition, a VPN connection is:
- Virtual, as it operates without physical cables.
- Private, as it safeguards your data and online activity from others.
- Networked, as it connects multiple devices—your device and the VPN server—to maintain a continuous, secure link.
History of VPNs
ARPANET pioneered the concept of linking remote computers during the 1960s. In the 1980s, it laid the groundwork for modern internet connectivity by facilitating the creation of essential protocols such as TCP/IP. The emergence of specific VPN technologies in the 1990s was a direct response to increasing concerns regarding online privacy and security.
Types of VPN
There are four main types of VPNs:
- Remote Access VPN: This type of VPN allows users to connect their devices to a private network, giving them remote access to its services and resources. These devices, known as endpoints, may include laptops, desktops, or smartphones. Through the internet, a secure and private link is created between the user and the network. For example, an employee traveling for work can use a VPN to remotely access their company’s private network, files, and resources.
- Site-to-Site VPN: Large corporations and multinational companies with offices in different locations rely on Site-to-Site VPNs, as distance prevents direct network connections between sites. This VPN connects the network of one office to the network of another, linking the locations.
- Intranet-based VPN: When different offices within the same company use a Site-to-Site VPN to connect, enabling shared access to information and resources across locations, this is known as an Intranet-based VPN.
- Extranet-based VPN: This VPN allows a company to connect with the network of another company without giving direct access to each other’s internal networks. It’s known as an Extranet-based VPN.
In the following section of this article on “What is a VPN,” we’ll explore the different ways VPNs can be applied.”
How do VPNs work?
At its core, VPN tunneling establishes a secure point-to-point link that is not accessible to unauthorized individuals. To form this tunnel, VPNs utilize a tunneling protocol that operates over existing networks. Various VPN services implement different tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN and Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP). These protocols offer data encryption with varying levels of strength, contingent on the platform using the VPN, such as Windows OS employing SSTP. The endpoint device must have a VPN client installed either locally or in the cloud. This client operates in the background and typically goes unnoticed by users unless it causes performance issues.
VPNs link a user’s browsing history to the IP address of the VPN server. These services maintain servers in multiple geographical locations. By utilizing a VPN tunnel, a user’s device connects to an alternative network, effectively masking its IP address and encrypting data to protect private information from potential threats or unauthorized access. The tunnel links the user’s device to an exit node situated in a different location, creating the illusion that the user is accessing the internet from that area.
The performance of VPNs can be influenced by several factors, including internet connection speed, types of protocols available from the VPN provider, and the encryption methods employed. In corporate environments, subpar quality of service (QoS) outside IT departments’ control may impact performance.
A kill switch is a crucial security feature found in some VPN applications. If the VPN connection is disrupted, this feature automatically disconnects the device from the internet, preventing any exposure to the IP address.
There are two main types of kill switches: application-level and system-level. Application-level kill switches terminate specific applications, while system-level kill switches halt all internet traffic if the VPN connection fails. Kill switches operate using two types of protocols:
- Active kill switch protocols: These prevent devices from connecting to unsecured networks when the VPN is active. If there is a server disruption, devices are rendered inactive until reconnected to the VPN.
- Passive kill switch protocols: These provide enhanced security by blocking connections to non-VPN networks even when not actively connected to the VPN server.
How to Use a VPN
Selecting a provider that best fits your needs is the first step in setting up a VPN. Many VPN providers are available, each with unique advantages and drawbacks. For instance, you’ll want a provider that supports protocols compatible with all your devices. The service should be simple to set up, accessible from any location, and offer secure, encrypted connections for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi.
A key difference between a high-quality VPN and one with limited benefits is the number of users sharing a single IP address. Since spammers and cybercriminals also sometimes use VPNs, some service providers restrict access to known VPN IP addresses. Providers can block these IP addresses by using downloadable lists. A reliable VPN will offer private IP addresses, which come at a higher cost but provide enhanced privacy and freedom online.
Once you’ve chosen a VPN, you’ll need to configure it on your device. Configuration steps vary by provider, so the VPN provider should supply clear instructions. Some providers offer an install file to make setup easier, which can be helpful if you’re not familiar with operating system configurations.
