VPN: Everything You Need to Know

Cybersecurity is a major concern among internet users. 

The threats in the online world abound, affecting both individuals and businesses. Over the years, several solutions were introduced to help protect against cyber threats, and one of the best is a VPN.

What exactly is a VPN? How does it work? Read on to learn more!

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a web-based tool for anonymity and security. It connects to a protected network even when you are using a public connection. Your VPN encrypts internet traffic and hides your true online identity.

Using a VPN masks your IP address. It uses a different server than the one in your location. For instance, even if you’re in Thailand, you can connect to an internet server from Canada.

How Does a VPN Work?

The ins and outs of a VPN can be quite technical for most people to understand, but it has a simple premise. In a nutshell, three steps that are vital when a VPN works:

1. It creates a secure connection. Once connected, a VPN creates a private virtual tunnel that connects you to one of its servers. In turn, this server is responsible for managing internet traffic.
2. After connecting, the VPN will change your IP address. As such, your connections are based on a different server. This is also the reason you can access Geo-blocked content in your location.
3. Finally, the VPN will encrypt your data. Others will not identify who or where you are.

Who Needs a VPN?

Both individuals and businesses need a VPN.

For individual users, a popular use of a VPN is accessing content not available in a specific country. Because you can connect to global servers, you can trick the system and make it appear you’re in a different place. Hence, this is a great way to access censored or banned websites.

At the same time, VPNs are for businesses, especially those with remote workers. It can also be beneficial to businesses that want to protect their data and systems from potential intruders.

Benefits of Using a VPN

Are you looking for more compelling reasons to use a VPN in your business? Below are some benefits worth noting:

• Decrease the possibility of cyberattacks
• Access restricted contents from other countries
• Support a remote workforce
• Reduce price discrimination
• Affordable cybersecurity implementation

Drawbacks of Using a VPN

Despite the good things, VPNs also have their shortcomings. Below are the cons you must be aware of:

• Might slow down browsing
• Can increase data costs
• Some providers are unreliable

Best VPNs in the Market

In the last point above, it was noted that some VPN providers are unreliable. Hence, you might end up compromising instead of protecting data.

Luckily, you’ll have plenty of reputable options, including the following:

• ExpressVPN: For high-speed, secure, and anonymous internet connectivity, ExpressVPN is one option you should not miss. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without any risk.
• NordVPN: From protecting passwords to detecting malware, this is another impressive option for a VPN. It stands out because of its Threat Protection feature, which makes browsing a safer experience. The VPN has more than 14 million users globally, which shows its reputation.
• Surfshark: Whether it’s protecting your online privacy, accessing content safely, or unlocking online benefits, Surfshark covers your needs. All you need is a single subscription, which you can use on multiple devices.

Conclusion

In sum, VPNs are advanced online security tools that a business might need. It creates a secure internet connection through a remote server. This will not only enhance security but also allow access to global content.