What is a VPN Meaning, Benefits, and How to Get One?
You’ve probably been hearing more and more about Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for home use, public Wi-Fi protection, and safe internet usage during travel. That’s because it’s vitally important to be smart and safe while you’re on the internet, wherever you are. A VPN can make the internet safer, more secure, and more private. It allows access to the web without being tracked, monitored, and identified.
What is the VPN and how it works?
A VPN, or virtual private network, creates a private network from a public internet connection, encrypting your data to protect your privacy. It hides your IP address and online activity from others by routing your connection through a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This process ensures your online activities remain secure and private.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an easy way to add an extra layer of security to your online activities. It takes your internet connection and makes it more secure by masking your individual IP address with a temporary one, hiding your true IP address from every connection you make online.
- A VPN is Virtual…because it’s as if you have a private connection directly to any website or another computer you connect to.
- Better yet, it’s also Private…because all your website visits and online activity is between you and the websites you visit.
- It’s also a secure Network…because you’re using a special network of VPN servers that covers the entire globe.
What does a VPN do?
Consider it a cloak of invisibility that allows you to move freely around the web without detection. VPNs encrypt your connections and make you virtually anonymous online. It can even allow access to censored sites and blocks. It reroutes your internet traffic through a server, making your activities appear to originate from that server instead of your personal IP address.
Why Hide an IP address?
Your IP address is a behind-the-scenes number your Internet provider assigns to your computer that allows you to go anywhere on the Internet. It’s something like the house number on your home. Unfortunately, your IP address also gives away your computing location, at home or on the road.
Governments and bad actors have tracked people down by their IP address, with the help of the person’s Internet Service Provider. Also, online businesses of all kinds monitor activity coming from IP addresses. They may not know your name, but they know you like their website.
Online companies and networks can (and do) restrict someone’s access to a website based on where the user is located. Your location is given away by your IP address.
It’s not enough that you can be tracked and monitored through your IP address. Hackers can break into networks and sometimes take over devices. Once on your device, these hackers can track all of your information including stored passwords, financial information, and accounts of all kinds. Bad actors will also sell your IP address on the dark web so other bad actors can access your devices as well.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN is a service that encrypts data. Encryption turns recognizable information into a garbled collection of unreadable code for anyone who doesn’t have a key to decode it. The only entities who hold these keys are your device and your VPN provider. For everyone else, especially those online spies, your information is unreadable. This feature, combined with hiding your IP address, makes a VPN a smart layer of security for all your devices.
Once in place, a VPN will not affect the quality of your online activities in any way. However, it’s important to be aware of VPN legality in your country. While VPNs are legal in many regions and can provide significant privacy and security benefits, some countries have strict regulations or outright bans on their use. Always check the local laws and regulations regarding VPN usage to ensure you are compliant and avoid any legal issues while protecting your online privacy.What Devices Will a VPN Protect?
A VPN can be used for every device with internet access:
- Personal computers
- Smartphones and devices
- Tablets and laptops
VPNs can be used on all operating systems, including MAC and Windows.What Are the Benefits of Using a VPN?
A virtual private network levels the playing field in a world of ever-increasing, ever-evolving cybercrime targeting both businesses and individuals. A VPN account instantly and consistently provides:
- More privacy. Your connections cannot be linked to your computer or your identity. You can visit any website and your ISP doesn’t know where you’ve been.
- Better security. VPN connections are super secure. The network is hack proof and all of your internet activity is encrypted (coded) and unreadable in transit.
- Increased website access. No more blocks or censorship. They can’t prevent you from getting to websites based on an IP address.
- Greater anonymity. Your true IP address is hidden. You’re unidentifiable online because you’re constantly using a different IP address, never your own. In fact, it typically looks as if you’re in a different part of the world from where you really are.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you have added an extra tool to your cybersecurity arsenal will give you the confidence to browse, game, and shop online with less fear of being hacked.
How to Get a VPN?
Getting a VPN is as simple as finding a provider and package that suits your needs. Some considerations for making your choice include:
- Multiple device VPN capabilities: All your devices should be covered under one subscription
- Fees: While some services are free, the better VPN providers will be subscription-based
- Company location: Not necessarily the geophysical location of the company, but the company’s jurisdiction and applicable local data retention laws
- Internet speed: The VPN shouldn’t significantly affect your connection speeds or create lags when in use
- Trustworthiness: Do your research and read reviews of your VPN choices before committing to a contract
- Robust encryption: Look for AES-256 level encryption, widely considered the “gold standard”
- Privacy policies: The provider should not keep records of your activities while using the VPN
- DNS security: The VPN should protect against Domain Name Server leaks to your ISP provider
- Killswitch: Automatically blocks devices from connecting to unprotected and unverified sources
Most VPN providers offer free trials. Take advantage of these trials to make sure the services promised are what you need before signing on the dotted line.
Getting started with your VPN
Once you’ve selected the VPN provider and the terms of the agreement, it’s time to install the program on your devices.