VPN protocols
VPN protocols provide a necessary level of security for connected systems when the underlying network infrastructure is inadequate. A variety of protocols are available to secure and encrypt data, including:
- IP Security (IPsec)
- (TLS) and (SSL) stands for Transport Layer Security and Secure Sockets Layer, respectively.
- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
- Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
- OpenVPN
What are the benefits of a VPN connection?
A VPN connection masks your online data traffic, securing it from external access. Without encryption, data is visible to anyone on the network who wishes to intercept it. With a VPN, hackers and cybercriminals cannot interpret your data.
Strong encryption: Accessing the data requires an encryption key. Without this key, even a brute-force attack would take millions of years to crack the code. With a VPN, your online actions remain private, even on public networks.
Hiding your location: VPN servers serve as your internet proxies. Since location data is routed through a server in a different country, your true location is hidden. Most VPNs also do not log your activities. While some may record certain information, they don’t share it with third parties, ensuring your online behavior stays confidential.
Accessing regional content: Certain web content is restricted to specific regions. Many websites and services offer content accessible only from particular locations. Regular connections use local servers to identify your location, making it hard to access content from home while traveling or view international content at home. By connecting to a VPN server in a different country, you can virtually change your location and access restricted content.
Secure data transfer: If you’re working remotely, you may need secure access to your company’s network files. This requires a secure connection, which a VPN provides. VPNs connect to private servers and employ encryption to minimize the risk of data breaches.”
Why should you use a VPN connection?
When you connect to the internet, your ISP typically establishes your connection and monitors your activity through your IP address. Your online traffic is routed through the servers of your ISP, which can log and potentially reveal everything you do online.
While your ISP may appear reliable, it could share your browsing history with advertisers, law enforcement, government agencies, or other external parties. Additionally, ISPs are vulnerable to cyberattacks; if they are breached, your personal and sensitive information could be at risk.
This concern is particularly critical when using public Wi-Fi networks. You cannot be certain who might be observing your internet activity or what information they could access, including passwords, personal details, payment information, or even your entire identity.
How much does a VPN cost?
The cost of a VPN often depends on how long you’re willing to commit to a provider. Generally, the longer the commitment, the more you save over time. Many VPN services now offer plans for one year, two years, three years, or even a lifetime subscription. However, because the VPN market can be unpredictable, we suggest sticking to plans of no more than two years. With a yearly or multi-year plan, you might pay as little as $2 to $10 monthly, depending on the provider. Opting for a monthly plan will likely cost around $10 to $15 per month. Choose what best fits your needs and budget, but remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality.
We typically advise against using free VPNs. Many of them may sell your data to advertisers or third parties, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN. Some free VPNs have even been known to infect users’ devices with malware, making them risky to use. While this isn’t true of every free VPN, most will come with limitations on server locations, data, speed, unblocking capabilities, features, and more. The only free VPN we recommend is ProtonVPN’s free tier, as it’s secure and doesn’t limit usage or speed.
The Future Role of VPNs in Personal and Corporate Security
As the internet continues to evolve, VPNs are set to become increasingly vital for both personal and corporate security. However, these technologies will not remain unchanged; future versions may integrate with more extensive cybersecurity frameworks and collaborate with other technologies to enhance privacy and security comprehensively.
- Personal Privacy Centers: For individual users, VPNs might transform into comprehensive privacy centers that merge traditional VPN features with additional tools like password managers, data breach alerts, and encrypted storage solutions. These all-in-one platforms would offer a more integrated method for safeguarding personal information across various online services and platforms.
- Corporate Security and Zero-Trust Frameworks: In the business sector, VPNs are expected to play a crucial role in zero-trust security models, which operate on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” As remote work becomes more prevalent, organizations will increasingly depend on VPNs to provide secure access to sensitive information from any location worldwide. Future VPNs may offer finer control over access permissions, enabling companies to dictate which employees can access specific resources based on their roles, locations, or devices. This would seamlessly integrate with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and other security measures, fostering a more secure and efficient work environment.
