FAQ – VPNs & Internet Security

The Basics

What does a VPN do?

VPNs, or virtual private networks, are services that aim to keep data secure by encrypting it and sending it across unsecured public networks. There are three main benefits of a VPN – anonymity, location independence, and speed. Using these services protects customers from ISPs or other third parties censoring their Internet connections, and also an ISP cannot throttle their connection speeds. VPNs also provide protection from hackers accessing sensitive information on your device and grant international access to the Internet.

What is a VPN service?

The purpose of a VPN service is to provide online security by creating an encrypted tunnel that blocks incoming or outgoing data leaks. People commonly use this service if they want to access geo-restricted sites and services from outside their own region. When the connection is established, it allows people who are in one location to access content from anywhere else in the world. The best VPN services can be used on all devices connected to the Internet: PCs/laptops, smartphones, tablets, TVs, and even gaming consoles.

What is VPN configuration?

VPN configuration depends on which device you use. Google is your friend if you need help with setting up a VPN.

What is the best VPN to use?

The best VPN would depend largely on your location, and what you need the VPN for. For average use cases and even most businesses, we largely recommend using NordVPN. They have great security features like double data encryption and an automatic kill switch. They also offer some flexible payment options and regularly offer great deals and discounts.

What can I do with a VPN?

With a VPN, you can mask your IP address and browse the Internet anonymously. It’s a fantastic resource for many purposes, one of the most popular being watching blocked content from services like Netflix or HBO Max in other countries.

What is the purpose of a VPN?

The purpose of a VPN is to provide a secure web browsing experience. It does this by encrypting your traffic, so that if anyone were to intercept it, they would only get gibberish information. A VPN can be set up on nearly any device, including desktops, laptops, and smartphones.

What is a VPN and how does it work?

A virtual private network, or VPN for short, is a way of securing your connection to the Internet in a private manner. It’s recommended to use a VPN when accessing public WiFi networks such as those in coffee shops, libraries, or universities, because these networks are not secured and leave users vulnerable to being monitored by a third party. The encrypted channel that a VPN provides creates an interface between you and any website you visit so that if your activity were being viewed by someone else then what they see would be gibberish.

What does VPN stand for?

VPN stands for virtual private network.

What does a VPN do for you?

A VPN creates an extra layer of protection by ensuring that your Internet activity is encrypted. This means if you’re working in a coffee shop and someone were to try and intercept your activity, they would only see encrypted data. A VPN also allows you to bypass Internet censorship and country-restricted content like streaming services or video sites.

What is a VPN network?

An arrangement of links between two computers or networks. It can be used to provide secure communication across a public network, like the Internet.

What can a VPN do?

VPNs can do a great variety of different tasks. They are primarily useful for protecting privacy online, but they also enable other activities, such as accessing region restricted content via remote servers. Different VPNs will offer varying degrees of quality and features, so it’s important to understand your needs before making a purchase decision.

What is a VPN on a computer?

VPNs are a way of using the internet without being tracked. These days it’s hard to make financial transactions, or do anything significant online without leaving behind traces – even if just for purposes of targeted advertising. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) provide an additional level of security by creating a private web connection that can’t be intercepted by outside hackers.

What is a VPN connection for Windows 10?

Your Windows 10 computer comes with a built-in VPN client. First establish an Internet connection, then click on the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen to display your “Start Menu” list. Next find and click on the “Windows Settings” app, then choose the option: Network > VPN. The client will scan for available networks and present you with a list of all detected connections as well as those you can add manually (either by typing or selecting it from a drop-down menu). Select any server from that list -or- click on “Add new VPN Connection” at top left to set one up manually.

What is a VPN profile?

A VPN profile is the configuration of settings one customizes to connect to a particular server. This can include any of the following: protocol (e.g., PPTP, L2TP), encryption (AES 128-bit), and which type of servers to accept connections to (e.g., TCP or UDP).

What is my VPN location?

A VPN location is not a physical location. With a VPN, you mask your actual IP address and replace it with an IP number from the country of your choice. So while we cannot definitively tell what the VPN’s location is, it does provide a digital cloak giving those that use this service uninterrupted Internet access to different countries around the world without any worries about government blocks or restriction barriers.

