What Is A VPN?

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Michael Gargiulo - CEO, VPN.com

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Anyone who uses the internet should have a clear understanding of what a virtual private network (VPN) is and how they can benefit from using one. VPNs help to protect your privacy online, preventing hackers from stealing your information. By masking your original IP address, a VPN reroutes you and encrypts your connection, creating a more secure internet experience. Today we will take a closer look at what is a VPN and why you should consider using one whenever you seek additional protection on the internet.

picture is about technology visions telling us about the Vpns and their other benefits in 2023

VPN History

The technology used for VPNs was developed in 1996 by a Microsoft employee. The Peer to Peer Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) helped to create a more secure and private internet connection. Today VPNs are also used to hide IP addresses bypass geo-restrictions for streaming and gaming content and prevent cyber attacks. The question raises what is a VPN and how do I get one.

How Does A VPN Work?

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are implemented as software programmes. You’ll need to sign up for a service with a reputable VPN provider before you can start using a VPN. You can use the same account to log in to your VPN on all of your gadgets. Once you log in, your communications online are encrypted, safeguarding sensitive information like emails and texts, as well as financial details and cryptocurrency private keys.

A virtual private network (VPN) creates secure connections between your device and your desired web services. In addition to improving security, changing your IP address also has the added benefit of making previously unavailable features available to you.

What Is A VPN Used For?

What Is A VPN Used For?<br />

Unlock Streaming

Licensing agreements vary from country to country, which means that where you live can determine which streaming content you have access to. What is a VPN and how to unlock streaming. Virtual Private Networks allow you to change your location, which means you can also change the streaming content you’re able to watch. 

Prevent Throttling

What is a VPN and how to prevent throttling? When their networks are busy sometimes internet service providers will throttle their connection. Throttling is the act of speeding up or slowing down an internet connection. ISPs also throttle connections when a certain amount of bandwidth has been used. Because you are able to hide your original IP address VPNs can be useful to protect your connection from throttling.

Protection On Public WiFi

When you sign into a public wi-fi network without a VPN, you’re putting your private information at risk. Intercepting sensitive data over public wireless networks is a common technique used by hackers. As your device tries to connect to a wi-fi hotspot, hackers position themselves between you and the network. By doing this they can receive access to information that is sent while using the network. Your credit card information, social security number, and other sensitive information can be compromised in these situations.

Shopping Online

While using a VPN can provide enhanced security, it also offers potential savings when shopping online. Because you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to alternate between countries, it’s possible to take advantage of seasonal sales and other discounts. Winter jackets, for instance, might be on sale in a place where it’s summer. Fluctuation in pricing is done online partly because of supply and demand. However many companies also use a process known as dynamic pricing. The question raises, what is a VPN, and how to shop online through VPN? 

Dynamic pricing is a strategy used by companies online for numerous reasons, including trying to find out the maximum price they can get for a good or service. Cost can vary not only by country but also by zip code. When you change your location with a VPN you may also have access to better deals.

Combat Censorship

Although there are many parts of the world where freedom of speech is valued there are others where citizens constantly face censorship and threats for speaking out about certain issues. In these countries what is a VPN used for? VPN software is used to help to mask your location allowing you to access and read the information that might be blocked in your home country. Censorship in social media and streaming can also be circumvented with a VPN.

It is important to be mindful that although a VPN can open up access to censored material many authoritarian countries have blocked these networks or banned VPNs altogether.

Gaming

Virtual Private Networks are also helpful tools to use when gaming. Gaming servers are prone to DDoS attacks which may be used to reduce the connection speed between a computer to a gaming server. In gaming time is incredibly important and any lag can cause gamers to lose money. Gamers who are competing are cautious of potential threats and therefore utilize a VPN to keep themselves protected.

Using a virtual private network is acceptable in many jurisdictions. You should still exercise caution because even when utilizing a VPN your conduct may be subject to legal repercussions. It is possible that your internet activities will be recorded by some VPNs in order to provide evidence to law enforcement at a later date. In addition countries have surveillance groups set up to track people activities online. There are VPNs based in Panama to evade these kinds of snooping eyes. It is a good idea to investigate services that provide anonymity and security from state monitoring if you have concerns about being monitored.

How To Choose A VPN

What Is A VPN and How To Choose A VPN?<br />

When you’re choosing a VPN software consider the following:

  • Pricing: Many VPNs offer free trials to test their services. However, free VPNs, generally don’t provide adequate protection. There have been instances of free VPN providers selling user information to third parties. To ensure your online safety, use an affordable VPN provider which has servers located around the world.
  • Security Features: Consider if you need features like a kill switch (which instantly cuts your internet connection with the VPN connection is dropped). Also, make sure to check if the VPN you use
  • Ability to Connect to Multiple Devices; It’s estimated that 5 internet devices connect online in every multiple households. Make sure that the VPN software you use can connect to multiple devices. Most leading VPNs also have a VPN app for mobile, which allows you to control your connection directly from your phone or tablet.
  • Number of Servers: VPNs can also get overcrowded, which means that you’ll experience lag time and slower connection speeds. To ensure an optimized experience, try to use a VPN that has numerous servers located around the world. This way you don’t have to worry if one or two servers become too crowded.

There are many uses for a VPN and our company can help you to have an improved and secure online experience. Our goal is to help 1 billion people understand what is a VPN. By 2025, we believe they will all have a secure internet connection. For more information about what’s a VPN app and other modern VPN features, visit VPN.com.

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