What Is a VPN and How Does It Work? Updated Guide for 2021
By Gaurav Belani
By Gaurav Belani on
VPNs are becoming more and more commonplace today and you likely have some friends or colleagues who use a VPN while browsing the internet. If you’re unfamiliar with what it is, how it works, and why an increasing number of people are using it, then this post is for you.
Let’s dive in.
Definition of VPN
VPN is short for Virtual Private Network. As the name implies, it presents users with a virtual network that is private so they can connect to and surf the internet securely and anonymously.
A VPN essentially renders a secure connection — a private “tunnel” — between your browsing device and the internet. It acts as an intermediary when you go online, hiding your device’s IP address — which is akin to your personal identification code that reveals your location and makes your identity and activities traceable — thereby protecting your identity.
In other words, the private network enables you to exchange data via an encrypted, secure connection to an external server via which the traffic is sent on to the web. In this way, your IP address that’s visible online is also altered.
Thus, a VPN is a straightforward and elegant solution that provides more online security, privacy, and freedom.
And it ensures that your private information remains private through something known as encryption...
Fundamentals of VPN Encryption
Encryption describes the way in which your data is kept secure and private while utilizing a VPN.
Encryption conceals your data by essentially transforming it into a complex code that appears as gibberish when seen from the outside. The actual meaning can only be read with the password aka the key, which is only known by the VPN server and your device..
The practice of decoding the encrypted information and making it readable again by using the key is known as decryption.
Encryption is a common cybersecurity technique used in everyday activities. For instance, when you shop online on Amazon, your credit card details are encrypted and made indecipherable until the data reaches its recipient.
Different VPN service providers use different types of encryption protocols, but at its core, VPN encryption is a three-step process:
- As you join a VPN, your data is transformed into an unreadable code and sent to the VPN server through a protected tunnel.
- Your device now appears on the same local network as that of your VPN. This means your IP address will appear as that of the VPN Provider’s servers.
- The VPN server then sends the data to the web and gets a reply, which is sent back to you via the VPN server and decrypted so you can understand and use it.
- Browser extensions: There are countless VPN add-ons available for well-known web browsers like Firefox and Google Chrome, and Opera comes with a VPN out-of-the-box. The drawback of using an extension is that your data will only be secured when you’re using that browser. The other application you use on your device will not be secured. Also, browser VPNs are usually more prone to IP leaks.
- Router VPNs: You can also use a VPN through a VPN-enabled router. This is useful if you have many devices on your network that you wish to secure. The VPN router will secure every device linked to it, so you don’t have to install the VPN on each device separately. Plus, you’ll only have to log in once as your router will remain connected to the VPN.
- Remote access VPNs: Companies normally opt for a remote-access VPN for remote working employees. With this, workers can safely access the company’s private intranet.
- Standalone VPNs: These are for personal use when you’re browsing the internet on a public Wi-Fi network or wish to access streaming services that aren’t available in your location.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN is arguably the most renowned and secure VPN protocol. It is open source and uses encryption that’s premised on the OpenSSL and SSLv3/TLSv1 protocols. Most VPN service providers support OpenVPN and most platforms (Windows, Android, Linux, routers, etc.) support OpenVPN. It is widely considered to be the best choice. However, OpenVPN is not meant for iOS, so you need a different protocol for that.
- PPTP: This is one of the oldest protocols, created by Microsoft. Though it is swift to deploy, this protocol contains a few potential leaks. That’s why it’s only recommended if speed is your primary interest, not safety. For example, PPTP is a good choice when you want to sidestep restrictions created by streaming services.
- IPsec/L2TP: Created by Cisco Systems, this protocol integrates IPsec for the encryption of data with L2TP to set up a secure connection. Most operating systems allow IPsec/L2TP, which is a great alternative to OpenVPN, albeit inferior.
- IKEv2/IPsec: Born from a collaboration between Microsoft and Cisco, IKEv2 is a more secure version of L2TP. This protocol can readily connect to and switch between networks, so it’s a good choice for mobile devices like tablets and smartphones.
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Benefits of using a VPN Today, you carry out a lot of your essential daily activities online — from banking to socializing and even healthcare. If you don’t secure your connection to the internet, you’re taking a chance. Cybercriminals, governments, your ISP, or your employer may learn more about you than you’d prefer. By using a VPN, you add a strong layer of security to your privacy. You get more online secrecy because you won’t be browsing the web with your real IP address visible. So whatever you do can’t be traced or tracked, and thus, your data can’t be used against you. Another benefit of using a VPN is that you get more freedom. As you can connect to servers located around the world, you gain access to region-restricted content on streaming services like Netflix or social media sites blocked in your country. Furthermore, if you frequently use a public Wi-Fi network (such as at the airport), you are an easy prey for cybercriminals because they capitalize on the lack of security on open Wi-Fi networks to steal private information. With a VPN, your data is securely encrypted so it’s almost impossible for hackers to target you. Thus, better security, privacy, and freedom are the three key benefits of using a VPN. Conclusion Now you’re familiar with what a VPN is, how it works, and why you may consider using one. So if you wish to secure your information and privacy while surfing the internet, you know what you need. About the Author: Gaurav Belani is a senior SEO and content marketing analyst at Growfusely, a content marketing agency that specializes in data-driven SEO. He has more than seven years of experience in digital marketing and loves to read and write about education technology, AI, machine learning, data science, and other emerging technologies. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies and listening to music. Connect with him on Twitter at @belanigaurav.