What are the benefits of a VPN?

A VPN provides many important benefits. It can create secure connections for your Internet and Wi-Fi enabled devices, protect data from cybercriminals, provide privacy by encrypting personal emails and browsing history, block advertisers, as well as a host of other protections.

What is a VPN connection?

A VPN connection is a secure virtual tunnel between two or more computers. It can help you stay safe by encrypting all your data as it travels between the internet and your location.

What is a VPN address?

A VPN address is a number designating the server which you connect to via the Internet. The VPN service provider assigns you a private IP address inside your assigned country.

What makes a good VPN?

There are many considerations for a good VPN. One consideration is server location, the closer the better. The next step would be a strong encryption protocol and finally an affordable price point.

What is the optimal location for my VPN?

That depends on your priorities. If you are using a VPN to access the US TV and movie services, then the best location is anywhere that has good connections with those servers. But if you are going for anonymity or staying within one country only, then it would be better to choose centrally located regions like Singapore or Eastern Europe.

What does a VPN do for your email?

A VPN service can be used to protect your email from being watched by cybercriminals or others who might try to steal your credentials and sensitive data. The best VPNs use military-grade encryption so that absolutely no one can access your information.

What are VPN connection logs?

Most VPN services collect some fairly basic information, such as when your VPN was connected and to what server. These logs are often used to assist in troubleshooting issues with the VPN service. However, this type of data is not likely to contain sensitive or personal information. Check your VPN’s terms of service to see what consumer data they are logging.

Why should I use a VPN?

You should use a VPN to increase privacy and decrease the chances of being monitored online. Whether you’re conducting business, browsing social media, or watching Netflix with your family members, it’s important to be secure. Not only is using a VPN safe from hackers who might steal your personal information such as credit card numbers, but removing geo-blocking restrictions means that more options will be available for streaming services and it makes you anonymous in terms of data collection without compromising speed. A VPN is an essential security measure these days.

How can I use a VPN?

Get a VPN subscription and download the app to match your device. Activation is usually as simple as clicking an on switch inside the app.

Should I always leave my VPN on?

Yes. If you want to protect the content that your devices access at all times, VPN is a necessary security measure. Leaving your VPN on prevents unwanted intruders from accessing your data while connected to unsecured networks.

How can you tell if your VPN is working?

If you are able to access restricted content (for example, Hulu) outside of your home country, then it must be working. You can also perform an IP address lookup and compare the IPs. If they match up then your VPN is likely working properly. Lastly, you can always contact customer service for assistance and they should be able to walk you through any problems that you may experience in accessing a certain website or content.

How do I install a VPN?

VPNs can be installed on devices such as desktops, laptops, and smartphones. Installation instructions will differ depending on the type of device and which platform you’re currently using.

Who is your preferred VPN and why?

NordVPN is our preferred provider due to their practicality and transparency. They have integrations with popular browsers like Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and many others which means you never have to download their software again. Not only that, but Nord’s non-logging policy ensures your data stays safe even if their records are ever acquired by law enforcement or a hacker.

Is it safe to use someone else’s VPN account?

Yes, it is safe to use someone else’s VPN account, as long as the VPN they subscribe to is reputable.

How can I set up a VPN on my Windows?

Configuring a VPN on windows is relatively easy and can be done in minimal steps. The first step is to sign into your desired VPN provider and purchase an account (a monthly or yearly subscription is needed). Next, find the installation file that provides instructions for your specific device. With an active account, install/follow these instructions!

Free VPNs

What is a free VPN?

There are different kinds of VPNs but the free ones are usually not as good as they promise to be. The free VPNs work by connecting you to another network, and it’s difficult to determine if these networks are secure or insecure. Due to the risks involved, our preference is always paid services that can guarantee privacy, security, and anonymity.

Is a VPN worth paying for?

VPNs are worth it if you do anything on the Internet that requires using personal information, especially if you’re sending financial data. Your ISP will collect everything you send and whatever they don’t use themselves they sell to third parties, like marketing firms. This makes them a top target for hackers, who have already managed to steal their way into companies like Equifax and other major establishments that deal with private customer data.

