A virtual private network (VPN) acts as a safe tunnel to provide privacy and security while you browse the Internet. It reroutes the data from a device to a server and then sends it to the intended server. This way, a premium or free VPN server not only creates a non-encrypted connection but also prevents the likelihood of a cyber-attack.
You still may have many other questions in your mind regarding a VPN or how it works. Perhaps you might also want to know how you can use it in the best possible way or how much it costs. Read on to get an answer to these pertinent questions.
What is VPN?
An acronym for a virtual private network, a VPN creates an encrypted connection to connect a device to a network securely. When users connect their device to a VPN after connecting to the Internet, it reroutes the outgoing data from the connected device to another server. Next, it sets the rerouted information to the intended server. This way, it masks the IP address of the actual device.
The server’s IP address that reroutes the data becomes visible on a website instead of the one that belongs to the actual device. As a result, cybercriminals who attempt to get into the device of internet users can neither snoop on sensitive information nor identify a device’s location to launch a cyber-attack on it.
Access to some websites is either banned or restricted in certain locations. A VPN conceals the IP address of a device, thereby allowing it to bypass geo-restrictions. As a result, users can access websites that they cannot normally access from their location.
How does it Work?
A VPN works on the principle of rerouting the output from a connected device. Browsing the Internet in the usual way puts your device at the risk of intrusion by cybercriminals. It reveals your device’s actual IP address using which hackers can monitor your device and track its location. They can use it to either snoop on your device or overwhelm it with excessive data to mount a cyber-attack.
A virtual private network sets an encrypted connection between your device and the network. In other words, it connects your device to a private network securely. As a result, the data sent from and received by your device remains secure and confidential. For the safety of your device and the data in it, a VPN hides the actual IP address of your device. Instead, it reveals the server’s IP address through which the data from your device go to the intended server.
This feature prevents malicious traffic from entering your device. VPN’s remote server filters everything that goes out of your device and comes to it. Apart from eliminating the chances of data snooping or cyber-attacks, a VPN also allows you to bypass the geo-restrictions. You might not access certain websites or platforms.
What can you use a VPN for?
By definition, a VPN establishes an encrypted or private connection between a device and the network to which it is linked. Terms such as “privacy” and “security” used in the definition of a VPN are umbrella terms that encompass several elements other than those visible on the surface. In a nutshell, you can use a virtual private network to perform several tasks at once.
You can use a VPN for:
- surfing the internet without any concern,
- protecting the data linked to online transactions or the credentials for signing in to user accounts,
- eliminating security risks of intrusion into your device while using a public Wi-Fi network,
- availing discounts that are available in other locations while booking a flight ticket,
- bypassing censorship to visit banned websites or stream video platforms,
- preventing your internet service provider from data throttling by keeping an eye on your activities, and
- maintaining your anonymity by hiding your device’s IP address
Apart from these purposes, you can also use a VPN for safe gambling. However, you need to know how to safely go about gambling with a VPN to reap its benefits.
How much does it Cost?
Everyone wants a cheap VPN, regardless of their budget. But like other items, the charges of using a VPN vary from one provider to the other. The same holds true for the features of VPNs. Plus, you also need to factor in the duration for which you wish to use a VPN. All these aspects play a decisive role in determining the amount of money you need to pay for using a VPN.
Some providers also offer a free VPN server to users. Whether you choose to use a free or paid VPN service rests at your discretion.
Doing some research and preparing a list of the top VPN services based on your preferences can help you make an informed decision. After doing it, you can take a final call by comparing the charges and features provided by each of them.
Conclusion
From the above, it is clear that a VPN is the best cyber security solution to address the need for anonymous browsing on the Internet. It can help you with safe browsing without compromising your device’s security, privacy, and data. If you haven’t used it yet, consider trying it out on your own to reap its benefits.
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