This is frequently as simple as downloading the provider’s app or downloading the program directly from the company website. Once installed, you will be prompted to log in. You will be automatically connected to a VPN server, frequently one that is closest to your physical location so that your internet speed isn’t affected.
You can choose to manually make changes within your operating system, but this is unnecessarily complicated and can keep you from enjoying all the benefits of the VPN.
Choosing the right VPN server
Your device will automatically connect to a server that is close to your location, but you may choose to find servers that are better suited for activities such as gaming or streaming. You may even opt to use a server from a different country to avoid blocks and censorship imposed by that country and access region-locked sites across the world.
Which VPN is the Best?
The pros at WhatIsMyIPAddress have reviewed dozens of VPNs and shortlisted some of the best providers.
The mobile phone is fast becoming the new computer, with powerful new processors and edge-to-edge bezel less displays becoming the norm. With your Android phone, you can stream movies, play games, use online banking, and browse the internet wherever you go. Our treasured phones are getting very secure, but the more we rely on these devices, we open ourselves to the dangers of unsecured internet. More and more data is being processed and if you plan on using Public Wi-Fi or even 4G and 5G connections on your Android phone to connect to apps and services, you’ll need to utilize the power of a VPN if you truly want to keep your data and information private from snoopers, ISPs, and corporate entities looking to sell and use your data for profit.
TorGuard works worldwide with 3000+ servers in 50+ countries
You’ll have access to our encryption wherever you go. Choose from any server in the world, and connect with our unique Stealth VPN and Stealth proxy features that allow VPN use even in heavily censored countries that use deep packet inspection.
We’ve designed our VPN software to be packed full of security features that prevent any form of data leakage. By using VPN tunnel encryption every employee will have secure access to the cloud, and all data will be encrypted and unreadable from outside sources.
Utilize Your Private VPN Cloud IP as Universal Gateway
Opt for your Private VPN Cloud IP as the universal gateway for devices and apps, a favored method akin to classic VPN IP concealment. Channeling all device traffic via this VPN IP cloaks each device with a unified anonymous IP. This preferred configuration guarantees that all devices in your Private Cloud are shielded with an anonymous IP, courtesy of your exclusive VPN service.
Private-Mail offers apps for iOS / Android and is compatible with any web browser.
Secure Encryption
Private Mail uses secure end to end OpenPGP encryption for your emails. By securing your emails, you can be sure that your emails are never read or intercepted by third parties. With Private Mail, securing sensitive emails or encrypting a file is as simple as clicking a button. Don’t compromise security for convenience, Private Mail gives you the power to secure your communications.
TorGuard’s Stealth VPN is the most secure VPN in the world. Engineered from the ground up to be resilient and impossible to detect, Stealth VPN can bypass Deep Packet Inspection to unblock the most popular websites and services around the globe. And when we say that Stealth VPN is “invisible”, we mean it. Stealth VPN traffic is hidden to look like normal web HTTPS traffic which means that it’s impossible to block even in strict censored countries like China, Russia, UAE, or even behind strict corporate wifi networks.
Be Unseen. Experience Unmatched Anonymity with High-Speed 10 GB Proxy Servers in 22+ Countries featuring SSL, Socks5, and Shadowsocks. Go Stealth with Vmess, Vless, and Trojan V2Ray.How Much Does a VPN Cost?
While there are free VPN providers, they may not offer the same features, speed, and privacy as paid subscriptions. There are a few factors that may impact subscription prices, such as:
- Data limits
- Streaming capabilities
- Number of devices covered
- Number of available servers
- Length of contract
The average cost of a VPN per month is just under $10, but providers will offer heavy discounts for annual subscriptions. You may be able to save up to 70% with a longer-term agreement, bringing your monthly price down to $2 per month for some providers. A two-year contract costs an average of $3.40 per month.
VPN providers may also offer packages and upgrades, such as ad blockers and antivirus, for a small increase in price. If you’re looking for a complete security toolkit, these upgrades will help you patch up existing holes in your current antivirus protections.What A VPN Can’t Do?
VPNs will block your information from online spies and public wifi threats. It encrypts data so that, even if your information is hacked, it cannot be used by bad actors. It’s important to note that even though a VPN will protect your browsing and internet history, it will not protect against a user’s risky behaviors.
You will still be at risk for a breach if you install suspicious files, open spam and phishing emails, and don’t follow strong password creation strategies.
That’s why a VPN is only one layer, although an important one, of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Practicing safe online behaviors and a good antivirus will help patch the holes in your security.
Zero trust
Never click a link in a text or email, even if it is allegedly from your bank or a government agency. Go directly to the official website and seek your notifications there.
No suspicious downloads
If you’ve received a document via email or text and were not expecting one, never download it onto your computer. This includes orders you never authorized, financial documents, and other documents labeled “urgent.” As above, go directly to the official website and look for the download there.