What is the difference between free VPN and paid VPN?

The major difference between free VPN and paid VPN is in the security. Security is often compromised when you are using a free service because it relies on slower, less sophisticated hardware. Your privacy will be at risk when you use a free VPN because many providers cannot guarantee their customers’ protection like paid services can.

Are free VPNs safe?

Free VPNs can be very unsafe. If people want a safe VPN, they’ll have to pay for a premium service. Especially for people who live in nations where censorship is an issue and the government restricts access to sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, using a free VPN service is not a good idea. The problem with these services is that at any point in time the VPN provider can turn on logging and collect metadata for authorities – thereby exposing all of your information to those same authorities without a warrant.

Is a paid VPN more secure than a free VPN?

Yes. A paid VPN is typically more secure because they do not share space on servers with other customers, and are able to invest more time in securing their network. A free VPN service may also offer you a limited or slower connection.

How do companies who provide free VPNs make money?

A free VPN company can sell your data for up to $800 per year, mine cryptocurrency with your CPU for up to $300 a day, or advertise on the service.

Is a free VPN better than no VPN?

Some free VPNs may be better than no VPN, but the vast majority pose a massive security risk.

What are the disadvantages of using a free VPN?

The disadvantages of using a free VPN are not simply that it is easier to track, but also that the service is likely to be run by an unknown company with unregulated data collection policies and practices. This means you could have your personal data taken from you without consent and used for any number of things including targeted advertising and government tracking.

Mobile Devices

What is VPN on my phone?

The VPN on your phone is a Virtual Private Network. It’s an app that allows you to connect to another server and replace your IP address with the IP address from the target server, giving you access to content blocked in your region. VPNs can be very useful if you want to watch Netflix shows or use apps like Instagram while abroad. For example, if I were in London and wanted unfettered access to American TV on Netflix then all I would need is a VPN that provided US servers so my ISP would see my location as being inside of America rather than London.

What is a VPN on iPhone?

A VPN for your iPhone will give you a secure Internet connection anywhere in the world. You might need one for your business or personal life, but they’re worth the download just to be safe on public WiFi networks if nothing else.

What is a VPN app?

A VPN app is a software program for your computer or mobile device that connects you to a secure Virtual Private Network. What this essentially means is, the app compresses and encrypts the data you send across the Internet to make it unrecognizable to prying eyes and difficult to collect by hackers. With a VPN in place, you’re able to securely browse the web on unprotected wireless networks without having to worry about someone compromising your data or viewing what you’re doing online. A VPN simply creates an encrypted tunnel between two points — in this case, your device and the Internet.

What does a VPN do on Android?

A VPN will allow you to access the internet with a cloak of privacy. It encrypts your data and sends it through a remote server that is unable to be accessed by corporate enterprises or other organizations seeking to transact information from you. You can also transform an Android device into a WiFi hotspot, create an ad hoc VPN connection with other devices, and unblock content for region-specific services such as BBC iPlayer or Pandora if they are not available in your area.

What does a VPN do on an iPhone?

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are complex tools that encrypt and securely transfer information between two or more points. If you have an iPhone, then VPNs can be used to achieve a variety of things such as hiding your IP address and securing your network by enabling military-grade encryption. Many people around the world use them to protect themselves from governmental censorship laws. Some people also use VPNs to get better rates on streaming services without being blocked from certain countries.

What is the best free VPN for Android?

The free VPN servers for Android are notoriously slow and unreliable. That being said, they do offer a decent level of protection for those who can’t afford to pay for a service. Still, we highly recommend finding a paid VPN service like NordVPN if you’re able to do so.

What is the best VPN for Android?

NordVPN’s mobile app has improved steadily over the years and is now one of the best VPN for Android due to its usability, features, and reliability.

What is the VPN setting on an iPhone?

Setting up a VPN can be done on any Apple device running iOS 8.3 or later, including the iPhone 5S, 5C, SE and 6 models; iPad Air 2; iPad Mini 3; and the iPod touch 6th generation. A VPN may be used for purposes such as protecting one’s identity, bypassing regional blocks and censorship, or avoiding geoblocking restrictions on specific sites.

What is VPN configuration on iPad?

