A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security while browsing the internet. When enabled, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server operated by the VPN service. All of your network traffic is securely routed through this tunnel, which provides a number of major benefits:
What Is a VPN and How Does It Work?
To understand the value of a VPN, it helps to first cover some basics on how VPN technology works:
- VPN definition - VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It allows your device to access private networks over a public infrastructure like the internet.
- VPN protocols - There are a number of protocols used by VPNs to establish secure connections. Popular examples include OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, L2TP, and SSTP. OpenVPN is considered highly secure and offers robust encryption.
- VPN server locations - VPN providers maintain large networks of servers located across the world. By connecting to a server in a certain country, your traffic will appear to originate from that country.
- Encrypted tunnels - After connecting to a VPN server, your device creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and that server. This protects the data inside the tunnel from being viewed.
- Changed IP address - Your real IP address is hidden and replaced with an IP address from the VPN server location. This prevents tracking of your actual location.
- Routing network traffic - While the VPN tunnel is active, ALL of your network traffic is encapsulated within the encrypted tunnel and securely routed through the VPN server.
This hides your online activities, location, and identity from your internet service provider (ISP), government agencies, hackers on public Wi-Fi, and more.
Why You Should Use a VPN for Online Privacy & Security
There are several compelling benefits a VPN provides in terms of enhanced privacy and better security:
Hide Your Browsing Activity
Using a VPN prevents your ISP and network from monitoring your browsing activity. They can't see what sites you visit or what data you send and receive online. All of your traffic is encrypted before leaving your device. This allows you to maintain privacy and prevents data logging or profiling.
Keep Your ISP from Spying On You
Your internet service provider has unique access to monitor your online behaviors. They can record your browsing history, harvest personal data, and sell your information to advertisers. A VPN blocks this by encrypting all traffic, keeping your activity private.
Encrypt Internet Connections
Traffic traveling between your device and VPN server is encrypted using modern protocols and standards like AES 256-bit encryption or OpenVPN. This form of tunnel encryption provides a secure, private connection over the public internet.
Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Free public Wi-Fi is often unsafe, making it easy for hackers to intercept data and perform man-in-the-middle attacks. However, a VPN encrypts all network communication, which secures your device when connecting from public hotspots.
Bypass Censorship or Access Restricted Content
VPN services allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship by routing your traffic through servers in other countries. You can access content blocked locally or restricted based on geographical location.
Torrent Anonymously
Using a VPN hides your IP address which allows you to anonymously share files via torrenting and P2P networks without revealing your identity or location.
Avoid Throttling by Your ISP
Some ISPs intentionally throttle traffic from streaming sites. Connecting to a VPN evades this throttling, as your ISP can't identify the streaming traffic.
Choosing the Best VPN Service
With hundreds of VPN providers on the market, it's important to choose wisely:
Paid VPN vs Free VPN
Free VPN services often have privacy issues or data caps. Paid options like ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer faster speeds and better security without usage limits.
Internet Speeds
Look for VPNs that offer consistently fast connection speeds, high bandwidth, and low latency. Top services have thousands of servers that are optimized for performance.
Number of Server Locations
The more server locations a VPN provider offers worldwide, the more flexibility you'll have to choose where to appear. Look for services with servers in 50+ countries.
Strong Encryption & Security Protocols
AES 256-bit encryption is standard. Ensure any VPN uses modern tunneling protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec for securing data in transit between your device and the VPN server.
Strict No-Logging Policies
Choose a VPN that follows a strict no-logging policy for all user activity. This prevents tracking of any kind when using the VPN.
Apps for All Devices
VPN providers offer dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and more. Apps should be user-friendly with easy setup instructions.
Reliability & Connection Stability
Find a VPN that offers consistent uptime with minimal connection drops. Top providers have extensive server networks that deliver 99.9% reliability.
Why Trust a Reputable VPN Provider?
With your browsing activity masked by a VPN, you must trust they operate securely and do not misuse or sell user data. Look for these assurances:
- Independent audits to verify no-logging policies
- Transparency reports on requests for user data
- Management and ownership that avoids potential conflicts
- Server infrastructure that is privacy-focused
Reputable providers understand VPNs represent an important privacy tool. Companies like ExpressVPN and Mullvad embrace this responsibility seriously by making transparency and ethical practices core pillars of their business.
Take Control of Your Online Privacy
Your online privacy is under threat from many different entities: ISPs, government mass surveillance, advertisers, hackers, and others. Using a trusted VPN service gives you control over your data and online activities.
Follow the recommendations in this guide to select a quality VPN provider that aligns with your privacy priorities. Taking this step markedly improves privacy and gives you peace of mind each time you go online.
Our Choice
NordVPN
- Uses AES-256 encryption with varieties of VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
- Allows 6 simultaneous connections
- Strict no-logs policy that is independently audited
- CyberSec ad-blocking and tracker blocking tools
- Supports torrenting and P2P activities
- 30-day money back guarantee
Surfshark VPN
- Uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption
- Unlimited device connections
- Strict no-logging policy
- Ad blocker and tracker blocker
- Allows torrenting and P2P
- 30-day money back guarantee
Downsides of Surfshark include limited configuration options compared to rivals. Phone support is only via ticket system. However, Surfshark remains an excellent, affordable VPN choice for most users.
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