Beware the social media DMs
Never open any link shared via social media messenger until you have contacted the sender and verified the link. These are usually malicious links and, as discussed earlier, sent from cloned or fraudulent accounts.
Recognize spam
Spam emails and texts are pretty easy to recognize once you identify common mistakes hackers make.
- English is nonsensical: Hackers will not follow proper grammar and spelling. This is a dead giveaway that the message is malicious.
- Unusual fonts: Hackers will frequently use unusual, unprofessional appearing fonts in the subject line.
- Threatening: Messages sent by bad actors will frequently appear threatening, hoping to frighten the recipient into action. These include the “restricted account” and “unusual activity” messages from financial institutions.
- Unexpected: You will expect receipts and communications from sites you’ve made purchases from, but never trust a message about a purchase you didn’t authorize. Go to the vendor’s website and check your order history; never click on these links.
- Company name misspelling: Look for variations and misspellings of the alleged company name. These can be very subtle, such as “AmaZon.”
- The sender doesn’t match the organization: Hover over the sender to check that the address is from the company it claims to represent.
- Your name is misspelled: Your name may be misspelled in the subject line or elsewhere in the message.
- Your name is not used at all: Organizations will address you by the name they have on file for you. Never trust a message addressed to “valued customer” or other generic references.
Not sure how to choose the right VPN for you? Try our VPN Simplifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dangers in using a VPN?
Yes, there are dangers in using a VPN. These include IP logging, jurisdiction issues, traffic restrictions, potential malware that can spy on your activities and steal personal information, exposure to network threats like DDoS and spoofing attacks, incomplete anonymity, dependence on the VPN service’s privacy policies, legal issues in some countries, and the cost of reliable VPN services.
Can you use a VPN on a smart TV?
Contrary to common belief, a VPN can indeed work with a smart TV. However, most smart TVs do not have native VPN support. To use a VPN with your smart TV, you’ll typically need to configure the VPN on your router or create a protected Wi-Fi hotspot through your computer. This allows your smart TV to access the internet through a VPN-secured connection.
Does a VPN change your IP?
A VPN can change your IP address by masking your original IP and assigning you a new one from a server in a location of your choice. This switch makes it appear as if your internet requests are originating from the VPN server’s location. Beyond altering your IP, a VPN also conceals your location, identity, and online activities. To change your IP address using a VPN, simply open your VPN application and select the server location you wish to connect through. This process reroutes your internet traffic through the chosen server, effectively changing your IP address.
Does a VPN drain the battery?
Yes, a VPN does drain the battery of your smartphone or laptop. This is because VPNs require power to perform encryption and decryption processes whenever you use the internet.
Is Wi-Fi slower with VPN?
Using a VPN can slow down your internet connection significantly. Research indicates that Wi-Fi speeds can decrease by up to 77% once connected to a VPN. However, opting for a high-quality, subscription-based VPN can help maintain reliable internet speeds despite the encryption and routing processes involved.
Should VPN be on or off?
In most situations, it’s recommended to keep your VPN switched on to protect against snoopers and hackers. This is especially crucial when sharing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi networks.
What actually happens when you use a VPN?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and directs it through a server provided by your VPN service before accessing websites or online services. This process enhances anonymity and privacy online by masking your identity and activities.
What are the cons of using a VPN?
Using a VPN has drawbacks to consider, including slower connection speeds due to encryption, potential visibility of your data by the VPN provider, subscription costs, susceptibility to being blocked, connectivity issues, legal restrictions in some countries, and risks associated with choosing an unreliable VPN provider.
What does a VPN not hide?
A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic to protect your online activities from hackers and ISPs. However, it doesn’t hide your browsing history, user account details, data usage, or information you voluntarily share online. So, while a VPN boosts security and anonymity, it doesn’t cover all aspects of your digital footprint.
What does VPN protect you from?
A VPN shields your online activities from external access and interception by disguising your data traffic and concealing your IP address. It encrypts your information, rendering it unreadable to interceptors. Whether you’re traveling and need secure access to your business or home network, or you want to keep your browsing private from your local network and ISP, a VPN provides a secure solution.
What is a VPN used for?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that securely connects your device to another network over the internet. It hides your IP address, encrypts your online activities, and enables access to region-restricted websites. VPNs protect sensitive information like passwords and browsing history from potential eavesdropping on public Wi-Fi networks, ensuring privacy and security online.
What is the purpose of using VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a versatile tool that serves several important purposes. It encrypts your internet connection to keep your data secure. This allows you to stream content from anywhere and access websites that might be blocked in your region. It also helps bypass censorship, prevents your ISP from tracking your online activities, and can even protect against price discrimination online.
Who has the fastest VPN?
NordVPN with the WireGuard protocol currently holds the title of the fastest VPN, as per recent tests measuring download and connection speeds conducted in 2023. This combination of VPN protocol and provider has shown superior performance in speed tests, making it a top choice for users prioritizing fast and reliable internet connections.