To configure your iPad’s virtual private network settings, access “Settings” -> tap “General”. When General comes up, “Network” and go to “VPN”.

What is VPN mode?

VPN mode provides a layer of security for your internet connection. When used, it sends all traffic through the VPN server(s). This means that any node on the connection path–an ISP’s data collection equipment, WiFi hackers, or your neighbor leveraging their monitoring product–will only see encrypted data.

What is a VPN client on Galaxy S3?

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S3, the VPN client may be called “Mobile VPN with WiFi HotSpot.” It should be in the apps section of your phone.

Will VPN apps hack a smartphone?

VPN apps will not hack a smartphone.

What can you do with a VPN on Android?

With a VPN on Android, you can protect your online security and privacy, unblock websites and applications such as YouTube outside of your country, or access your work-restricted web apps from home. Governments often use firewalls to block web content types in certain regions or countries. VPN will not only bypass the firewall but it also hides your IP address (location) from them.

Speed & Data

What is the fastest VPN?

Well, that depends what you’re using it for. Any VPN is going to make your connection more secure and eliminate throttling for streaming or downloading, but if you want the fastest streaming with no buffering then NordVPN is a great option

Does a VPN make my Internet slower?

Yes, VPNs may sometimes make your Internet slower. Encrypting your data and routing it through a remote server can slow things down to a degree, especially if the server is far away or overcrowded. In most cases the slowdown is not noticeable without running a benchmark test, and most people understand this is an inherent trade-off for improved security.

When I connect to my VPN, does my Internet usage increase?

Yes, the processing of data packets is much more demanding when you are connected to a VPN.

How can I increase the speed of my Internet connection while using a VPN?

Turning off any firewalls and network intrusion prevention systems should help boost performance. And make sure you have a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) server communication enabled when you connect, as this might be slowing down your connection. Experiment with different servers and protocols to see what works best for you.

Can a VPN increase my browsing speed?

Yes, in certain situations where a user experiences throttling from their ISP or slow local servers, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can significantly increase your browser speed.

Can I use a VPN to bypass the data limited by my ISP?

In general, yes. Your ISP will still the data being used, but will have a very difficult time tracing it back to you. As long as your ISP’s bandwidth doesn’t limit what type of data is sent (i.e., Skype), then a VPN should be able to bypass any data cap imposed by an ISP with ease.

Does connecting your router to a VPN slow down your Internet speed?

If your VPN connection is fast, then you shouldn’t experience any noticeable difference in Internet speed.

VPN Features

What is Double VPN?

Double VPN is a feature in which traffic comes from two different locations, and that both packets of data go through the same tunnel. Essentially, this means double protection for your sensitive information. Double VPN technology consists of two tunnels that cross over in one spot inside the tunnel, but not at the beginning or endpoints. With DoubleVPN technology, all network traffic sends two times as much encrypted data – this way if one packet from either side gets blocked along the way, it’s protected by other communications taking place at another point on the route.

What is a VPN kill switch?

A kill switch is a common VPN feature that is installed to interrupt your Internet connection if the VPN tunnel software unexpectedly quits. Essentially, it’s a failsafe to prevent users from browsing the Internet unprotected in the event of VPN failure. A kill switch is a necessary feature for any good VPN.

What is a P2P VPN?

A P2P VPN is a Virtual Private Network that works by connecting users from all around the world. A P2P system will give you encrypted connections and allow you to host your own server which uses specific programs, like BitTorrent, for downloading and uploading files without interference from outside forces. It also provides a safer way to access geographically limited content such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer. The best part about P2P networking is it lets you bypass government censorship along with restrictions set forth by Internet providers. Essentially any blocks put in place won’t affect your machines capacity to connect with peers or be able to download and upload content anonymously

What is a VPN server?

A VPN server is a computer that hosts virtual private networks, and assigns IP addresses. The VPN servers allocate each client request to one of its databases on different machines in an encryption key-sharing fashion, so as to conceal which data is on which database.

What is a VPN router?

A VPN router routes all of your Internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel which comes from a server that you control. This means all of your network (WiFi), hard-wired ethernet, and even cellular data are hidden behind the anonymous security of your VPN service.

