Surfing the web or transacting on an unsecured Wi-Fi network means that your private data and surfing habits such as password, etc. may be revealed. That’s why, for those worried about their online protection and privacy, a virtual private network, better known as a VPN, should be a must.
A VPN or a virtual private network as the name suggests is a way which enables you to send and receive data through a public network in a protected manner. It enables the user to access the private data through a public network, in such a way as if the user is directly attached to the private network.
Therefore VPN provides a lot of benefits in functionality, security and management of user’s private network. The encryption and anonymity offered by a VPN help to secure your online activities: sending emails, online shopping, or paying bills. VPNs help to keep the web surfing private as well.
A lot of users use VPN services to bypass geo-blocking and censorship, Internet users can encrypt their connections with a VPN or link to proxy servers to protect their personal identity and location to remain anonymous on the Internet. However, some websites block access to established IP addresses used by VPNs to prevent their geo-restrictions from being circumvented, and many VPN providers have been developing approaches to get around these blockades.
In essence, the VPNs build a data tunnel in another location between your local network and an exit node, which may be thousands of miles away, making it feel like you’re in some other part of the world which might be thousands of miles away. This enables freedom online or provides you with access to your favourite applications and websites.
HOW DO VPNs ACTUALLY WORK?
Here is a brief glance at how actually a private virtual network runs or functions. When the data is sent over a Wi-Fi network, VPNs use encryption to scramble data. Encryption renders the details unreadable.
Data protection is particularly important when using a public Wi-Fi network, since it prevents your internet activity, browsing history or sensitive data such as passwords or banking PINs from being listened to by someone else on the network.
How to select or choose the best VPN service?
There are a few points that you must check before selecting a VPN Service for your safe browsing.
- Are they protecting your confidentiality?
- Do they run the protocol that is most current or advanced?
- Are they putting limits on data?
- Location of the servers?
- Would you be able to set up the VPN and access through multiple devices?
- How much is it going to cost?