What is a VPN, is it worth using one?

timer 3 min read

In the age of the internet, we hear more and more about online security. Hacking attacks, the theft of personal data, cyber attacks on government institutions or companies are the order of the day. Are there times when you wonder what data is leaking out during your session when you are surfing the web, or if every session is laden with someone obtaining information about the things you are browsing? Well, as we are aware, browsing the internet is not fully anonymous. So how do you stay anonymous and safe online? It's worth considering a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPN (virtual private network) - a virtual private network, where the term "virtual" means that it does not require other additional physical devices. Such a network can be used from anywhere on any device. It provides users with almost complete anonymity. Only VPN users have access to it. So they can exchange files, documents, collaborate and outsiders will not be able to track their activities.

Is it worth using a VPN?

Every activity on the web leaves traces behind and therefore someone can use these traces. The simplest example would be algorithms that display offers specifically tailored to us. On the one hand, such functionality may appeal to someone - the algorithm makes it easier for us to select products. On the other hand, this type of data is very sensitive and can help hackers to break into our computers, steal money from our bank accounts or, even worse, track almost every aspect of our lives.

The content we view using VPN tunneling is hidden from government agents and ISPs. This is determined by our devices encrypting the data we send and receive. In countries with strong censorship, it allows you to communicate securely with others and gives you the ability to unblock regionally blocked content.

Data masking and encryption

Redirecting the connection through the VPN server prevents data from being collected and exploited by hackers. A VPN encrypts and masks our online activities. An individual's IP address would be hidden/replaced with the address of the server our VPN software uses and, assuming someone wanted to see what sites we had been on recently, they would receive a packet of unintelligible encrypted data.

VPNs in companies operate on a similar principle. Employees are given access to a shared company resource. The network allows anyone with access to use a unique resource that is inaccessible to anyone on the outside. In addition, no outsider can track the activities of people in the company's encrypted VPN.

Summary

A VPN protects us from phishing, gives us almost complete anonymity and also makes it easier to use the network across borders. If you have a company where confidential information is collected, it is worth investing in similar software. Thanks to it, we will be sure that our connection to the network is encrypted.

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