What is a VPN concentrator?

A VPN concentrator is a device that connects to several different VPN devices from different manufacturers and aggregates the various encrypted connections into a single connection. This benefits enterprises because, for one thing, it centralizes and simplifies the management of multiple VPNs.

What is a dedicated IP VPN?

Dedicated IP VPNs can improve the security of your data because they let you disguise and anonymize a connection made with your ISP. This is achieved by assigning a dedicated IP address to a client from an ISP’s server. Dedicated IP connections are also very important for some activities, like online banking or shopping which require greater protection than what is usually available through shared IP addresses. They are also helpful for maintaining bandwidth stable connections that would fluctuate if using other types of connectivity options. For this reason, many companies choose to offer dedicated IPs as part of their business services offerings.

What is a site-to-site VPN?

A site-to-site VPN allows an organization to combine two or more networks that might be in different physical locations into one securely encrypted network. The main benefit of a site-to-site VPN is that the two networks will appear as one intranet, with each end host using the respective point of presence IP address for communication.

What is split tunneling?

Split tunneling is a feature enabled in certain VPN software. Split tunneling routes specific applications through the VPN connection, but other applications not associated with the software are routed directly to the local Internet. A user of split tunneling splits their traffic between two different paths: one that is encrypted across the VPN connection, and another that is not encrypted on your normal network. Users will often go for this option because they want to secure sensitive sites like email accounts or bank logins with VPN encryption, but don’t necessarily want to struggle for speed while surfing or downloading at home.

What is a VPN port?

A VPN port is a specific port number that links to an IP address and tells the server which part of the network must be accessed.

What is a VPN client?

A VPN client is a piece of software that links your computer to a virtual private network and encrypts all data transferred across it. The VPN client handles all the encryption/decryption and channel setup so you don’t have to worry about it.

What does a VPN router do?

When a VPN service is installed on a router, secondary devices within the network can use it to connect to the internet. This allows for all traffic from multiple connected devices to pass through the VPN and be secured by its encryption protocols.

What is a remote access VPN?

A remote access VPN is a service that allows employees to work from home or on the go without sacrificing security. With a remote access VPN you are able to perform all your daily tasks remotely and securely on your company’s network.

What is a VPN browser?

A VPN browser is just a browser that connects to the Internet using a VPN instead of your ISP’s network.

What VPN types are supported by Azure?

There are three types of VPNs for Azure depending on your needs: Site-to-Site, Point-to-Site, and ExpressRoute.

What is port forwarding?

Port forwarding is a feature of VPNs and certain types of routers that allow users to forward network traffic from one IP address and port to another. For example, if you’re hosting a website at home on your own computer, you could set up port forwarding so that all the traffic coming into your external IP address goes directly back out again on a different port. This provides protection because the IP address is different from the owner’s original computer, and also protects against packets being lost because they take two hops.

What’s the difference between a VPN and a VPS?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, and a VPS, or Virtual Private Server are essentially just different types of remote servers. They have many similarities but differ in a few key ways. Whereas VPNs use shared IP addresses of other customers running the same VPN client as you, providing security for all clients when they connect to their network such that none can view any customer’s data – VPS clients create their own dedicated virtual server space where each machine is only accessible by that specific user.

What’s the difference between tunneling and VPN?

Tunneling is a way to reach obscure and censored websites through the use of proxies. Proxies can be used in general but are more often used on smaller and less popular sites because they don’t offer much protection compared to VPNs.

International Use

Is using a VPN in China illegal?

Yes, using a VPN in China is illegal. This isn’t anything new either. The Chinese government has been censoring and controlling access to information about events there for many years, and according to Article 18 of the strict Cybersecurity Law: “China forbids Internet companies from providing cross-border computer services related only to ‘overseas’ content without approval.”

What VPN should I use in China?

Many VPNs are blocked in China. A few reliable options that we’ve found include ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), TigerVPN, and NordVPN.

Is using a VPN in the UAE illegal?

Although it is technically legal to use a VPN for regular internet usage in the UAE, many still assume VPNs are illegal because of their vague law on data protection. The government has publicly stated that using a VPN for “legal reasons” is permissible.

What is the best VPN to use in the USA?

NordVPN. Nord is one of the few VPN providers that works with Netflix. It has a number of advantages over other VPNs, including instant connections and helpful customer service. The company also refrains from collecting any logs on its customers’ activities. This makes it perfect for business users who need to ensure their type of work be kept private, or for anyone who desires to remain anonymous online.

Is there a way to access Twitter in China without using a VPN?

There is not currently a way for the average user to access Twitter in China without using VPN or other software tools.

Is using a VPN legal in India?

Yes. VPNs are legal in India, as long as you use them on your own equipment and for your personal and direct use. You should also take care to ensure that you do not breach copyright or other laws in the process of using a VPN.

Has there been a VPN crackdown in China?

Yes. It is true that China usually blocks the use of VPNs in their country, unless it’s an approved government-owned company.

Which countries need VPNs?

Countries with oppressive, closed dictatorships often require VPN to better protect their people. Generally these governments block a lot of web content like news and opinion, or else they incarcerate citizens for accessing “subversive” sites. A VPN can give citizens in these countries anonymous access to the free web. However, it’s important to be aware of local laws regarding VPNs and the potential legal consequences of using them.

Are VPNs legal in Dubai?

VPNs are legal in Dubai. However, all VPN providers are required to have a license or permit from the Telecommunications Regulatory Department of the UAE telecom commission. If you don’t use your service for any illegal activities, you aren’t breaking any laws.

Why can’t I connect using a VPN program from Egypt?

VPN programs from Egypt usually cannot work with the government’s firewall system. The Egyptian government is actively working to “protect” users from accessing content that is deemed inappropriate for viewing.

What VPN works best for a travel website?

Recommended VPNs for a travel website include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and Tunnelbear.

How common is VPN usage in China to circumvent censorship?

It’s unclear how many people use VPN to circumvent censorship in China, but the results from a study conducted by Harvard does give us an idea. According to their research, 34% of Chinese surveyed reported using VPN at least once. Of those respondents who had not used it before the survey, 8% said they would start using it as means for circumventing censorship if they felt justified or needed.

Service Providers

What are VPN providers?

A VPN provider usually allows you to sign up for access to their servers such that you can browse the Internet anonymously and use public WiFi without any security risks. They offer better privacy as opposed to a proxy, and a lot of the services are really cheap.

What is TeamViewer VPN?

TeamViewer VPN is an online service that allows you to securely access your business files, data and apps from any device, anytime and anywhere.

What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is a VPN service provider located in Panama. NordVPN currently has 5267 servers in 60 various countries spreading across North and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and South America. NordVPN offers many use cases including streaming of geo-locked content from anywhere with an Internet connection.

What is Hotspot VPN?

Hotspot VPN originated in 2009 as a free software for Windows operating systems that allowed users to share Internet connections on any computer – including wireless hotspots, 3G/4G mobile data services, and wired networks by tethering. Hotspot VPN was expanded into an app for iOS on October 27 2014 and finally released an Android version on December 18 2014. It has since grown into one of the most popular VPN apps.

What is Check Point VPN?

Check Point VPN is a powerful and versatile Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution for businesses of all sizes. What makes Check Point VPN so popular is the fact it’s easy to install and deploy, yet offers enterprise-level security, reliability, and performance at a significant cost savings over less versatile alternatives.

What is an advantage of using the Cisco Secure Mobility Clientless SSL VPN?

The Cisco Secure Mobility Clientless SSL VPN offers a substantial advantage in security compared to OpenVPN for endpoints. In addition to offering high levels of encryption, the Clientless VPN functions much like your own Home LAN, meaning that your system will “feel” as if you are on your own private network. This was achieved by allowing Cisco devices to authenticate with one another and giving them an encrypted connection between endpoints on the network. Lastly, many users have noted that this program has minimal impact on performance since it is light-weight and only uses precious CPU cycles when needed.

What is TeamViewer VPN?

TeamViewer VPN is an online service that allows you to securely access your business files, data and apps from any device, anytime and anywhere.

What is PIA VPN?

PIA is a fairly popular VPN service. It simply stands for Private Internet Access, and it does not really require a lot more than that to explain who they are.

What is Betternet VPN?

Betternet is a VPN service with 700+ servers from around the world. They offer free and premium versions of their VPN software for both Windows and Android platforms.

What is ExpressVPN?

The ExpressVPN service is a premium application that allows users to browse the Internet privately and anonymously as well as circumvent any censorship blocks in their country. It supports devices from desktops, tablets, and mobile devices including Windows, Linux, Apple OS X, Android OS, iOS.

What is hide.me VPN?

Hide.me VPN is a Virtual Private Network that’s popular with travelers because it provides the ability to switch IP addresses and unlock region-specific content.

What is Bitdefender VPN?

Bitdefender VPN is a highly-rated app on Google Play with reviews by leading tech sites such as PCMag, CNET and Droid Life. It’s touted for its ability to bypass content restrictions imposed by the government and geolocation limitations, while also providing internet connection security from hackers and criminals.

What is my ExpressVPN IP address?

ExpressVPN does not give out any information about its IP address for security reasons.

What is IPVanish?

IPVanish is a service that allows you to connect to the Internet securely and anonymously. You can access programs/content that are geographically blocked, as it generates an IP address for your device when connected to one of its servers in various other countries.

What is KeyVPN?

KeyVPN is a VPN service company which provides individuals and families with innovative, easy-to-use and cost-effective security products in order to protect personal information. The services are offered through the use of secure servers located in different countries around the world.

What is Avira Phantom VPN?

Avira Phantom VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service made by Avira, a popular German software company.

What does NordVPN do?

NordVPN encrypts your Internet traffic and secures all of your communication. By changing your IP address, you can enjoy peace of mind which is perfect for people looking to shield their activity from criminals or those with malicious intent.

What is Opera VPN?

Opera VPN is an add-on for the Opera browser, which enables broad use with the Opera browser for personal anonymous web browsing and masks IP addresses. Unlike some other VPN programs, it doesn’t require you to download anything before you can browse. You can download a proxy service as well as a host of other great features like ad blocking.

What is Turbo VPN?

Turbo VPN is a virtual private network that can securely encrypt your data as you browse the Internet with up to five gigabits per second connection.

What is Total VPN?

Total VPN is an effective anonymity and security software that’s easy to use. It allows you to access content on the Internet, like social media sites, library and school databases, video streaming services, and bypass firewalls at work or school. Total VPN also makes it possible to keep your connections secure by using a shared IP address over worldwide servers.

What is Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client?

Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client is an easy-to-use clientless remote access VPN that allows you to securely connect to a corporate network when you are not on the same local area network (LAN) as the corporate system.

What is VPN Lookout security extension?

VPN Lookout is a security extension for your Chrome browser. VPN keys are encrypted, and your browsing history is protected from ISPs, employers, and any other unwanted individuals. If you’re on public WiFi or cellular data that allows unrestricted access to the company’s network traffic (70% of US hotspots), VPN Lookout will help keep your data safe..

What is Windscribe VPN?

Windscribe is a VPN provider with 45 servers located in 26 different countries. Its VPN service includes four simultaneous logins, 256-bit encryption, and a trial for first-time customers.

What is Norton Secure VPN?

Norton Secure VPN is a software that operates at the network level and installs on Windows, Mac OSX, iOS, Android. This software gives people with different operating systems the ability to create secure protected networks for file conveying or online connections on their laptops and desktop computers.

What is HexaTech VPN?

HexaTech VPN is an advanced but easy to use Virtual Private Network that protects your connection on public WiFi hotspots so you can safely browse and keep conversations private.

What is Viscosity VPN?

Viscosity VPN is a Virtual Private Network service offered by Viscosity, Inc. In addition to providing security and privacy through encryption of your online transmissions, Viscosity VPN also helps shield you from hackers and the common “man in the middle attack.”

What is HMA Pro?

HMA Pro is a cutting-edge Virtual Private Network that encrypts your Internet connection and helps you bypass firewalls to enjoy unrestricted surfing.

What is Touch VPN?

Touch VPN is an application that you can download to encrypt your online connection and get around geo-based restrictions. It’s available on iOS and Android devices.

What does ExpressVPN cost?

The standard price for the ExpressVPN service is $9.95/mo with a two year plan. However, prices vary depending on what you’re looking for and the discounts that are available at time of purchase.

Which is better, NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

NordVPN is a lot less expensive and it offers the same level of privacy protection. We think NordVPN is a better option than ExpressVPN for most people, but the final answer will depend on your individual needs. Be sure to research your use case to make an educated decision on which VPN is best for you.

Which browser provides a VPN?

Mozilla Firefox and Opera both have pre-installed VPNs available as an optional add-on.

Advanced Questions

What port does a VPN use?

The most common ports are PPTP (1723) and L2TP (1701).

Before IPsec can be used as a VPN service, what must be created?

IPsec is a protocol by which two hosts can encrypt their network traffic to each other. It uses two different protocols to do so, and both must be installed on the host doing the credential negotiation with its peer in order for IPsec services to work. These are Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), Authentication Headers (AH), and Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2). Amongst these, ESP is what encrypts data, AH provides authentication services within the IP packet header that delivers security-related information like cryptographic keys and algorithms used for encryption/decryption of the packet payload. IKEv2 manages key exchanges between peers using the Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm.

What UDP port is used for IKE traffic from the VPN client to server?

The UDP ports used for IKE traffic and VPN connections are 500 or 4500. Some VPN providers will also offer customized port allocations if you have a need to access the outside world from behind the firewall.

What name is given to a protocol to implement a VPN connection between two computers?

A VPN connection between two computers is accomplished using a tethering app on one device to create a direct, encrypted connection with the other.

For VPN connections involving Windows clients, what is typically the preferred protocol?

Windows clients usually prefer using PPTP at this time.

What is a VPN Gateway?

A VPN Gateway defines the path that VPN traffic will take. It can either be on-premises or at a remote location.

What is a VPN passthrough?

Virtual Private Network (VPN) “passthrough” or “proxy pass-through” can be summarized as a way to create an encrypted VPN tunnel between two sites and then route packets that are not encrypted through this site. This type of VPN configuration creates encryption without the need for additional client software on the remote systems.

What are the two types of VPN connections?

There are two major types of VPN connections, namely PPTP and L2TP.

What are the differences between a GRE tunnel and a site-to-site VPN?

A GRE tunnel is used to encapsulate (aka wrap up, with a protective shell) data so that it can be transmitted between two network devices. With GRE tunneling the sending and receiving hosts are on the same network. Site-to-site VPNs are most often used for transmission across two separate networks in remote locations when both endpoints require access to an unsecured channel for transmission of packets.

Which is a better choice, a VPN or a remote desktop?

A VPN is a better choice because it does not make your computer act as a server and you can visit any site you want without compromising security. A remote desktop provides many benefits, but on the other hand, if using this service leaves your computer completely unprotected when you’re away from it then this lack of protection may be enough to discourage some users.

Which is the best open source VPN?

OpenVPN is a popular open source VPN that has support for an Android app. It provides a lot of security features like 256-bit AES encryption, SHA512 over TLS auth updates, RSA4, and perfect forward secrecy. OpenVPN for Android is also available from the Google Play store.

How do I create a VPN app?

If you have the skills and capability to set up a VPN server, then you can create your own VPN client for Android. Setting up the production environment takes time and patience, but there are many open-source public domain apps freely available that may suit your needs.

Why can’t I use two VPNs at the same time?

It is possible to use two VPNs on one device, but it will depend on the type of router you have. For example, if you have a Linksys router, you can actually create two different SSIDs and assign devices to them in order for these devices to be seamlessly connected between the networks. On the other hand, some people experience issues when doing this with an HP Nighthawk router.

Who invented VPNs?

Peter Adkisson arrived at the idea of creating a virtual private network after noticing how plain text email and web pages would transmit data; what Adkisson realized is that communications on the Internet are transmitted over many different channels with no guarantee that data is being sent securely or otherwise. In 1994, he filed a patent for a “Virtual private communication system” to protect connected computer networks from eavesdropping and interception. The first VPN company he co founded was called TeliaOVPN AB in Sweden. He served as CEO of TeliaOVPN AB until 2007 and remains a shareholder in the company today.